VIP Experiences and Private Group tours
Get closer to our incredible collections through a wide range of experiences and private guided tours with the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Whether you’re looking at purchasing a VIP gift experience for a loved one, or are a true naval enthusiast wanting to delve deeper behind the scenes, our historic ships and collections create the ultimate one-of-a-kind experience.
We have private tours available onboard two of the most famous warships in the United Kingdom, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. Both located within Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, our private tours are available to book exclusively, as well as an add on to your private event hire or as part of a large group booking.
VIP HMS Victory Experience
An exclusive experience for between 2-5 people. VIPs enjoy an hour and half private tour, lead by an expert around the famous ship along with High Tea in Captain's Hardy's Cabin onboard HMS Victory beforehand.
To remember the experience, a coaster made with reclaimed HMS Victory wood and a souvenir guidebook is included to take home with you.
Prices from £400 per person.
HMS Victory Guided Tour
Explore HMS Victory out of hours with a 1-hour tour conducted with an experienced guide.
Suitable for groups of 6+ people, with prices from £30 (ex VAT) per person.
Want to add something extra to the experience?
Add on a delicious High Tea before your tour in a private room from £23 (ex VAT) extra per person.
Behind the Scenes Museum Collection Experience
Enjoy a curator-led behind the scenes tour, themed around Admiral Lord Nelson and HMS Victory.
Groups will be taken around Storehouse 12 and learn more some of our Nelson and Victory specific collection. This tour includes an up close view and deep dive of two collection items.
Suitable for groups of up to 20 at £50 (ex VAT) per person, tours are available between 10am-4pm Mon-Fri only.
HMS Warrior Actor Led Tour
An authentic experience with a difference!
Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour of HMS Warrior led by one of our costumed actors. Tours operate outside of normal operating hours.
Suitable for groups of 10 to 25 people, from £25 (ex VAT) per person.
FAQs
In the Summer season, High Tea can be taken at 4pm (if applicable) and tours start at 5:30pm.
In the Winter season, High Tea can be taken at 4pm (if applicable) and tours start at 5pm.
For the VIP HMS Victory Experience, you'll get to exclusively take High Tea in Captain Hardy's Cabin. This includes a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, cakes, eclairs and macaroons all served with tea or coffee. Additional option to upgrade with champagne.
For the HMS Victory Guided Tour, you can add on High Tea in the Princess Royal Gallery. This includes a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and clotted cream all served with tea or coffee.
This experience is purchasable on the NMRN Online Shop and you will receive a gift card in the post. This must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date by emailing our Special Events team at specialevents@nmrn.org.uk or calling 02392 891370 ext: 8013 to arrange a suitable date. Please note dates are subject to HMS Victory and Tour Guide availability.
You can enquire by filling in our webform and tick which tours you're interested in. Then a member of our Events Team will be in touch to arrange your tour and a suitable date with you.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer an exchange or refund once a tour or experience has been booked.
Please note HMS Victory and HMS Warrior are historic ships with limited accessibility. Please visit the Accessibility page on our website here for more information: https://historicdockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/
By car:
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is just off junction 12 of the M27, follow the brown and white signs to ‘Historic Dockyard’ which will lead you to our official car park which is located only 400 yards from the entrance at Victory Gate. If this car park is full there are others within close proximity at Gunwharf Quays and Havant Street.
If using a satnav device, please use the postcode PO1 3 LJ.
Public transport:
The nearest train station is Portsmouth Harbour, and then it is a 5 minute walk to Victory Gate