National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth

HMS Victory

Step aboard one of the most celebrated warships in Britain’s naval history, HMS Victory.

Open daily from 10am

See HMS Victory through Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s eyes as his flagship is presented as she was in her Georgian heyday. Soak up the atmosphere as the ship and her crew get ready for the Battle of Trafalgar, see where sailors and officers ate and slept, and feel the drama and impact of the day that changed history forever.

You will be able to explore every nook and cranny of HMS Victory, from the Great Cabin, where battle plans were drawn up, right through to the lower gun deck, where you will catch a glimpse of what it was like to live and fight under Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson.

Occasionally, Captain Hardy may be in his cabin, greeting visitors with tales from his adventures at sea. Ask him questions and find out what life was like on board.

HMS Victory is undergoing major new conservation work, which started May 2022. The ship will remain open to visitors but access may be restricted for limited periods. Visitors are advised to keep up to date on the website and @NatMuseumRN.

Find out more about the conservation work taking place.

NOTE: At some times during low season guided tours will be operated on HMS Victory. Details of these can be obtained at the Visitor Centre upon arrival.

Plan a visit

Plan your visit

Located in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, HMS Victory is open all year round from 10am every day. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great place to bring the family, celebrate birthdays and special occasions. You can also enjoy weekends, holidays, and days off, having quality time out in good company.

Learn everything you will need to know to plan your visit to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including details on accessibility, audio guides, and parking.

Victory Live: The Big Repair

Want to learn more about the incredible restoration work taking place on HMS Victory? You can learn all about the conservation happening, why the Big Repair is so vital to HMS Victory's future, and updates on the conservation work in our dedicated digital hub.

Find out more

Conservation

With over 260 years of history and participating in six major battles over an unusually long service, the National Museum of the Royal Navy is committed to preserving Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory.

The ship is currently undergoing the biggest restoration programme in her history following guidelines set out in the National Historic Ships UK (NHSUK) Publication ‘Conserving Historic Vessels’.