Explosion Museum and Submarine Museum

Unique Waterfront Venues in Gosport

Host unforgettable events at two of Gosport’s most historic and scenic venues – the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum.

From intimate dinners aboard a WWII submarine to grand celebrations in a historic gunpowder store, each venue offers a one-of-a-kind setting with stunning harbour views.

Available for exclusive hire on Mondays and Tuesdays, our museums provide a private backdrop for corporate and special events. Let our expert team help you create a seamless and memorable experience.

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We recommend this venue for:

Dining Events
Meetings
Networking & Receptions
Team Building
Workshops

The Grand Magazine

Enjoy exclusive hire of this stunning 18th century gunpowder store with high vaulted ceilings and beautiful Georgian flooring

The Grand Magazine is also licensed for weddings, find out more here.

Capacity: 180 Seated on round tables

Price: Day time hire from £1,260 / Evening hire from £1,530

Inclusive of VAT

Enquire about The Grand Magazine

HMS Alliance

For a truly unique experience, opt to dine aboard HMS Alliance, a Second World War era submarine.

Ideal for: Special Occasions | Intimate Dining

Capacity: 12 Seated

Price: From £1,860

Inclusive of VAT

Enquire about HMS Alliance

FAQs

We offer Dry Hire only which includes exclusive use of the agreed spaces, a dedicated Event Manager, security, cleaning, tables and chairs, signage, additional equipment such as lighting and sound where needed. Private tours can be added onto your booking at an additional fee if required.

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.

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.

By car:

Explosion Museum is just off junction 11 of the M27, follow the brown and white signs to ‘Explosion Museum’ which will lead you to our free car park which is directly on site.

If using a satnav device, please use the postcode PO12 4LE.

By boat:

Gosport Ferry offer regular ferry service between Gosport and Portsmouth

Public transport:

The nearest train station is Fareham, which is then a short taxi ride to our venue. Alternatively, you can alight at Portsmouth Harbour and get the Gosport Ferry

Walking:

You are able to walk between the Explosion Museum and the Submarine Museum both located in Gosport. Please note however that this is a 2 mile walk and will take roughly 40 minutes.

By car:

You can access our museum by car and if using a satnav device, please use the address: Haslar Road, Gosport PO12 2AS

Polite notice: Whilst the postcode is correct, satnavs may direct you to the centre of the naval base. Please follow tourism signs for the Submarine Museum once you've entered Gosport

By boat:

Gosport Ferry offer regular ferry service between Gosport and Portsmouth

Public transport:

The nearest train station is Fareham, which is then a short taxi ride to our venue. Alternatively, you can alight at Portsmouth Harbour and get the Gosport Ferry

Walking:

You are able to walk between the Explosion Museum and the Submarine Museum both located in Gosport. Please note however that this is a 2 mile walk and will take roughly 40 minutes.

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.

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.

Yes, we are able to offer discount if you are a military personnel wishing to book one of our venues. Please let our Event Manager know upon enquiry and they will be able to discuss this with you in more detail.

Discover our hand-picked 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 Suppliers 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.

Contact us to start planning your event