School’s out and you’re looking for ideas to keep the family occupied this half term. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has an array of activities throughout the February half term and best of all they’re free with a valid attraction ticket. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is steeped in history with 6 must-see attractions for the price of 1 covering 800 years of naval history.
A 50-minute guided tour of HMS Victory by one of the professional guides will give visitors a real insight into what it would have been like to sail on Nelson’s flagship. You will learn where phrases like ‘square meal’ and ‘let the cat out of the bag’ originated and be amazed at how your bed became your coffin if you were unfortunate enough to die at sea.
Become an object detective on board HMS Victory where you will try and identify the mystery objects, learn more about life on board HMS Victory and make a ‘replica’ object to take away with you! This activity runs on Thursday 19th February 2009 at 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.
The Royal Naval Museum is one of the world’s leading maritime museums, complete with hundreds of artefacts and original finds from naval warships. The museum includes a breathtaking multi-media ‘Trafalgar Experience’, a gallery dedicated to Horatio Nelson and you’ll see how naval life has developed in the navy from King Alfred’s first battle at sea in 882 to the present day.
Maritime Globetrotting at the Royal Naval Museum takes place on Wednesday 18th February 2009 (11am -1pm and 2pm – 4pm) where you can make your own mini globe complete with ships and sea creatures to attach.
There are over 27 interactive exhibits in Action Stations. Climb to the top of the 28ft tower, escape from pirates in the simulator ride and try your hand at flying a replica Merlin helicopter, just like the one on the navy’s newest and most advanced warship HMS Daring, equipped with realistic controls and buttons.
The clock is ticking and soon the Mary Rose Ship Hall will be closing for construction work to begin on the multi-million pound project to develop a brand new museum over the existing ship hall structure. The works will start in the autumn but don’t worry, the Mary Rose Museum will be open throughout and will continue to provide and interesting interpretation of the ship through a variety of interactive displays.
There are Tudor games and pastimes at the Mary Rose Museum with a mixture of hands-on activities for all ages. These sessions are daily during half term and run 11am – 12noon and 2pm – 4pm.
Come and explore the spacious HMS Warrior 1860. She was Britain’s first iron hulled warship, powered by steam and sail, the largest and fastest warship of her day. Daily activities during half term include ‘Follow the Flag’ which is a family trail where you’ll learn about the men who lived and worked on this formidable fighting machine. This activity runs from 10am – 4.30pm daily.
On Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th February 2009 there is ‘Crack the Code on board HMS Warrior 1860’. This is a drop-in workshop taking place throughout the day from 11am to 4pm. You will become a secret agent and write and send coded messages to friends and family.
Finally, a new catering establishment on site will be opening during half term. The Mezzanine Cafe inside Action Stations will be selling teas, coffees, light refreshments and snacks.
Tickets cost £18.50 adults, £16.50 seniors, £14 children and family £51.50 (up to 5 members of the same family, maximum 2 adults/seniors). Gift aid tickets and single attractions tickets also available. All activities listed here are free with a valid attraction ticket and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The Dockyard opens at 10am daily.
