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Take a voyage through time with the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Whether you are looking to step aboard some of the most famous ships, planes or submarines in naval history, discover the stories of those who served or simply enjoy some of our beautiful locations, there is something for everyone at each of our six museums across the country.
Step onboard and discover one of our museums today.
Sites and attractions
What to see
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Worlds Beneath the Waves
Closing 20th January 2026
Go on a 150-year voyage of scientific exploration; from HMS Challenger to the how the Royal Navy, discovers the wonders of the deep sea today.
Embark on a thrilling voyage of discovery as you delve into the extraordinary tale of the HMS Challenger expedition. See how this ‘floating laboratory’ changed our understanding of the ocean and why its findings are still used today.
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Nelson Gallery
The Nelson Gallery at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth dives deep into the story of one of Britain’s great heroes, Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. Featuring an in-depth look at his illustrious military career, complex personal relationships, and legacy in Britain, this is the best place to learn about the man and myth behind the image of Lord Nelson.
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HMS Victory: The Nation's Flagship gallery
HMS Victory: The Nation's Flagship gallery charts the rich history of HMS Victory from acorn to icon as the oldest naval ship in the world still in commission. Learn all about HMS Victory and the people (both famous and otherwise) that built, sailed, conserved and fought for her throughout her history.
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Commando Experience at Action Stations - CLOSED
Action Stations: Commando Experience puts visitors at the heart of the Royal Navy’s elite amphibious force, with a series of Royal Marines Commando-style physical challenges for visitors.
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LCT 7074 at D-Day Story Museum
Open daily 10am to 5:30pm (5pm from October to March).
While in Portsmouth, why not take the time to go to the ‘D-Day Story Museum’ and discover the incredible survivor, LCT 7074, the last remaining Landing Craft Tank from one of history’s most famous war time operations, D-Day.
Latest news & stories
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See History In The Making
HMS Victory is entering one of the most important chapters in her conservation story. As part of the £42m The Big Repair, Victory’s remaining…
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Working as a heritage conservator on HMS Victory
Latest news from the Digital Archaeologist for HMS Victory: The Big RepairHMS Victory: The Big Repair is more than just conserving the historic ship…
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Love, war and a wedding gift
It wasn’t lace, or silk, or something borrowed. Instead, it was stitched from a flag. White fabric, once flown at sea, carefully cut and sewn…
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The bell that survived three generations of Hoods
Among the many objects preserved in the collections of Royal Navy Museums is a simple ship’s bell. Like all naval bells, it once rang through the…
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Spy or tourist? The curious case of Captain Trench
History is often told through dates, battles and treaties. But sometimes the most compelling stories are about people: their curiosity, their courage…
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Surviving the storm: The Tale of HMS Eurydice
Benjamin Cuddiford was one of only two survivors onboard HMS Eurydice (the other was Sydney Fletcher) when it capsized with more than 300 people…
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Victory in diversity
Imagine standing on a lower gun deck so crowded you can barely stretch your arms, surrounded by 820 men from every corner of the globe. This was the…
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Ernie: A Sailor’s Lucky Charm Beneath the Waves
Gus Britton didn’t just carry orders with him when he went to sea. He carried a small version of himself. Somewhere inside the tight, oil-scented…
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Flying into Fire: Eugene Esmonde and the attack on Bismarck
The wind over the Ark Royal’s deck didn’t just bite; it bruised. Eugene Esmonde stood by his Swordfish, the fabric of the wings shivering in the gale…
What's on highlights
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toUltimate Explorer Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
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toUltimate Explorer Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
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toUltimate Explorer Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
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toUltimate Explorer Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
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toUltimate Explorer Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
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toChristmas Concert under Concorde
The popular Christmas concert under the wings of Concorde returns for 2024 at Yeovilton’s Fleet Air Arm Museum, this year on Thursday 12th and Friday…
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Creepy Conservation Week: Bugfest
Join the team from Bugfest for an unforgettable encounter with some many-legged beasties in this creepy show.
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toDiwali at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth
Celebrate the Hindu festival of lights with this family drop-in event at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
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toDeck the Hulls: A Victorian Yuletide Adventure
Step aboard HMS Warrior for a heartwarming Victorian Christmas experience, including a meeting with Father Christmas! Join the crew as they prepare…
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toWorlds Beneath the Waves family fun trail
Closing 20th January 2026Go on a 150-year voyage of scientific discovery in our newest exhibition, Worlds Beneath the Waves.
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As a charity we rely on funding from many sources to preserve the rich history of the Royal Navy
