See

Prepare to be immersed in centuries of naval and industrial history as you explore our iconic sites.

With a free Historic Quarter Pass, visitors can delve into our heritage at Portsmouth Dockyard, from relaxing in the Porter’s Garden to witnessing boat restoration and exploring the Dockyard Apprentice exhibition.

Explore our historic places and spaces in Portsmouth and Gosport. Browse through shops, watch our operational craft afloat, and catch talented artists in action. Keep an eye out for aircraft carriers docked in port, offering a rare opportunity to witness these impressive vessels up close.

Boathouse 7 dockyard apprentice

Step into the world of Portsmouth Dockyard’s historic workforce at our Dockyard Apprentice exhibition. Delve into the lives of shipwright apprentices and other civilian Dockyard workers.

Explore the rich history of naval engineering, from traditional tools to the iconic Dreadnought class, through the lens of ordinary workers shaping maritime innovation.

Our friends at the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust created and maintain this exhibition, and it is a firm favourite with those who want to go deeper into Portsmouth’s social history.

FREE

GREEN SPACES AND HIDDEN GEMS

Come and see where history unfolds.

In Portsmouth, make your way past our 300 year old Dockyard Wall, stepping through Victory Gate into a world of living maritime heritage. Relax in the volunteer-tended Porter’s Garden and discover our Mast Pond, constructed during the reign of Charles II.

At Priddy’s Hard, explore this well-preserved former munition yard and its 18th century Camber Dock. Spot the historic tram lines, tracing the paths of workers and goods from years gone by.

Discover hidden histories and enjoy ever-changing views of Portsmouth Harbour from both sites of Portsmouth Historic Quarter.

FREE

Art at the quarter

Discover the vibrant intersection of culture and heritage at Portsmouth Historic Quarter. As custodians of historic buildings, boats, and spaces in and around Portsmouth Harbour, we’re not just preserving history; we’re breathing new life into it.

Visit Port and Lemon and Swanwick Studio’s vibrant workshop at Carpenter’s Yard in Priddy’s Hard.

Use your free Historic Quarter Pass to see captivating works at the Dockyard, such as Alice Hume’s Interactive Weaves, on display in the Porter’s Garden, and Pete Codling’s project “CROWD,” which vividly portrays the multi-cultural history of Portsmouth through thousands of charcoal portraits.

FREE

Browse

PHQ is where culture and craftsmanship combine.

Step into a world where history meets creativity, where the past intertwines with the present, and where local artists and shops breathe new life into our cherished heritage site.

Uncover one-of-a-kind artworks at I Can See The Sea, based in Porter’s Lodge, browse the treasure trove that is Nauticalia, where adults and children alike won’t be able to leave empty handed.

Visit the growing artists’ quarter in Carpenters’ Yard at Priddy’s Hard, where Port and Lemon and others create and sell stunning bespoke handmade artwork and homeware.

Boathouse 4

Visit Boathouse 4, our hub of maritime activity. Free to enter, the Boathouse boasts the SHE_SEES exhibition (from 2 August 2024) and a fantastic restaurant with harbour views. Our knowledgeable volunteer team offer daily guided tours.

Built in 1938, Boathouse 4 is a functioning boathouse, home to the world’s leading collection of military powerboats of the 20th century and dedicated to their restoration and maintenance. Its 1930s architectural design and ‘sawtooth’ roof makes it instantly recognisable within the landscape of Portsmouth Harbour.