Billet Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

I will not be writing a review of these two famous historic ships. Perhaps if I had been alone I would have paid the entrance price. I was with my wife, daughter and son in law, and it is not a question of being able to pay. We decided that a GBP 200 entrance (50 pound, per person) fee, would be better spent towards fine dining in the evening. The entrance fee is valid for a year and allows multiple visits. Fine if you live locally! As noted in other reviews one of the ships is currently in scaffolding. I assume that the management of this site have analysed, the entrance price mechanics and that the entrance fee is the optimum price. I suspect that many families on smaller budgets will miss the opportunity to visit two of Englands historic ships.

The museums are glorious. You need a full day there. Check in could be better.

Bad signage, it's a museum like the 80's, all craggy and badly explained, without text panels or explanatory screens. The boats close at 3pm and do not warn when entering. and worst: THE VICTORY IS UNDER REPAIR AND WE WEREN'T NOTIFIED!!!! NOTHING RECOMMENDABLE

So much to see! We went back a second day and could spent another! The guides were great. Make sure you ask them questions.

Spent two days on the visit and failed to see it all. Ever since the Mary Rose was raised I had wanted to see it and was not disappointed. AMAZING presentation and the collection of Tudor artefacts is incredible. Victory is equally impressive and the audio is superb. Very dramatic. That was day 1. 2nd day started with the waterbus to the submarine. Useful to have ex submariners to take you through the experience. Excellent museum too. Then to the Warrior. An exhausting ship with all the decks and stairs but combination of sail and steam most interesting. Glad I had the all inclusive ticket as will have to return and see the rest.

The HMS Warrior is a fantastic ship to explore — huge, fascinating, and full of history. What made the visit even better were the staff, who brought the ship to life with their knowledge and passion. They really helped you imagine what life would have been like on board in Victorian times. A brilliant experience and highly recommended for all, young or old.

Appalled at pricing. £36 for just ONE attraction. The price does allow for return visits but still grossly overpriced for the conditions. A walk of some 200 yards - and back of course - from entry point to the exhibition we chose, Mary Rose. I have mobility problems, walk with a stick. No offer of assistance,; surely a little passenger buggy should be available for such as myself. Eventually got inside; a short hologram introduction. No seats. Interior not well signposted; dimly lit (that's understood to a certain degree for preservation ) but not entirely safe standing/moving around. No seats apart from some stools to carry with you. What ? Poor signage as to flow of movement of people. Dim lighting made it very difficult as I could easily have fallen. Perhaps for that price they should at least provide safe access and seating, for mobility limited customers.

*Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: A Wheelie Big Day Out with a Few Bumps Along the Way* This review is for the **dockyard itself** — not the individual ships or museums (though I’ve got plenty to say about the Mary Rose elsewhere). This is about what it’s like to roll through one of Britain’s most historic naval sites when you’re on wheels. Let’s start with the obvious: **it’s huge**. The site is sprawling, packed with attractions, and absolutely dripping in history. You could spend days here and still not see it all — which is why we went for the **Ultimate Explorer ticket**, giving us unlimited access for a year. Smart move. You’ll need multiple visits just to take it all in. Now, let’s talk terrain. Because while the dockyard is rich in heritage, it’s also rich in **cobblestones**. And not the quaint, decorative kind — I mean the “my front caster just got swallowed and I nearly became part of the exhibit” kind. I push myself most of the time, but I’m incredibly lucky to have a strong, loving partner who was willing to indulge me — pushing me across what felt like *millions* of uneven stones just to see me smile (or cry) because he knows how much I adore history. I’m so very grateful to him. Without his strength and patience, I might’ve ended up face-first in a puddle of 18th-century charm. There were moments that genuinely scared me — wheels catching, momentum shifting, and that awful feeling of “I’m going over.” It’s never happened before, and I don’t want it to happen again. So if you’re a wheelchair user, especially manual, **be prepared**. Bring someone strong, wear gloves if you self-propel, and take it slow. That said, the **staff are wonderful**. Friendly, respectful, and clearly trained to support disabled visitors with dignity. They’ll point out accessible routes, help with tricky spots, and never make you feel like a burden. There are **accessible toilets**, including a **Changing Places facility** near the Mary Rose, and plenty of places to sit and rest. **Top tips for fellow wheelies:** - **Wrap up warm** — the site is mostly outdoors, and the sea breeze doesn’t care about your comfort. - **Bring an umbrella** — especially in colder months. Rain and cobblestones are not a romantic combo. - **Pace yourself** — this isn’t a one-day sprint. It’s a slow roll through centuries of history. **Final verdict:** The dockyard is not gentle, but it’s worth it. It’s part of my mission to review the world from the seated perspective — for the wheelchair users, the rollators, the walking stick warriors, and anyone who’s ever had to ask, “Is it accessible?” before “Is it interesting?” Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is both. It challenged me. It moved me. And I’ll be back — wheels, tissues, and partner-powered determination in tow.

Enjoyable experience. Lots to see and do. Enjoyed the visit to the 'Mary Rose' and 'HMS Warrior' and 'HMS Victory'.Exceptional value for money. Will have to visit again with the same ticket later in the year to see items missed on first visit.

Magnificent, although the Victory is under exterior renovation, it is possible to visit the interior, plus a lot of exhibition and museum to visit, only flat everything is in English, except the audio guide of the Victory.