"Brilliant all round. Kids loved it."

Tripadvisor

Discover life in 1545 with real Tudor objects, ranging from cannons to nit combs, recovered from Henry VIII's favourite ship, the Mary Rose!

From handling tables and interactive displays to our amazing light show that brings the ship to life, not to mention our great activities, there's something for children of all ages at The Mary Rose museum in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The Mary Rose isn't just an ship, it's a time capsule, preserving life in Tudor England. 500 years is just a heartbeat away from a great family day out.

BOOK NOW Plan your visit

Prepare for adventure!

Experience the Mary Rose’s miraculous story in a whole new way with a new interactive trail for families.

Based on the book "You wouldn't want to sail on the Mary Rose", this trail book is packed with activities to do both in the museum and after your visit!

Discover more!

Can't make it to Portsmouth?

There's no reason to miss out, download our worksheets and models and experience some of the world of the Mary Rose at home!

Things to Make and Do

What's On this October Half Term?

Creepy Crawlies and Pesky Pests!

Creepy Conservation at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard!

21st - 29th October 2023

As part of the site wide event Creepy Conservation running across attractions at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, here at The Mary Rose Museum we invite you to explore our collection and uncover what creepy crawlies and critters have lived aboard the ship, and what pesky pests were eating away at the wreck while she was underwater.

Create a Critter

Saturday 21st and Saturday 28th October 2023

Create your own creepy critter! Use googly eyes, fuzzy spots, sparkles and pipe cleaners!

Find out more

Under the Microscope: Bugs up close!

Tuesday 24th - Friday 27th October 2023

Use our microscopes and inspect our range of specimens up close!

Find out more

Under the Microscope: Meet the Conservator

Tuesday 24th - Friday 27th October 2023

Ever wondered what a flea looks like really really close up! This is your chance to meet members of our conservation team, learn how they use high tech microscopes and take a close up look at some of the creepy critters linked with the Mary Rose.

Find out more

Wreck Invaders!

Tuesday 24th, Wednesday 25th & Friday 27th October

Join Dr Alexzandra Hildred, Maritime Archaeologist and Head of Research to hear about the weird, wonderful, and sometimes scary critters encountered during the excavation of the Mary Rose.

Find out more

Dive the Mary Rose 4D

NEW FOR 2023!

10am-4pm

Dive into the untold story of the finding, excavation and recovery of the Mary Rose in our new immersive 4D cinema experience, brought to life with a combination of archive footage and CGI, as well as multi-sensory features including sounds, smells, bubbles wind and movement.

You may even recognise the voice of a certain monarch amongst the divers telling their stories...

Included in any valid Mary Rose ticket, including Ultimate Explorer season tickets

Find out more

These are just a few of the exciting activities and events we have running at the Mary Rose Museum this year.

Find out more on our events page!

More upcoming events!

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE MARY ROSE

If you visited the Mary Rose on a school trip in the 80s, 90s or early 2000s you may have memories either getting wet or trying to look through misted-up windows at what you could just about make out as a Tudor warship.

We've changed a lot since then, The sprays were turned off in 2013, the ship and her objects are now in a state-of-the-art museum and the ship is easier to see and understand, with new displays, lights and sounds!

Book your tickets today!

VISITING

Please be aware that for the safety of our visitors we have a 100% bag search policy. All bags, buggies and mobility scooters must be kept with you at all times.

The historic dockyard site and the museum itself are fully accessible to buggies and pushchairs, and the museum has baby changing facilities. Lifts are available to move along the visitor route.

FOOD

Although eating and drinking are not allowed inside the museum itself, the Mary Rose café offers a wide range of hot and cold drinks, as well as freshly made food.

The café has highchairs available and staff will be happy to warm bottles for baby feeding.

Nursing is permitted throughout the museum.

Find out more

LIGHTING

The lighting within The Mary Rose is kept low to create a stunning atmosphere and display, as well as helping protect the delicate collection of objects within the gallery showcases.

For visitors with visual impairment or autism, relaxed opening mornings are held monthly. More information can be found at the link below.

Relaxed opening

Blue Peter badges

The Mary Rose Museum is one of over 200 attractions around the UK that Blue Peter badge holders can get into for free.

To gain free entry, each child (under 16s only) must have a badge and valid badge card and free entry is only available when a full paying Ultimate Explorer ticket is purchased (adult or concession). Not available online or with any other discount or special offer. Excludes special ticketed events. Blue Peter Badge must be produced at time of purchase. Tickets must be purchased from the Visitor Centre, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard only. Please note walk up tickets are more expensive than tickets purchased online

Find out more on the Blue Peter website.

More information about visiting the museum

Plan your visit accessibility

Maps and trails

We have a number of useful maps, trails and other downloads that can help enhance your visit to the Mary Rose.

Maps and Trails

If you have any further questions about visiting The Mary Rose please do not hesitate to contact us.

+44 (0) 23 9281 2931

The Mary Rose
Main Road
Portsmouth
PO1 3PY

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Bring your crew to meet ours this October Half Term!

"Brilliant all round. Kids loved it."

What's On this October Half Term?