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Interior view of inside HMS Victory

HMS Victory

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HMS Victory: Host your event onboard Vice Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship, the most celebrated warship in British naval history

Are you looking for a truly extraordinary venue for your dinner party? Look no further than HMS Victory, one of the most iconic and historic ships in naval history. Her interior has been beautifully restored to how she would have been in 1805, when she played a crucial role in the Battle of Trafalgar. She is also the oldest commissioned warship in the world, making her a true piece of living history. 

Your guests will be awed at the majestic presence of this 104-gun first-rate ship of the line. Dine in the style of Lord Nelson, who was known to entertain all manner of dignitaries in his Great Cabin or experience the fun of dining 'mess style' just like the sailors who served under him. HMS Victory offers a variety of event spaces suitable for gatherings of all sizes. Our dedicated events team is well-versed in hosting a wide range of occasions and will work closely with you to achieve your vision. 

HMS Victory is currently undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime restoration project, with our incredible teams fighting to project her for generations to come. She is still available for venue hire and offers a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes repair work, as well as the brand new under-hull walkway, showcasing her impressive size as she sits in dry dock at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Please note HMS Victory is bookable between March-October only. She is not available for hire in winter months due to no heating facilities onboard.

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We recommend this venue for:

  • Corporate dinners and receptions
  • Private dinners and receptions

Explore our unique spaces

Table set up for Great Cabin Dinner onboard HMS Victory

Great Cabin

Experience a private dining experience like no other as you host your event onboard HMS Victory. Sit at the table where Vice Admiral Lord Nelson dined, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the cabin where he formulated his plans to defeat Napoleon's fleet, and see where he composed his famous and inspiring prayer.

The Great Cabin creates the perfect atmosphere for intimate dinners that will amaze your guests. Choose from a range of hand-selected caterers who will build a bespoke menu for your occasion.

Capacity: 22 seated

Private dining table layout Hardys Cabin dinner

Hardy's Cabin

As Captain Thomas Hardy was integral to HMS Victory, and was immortalised forever in Lord Nelson's final moments. If the Great Cabin is the brainpower behind HMS Victory's success, then Hardy's Cabin is the heart of the ship. 

Guests can dine in this luxurious setting, one of the few private areas of the ship, surrounded by the rich naval heritage imbued within HMS Victory. 

Capacity: 12 seated / 25 standing

Lower Gun Deck long dining table set up for private dinner

Lower Gun Deck

Get a taste of history as you dine 'mess style', just as the crew of Victory would have eaten, and in the company of 32-pounder guns. The Lower Gun Deck offers a wonderfully evocative and atmospheric setting creating an unforgettable event for you and your guests.

You can either diner on long tables or on the mess tables making it a dining experience like no other.

Capacity: 102 seated / 150 standing

Top deck on HMS Victory with views across dockyard for networking drinks reception

Upper Gun Deck

For those looking for something a little less formal than a sit down meal, you can enjoy a drinks and canape reception on board the ship and (weather permitting) on the Upper Gun Deck with glorious views over Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Capacity: 100 standing

 Capacity

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

     HMS Victory

 
standing

Standing

 
seated

Seated


     Great Cabin
            

40 22


     Hardy's Cabin
 

25 12


     Lower Gun Deck
            

150 102


     Upper Gun Deck
            

100 -

 

Image gallery

FAQs

Great Cabin - From £12,600

Hardy's Cabin - From £6,600 

Lower Gun Deck - From £4,800 

Upper Gun Deck (2 hour drinks reception only) - From £3,600

Add on private tour of HMS Victory - POA

The hire fee includes exclusive use of the agreed spaces, a dedicated Event Manager, security, cleaning, tables and chairs, some venues have additional equipment such as lighting and sound that your Event Manager will outline in your proposal. 

Our historic venues are very delicate due to their age and structure, requiring continuous conservation, therefore we ask that you work with our approved event suppliers who are experts in their field and know our venues as well as we do.

The decks of our historic ships are sensitive to marking from sharp objects, therefore we ask that the heels of the shoes are larger than a 5p coin or that heel protectors are worn. These are available to purchase from us or you are welcome to bring your own.

You will find details of our recommended decor specialists and florists in our Preferred Supplier List. For low key small decorative items, please discuss this with your Event Manager who will be able to advise further. Please note that helium balloons, confetti, dry ice, sparklers and candles are not permitted on the ship. We do however welcome alternative battery powered candles.

HMS Victory is bookable between March-October only. The ship is not available for venue hire in the winter months due to no heating facilities onboard.

By car: 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is just off junction 12 of the M27, follow the brown and white signs to ‘Historic Dockyard’ which will lead you to our official car park which is located only 400 yards from the entrance at Victory Gate. If this car park is full there are others within close proximity at Gunwharf Quays and Havant Street. 

If using a satnav device, please use the postcode PO1 3 LJ.  

Public transport: 

The nearest train station is Portsmouth Harbour, and then it is a 5 minute walk to Victory Gate 

We welcome all guests to our venue spaces and we have tried to make it as safe as possible. However, some of our spaces are historic buildings and ships, and we know that there can be challenges for some guests.

For those who believe they will be limited, please discuss any accessibility requirements with your Event Manager who will be able to advise and we can provide on-site additional support if needed.

We are able to offer discounted group tickets to one or all of our attractions at Portsmouth and Gosport to be part of your hire. If you'd like to add this option to your booking, then please discuss this with your Event Manager who will be able to help build you a bespoke offer.

Approved Suppliers 

Each of our venues works with a select range of trusted, high-quality suppliers who understand how to protect our heritage venues and historic vessels, leaving you to relax and enjoy your bespoke occasion.  

From caterers and cake makers, to musicians and décor specialists,  work directly with our suppliers to build a unique package for you and your event.

Recommended Supplier List

Thank you

By choosing to host your event with us, you are doing more than just booking a uniquely memorable venue. You are actively contributing to the conservation of Britain’s naval heritage.  

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is a charitable organisation, and all profit generated via venue hire is reinvested so that we can continue to preserve and improve our iconic ships, aircraft and submarines as well as our treasured collections and historic buildings for the general public to enjoy.

Cannon on top deck of HMS Victory

Contact us to start planning your event

Don't miss your chance to host your event aboard the historic HMS Victory. Make your special occasion an unforgettable experience that your guests will talk about for years to come. 

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