National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is a museum building in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard that spreads across several historic warehouses. The collections present naval history through ships, artifacts, and exhibits located in different areas of the Dockyard site.

The museum was established in 1911 as the Dockyard Museum and grew into an institution documenting the full story of British naval power. Its focus on preserving maritime artifacts made it an important place for understanding how naval forces evolved.

The museum displays objects that show how the Royal Navy has shaped British history and identity over time. You can see this story told through items and displays that give a sense of the institution's importance to the nation.

The museum spreads across several buildings and areas within the Historic Dockyard, so comfortable shoes are important for walking around. You should plan for more time since the different exhibit areas are spread out and there are several attractions to explore.

The HMS M33, a World War I submarine chaser, can be entered and explored by visitors, offering a rare experience inside an actual warship from that era. It remains one of only a handful of British military vessels from that period still standing and open to the public.

Location: Portsmouth

Official opening: 1911

Part of: National Museum of the Royal Navy

Address: HM Naval Base (PP66), Portsmouth PO1 3NH

Phone: +442392891370

Website: http://nmrn-portsmouth.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.80070,-1.10980

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:29