The Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Description

Let me tell you about one of the most fascinating museums I’ve ever visited. The Royal Navy Submarine Museum isn’t just another maritime attraction – it’s a captivating journey into the mysterious underwater world of submarines. Having spent hours exploring its exhibits myself, I can tell you it’s absolutely worth your time, especially if you’re intrigued by naval history or engineering marvels.

The star of the show is definitely HMS Alliance, a real submarine that served during the Cold War. But hey, it’s not just about looking at an old sub from the outside – you actually get to climb aboard and experience what life was like for submariners. Trust me, when you’re standing in those narrow corridors, you’ll get a whole new appreciation for the brave souls who lived and worked in these incredible machines.

Key Features

• HMS Alliance – A restored WW2-era submarine you can explore inside and out
• Holland 1 – The Royal Navy’s first submarine, displayed in a special climate-controlled building
• X24 – One of the only surviving X-craft midget submarines from WW2
• Interactive Science Gallery – Hands-on exhibits explaining submarine technology
• Memorial Garden – A peaceful space honoring submariners who lost their lives
• Original periscopes – Try your hand at submarine surveillance
• Authentic artifacts – Including torpedoes, equipment, and personal items
• Submarine Simulator – Experience what it’s like to navigate underwater
• Archive photographs and documents – Telling the human stories behind submarine warfare

Best Time to Visit

I’d recommend planning your visit during weekday mornings, especially outside school holidays – that’s when you’ll find the smallest crowds and can really take your time exploring HMS Alliance. The guided tours are fantastic, and with fewer people, you’ll have a better chance to ask questions and hear all the fascinating stories.

Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant seasons to visit since the museum combines indoor and outdoor exhibits. Summer can get pretty busy (and occasionally a bit warm inside the submarines), while winter might be chilly but offers a more authentic feel of what submarine life was really like.

How to Get There

Getting to the museum is actually pretty straightforward. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of free parking right on site – a rare treat these days! For those using public transport, catch a train to Portsmouth Harbour station, then it’s just a short waterbus ride across to Gosport. The waterbus journey itself is pretty cool – you get some great views of the harbor.

Y’know what’s really handy? The museum is part of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, so you can combine your visit with other attractions in the area. The waterbus service connects all these sites, making it super easy to plan a full day of exploration.

Tips for Visiting

Here’s the inside scoop on making the most of your visit – stuff I wish I’d known before my first time there. First off, book your tickets online in advance. Not only might you save some money, but you’ll also skip any queues at the entrance.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty – climbing through submarines involves some tight spaces and ladders. And speaking of tight spaces, if you’re claustrophobic, you might wanna skip going inside the submarines (but there’s still plenty to see outside).

The guided tours are absolute gold – don’t skip them! The guides are often former submariners themselves, and boy, do they have some stories to tell. I learned stuff that you’d never find in any history book.

Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to properly explore everything. The cafe on-site is decent, but I usually pack some snacks and water, especially if I’m visiting with kids. Speaking of kids, they’ll love the interactive exhibits in the science gallery, and there are special activity sheets available to keep them engaged throughout the visit.

Oh, and don’t forget your camera! There are some amazing photo opportunities, especially when you’re up on HMS Alliance’s conning tower – the views across Portsmouth Harbour are pretty spectacular. Just remember that some areas inside the submarines can be quite dark, so steady hands are needed for those indoor shots.

If you’re planning to explore more of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (which I totally recommend), consider getting a full site ticket – it works out cheaper than buying separate tickets for each attraction. And lastly, check the museum’s website before your visit for any special exhibitions or events – they often have really interesting temporary displays that add even more value to your visit.

Location

Places to Stay Near The Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides