Lord Nelson's triumphant warship is one of the best-preserved vessels from the Napoleonic wars and one of Portsmouth's most impressive attractions.
The pride of the British fleet, HMS Victory, served in the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary War. It earned its name at the Battle of Trafalgar, where Nelson led the fleet to success. Today view the ship in dry dock. It is still the flagship of the Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord after over 200 years in service and also serves as a museum dedicated to the Georgian Navy. Step aboard to find out more.
As you explore, imagine the sailors and powder boys who once walked the decks of this immaculate ship. Crouch down in the lower gun deck, where crewmen and cannons dwelled side-by-side. Pace the quarter deck as Nelson himself would once have done, stopping to observe the plaque marking the spot where the great leader fell.
See what life was like on the ship for the vice-admiral in the elegant great cabin. Look for a writing desk and a dining table where the officers ate and discussed tactics. Elsewhere, a replica of kitchen equipment demonstrates how food was prepared in the galley.
Discover more about the famous warship at the nearby Museum of the Royal Navy. The HMS Victory gallery chronicles the stories of the people who lived and worked on the ship and features a multimedia show called The Trafalgar Experience that puts you in the middle of the action.
Find the HMS Victory at Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, where several other famous ships are docked. Visit Henry VIII's ill-fated Mary Rose and view more modern craft at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Learn about how these magnificent vessels are created at the Historic Boat Workshop.
The Dockyard is a short walk north of Portsmouth Harbour train and bus stations. Park on-site for a fee. The HMS Victory is open to the public on most days, but check online the day you plan on visiting. Remember that this port area is still a working part of the Royal Navy, so on some days it may be called back to noble duty.
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