HMS Warrior 1860
Step aboard HMS Warrior 1860, the world's first iron-hulled, armoured warship, and experience Victorian naval might.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
HMS Warrior 1860
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step aboard HMS Warrior 1860, the world's first iron-hulled, armoured warship, and experience Victorian naval might.
"The costumed guides are incredibly knowledgeable and bring history to life with authentic stories and humor."
⏳ Allow ample time
Dedicate at least 3 hours to explore HMS Warrior and its exhibits thoroughly.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be navigating steep ladders and uneven surfaces.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ironclad Powerhouse
Main decks
Experience the might of the world's first iron-hulled, armoured warship, a true marvel of its time.
Guides in Period Costume
Throughout the ship
Engage with knowledgeable guides in 1850s attire, bringing history to life with authentic stories and humor.
Below Deck Exhibition
Below decks
Discover the fascinating exhibition detailing the ship's construction, life onboard, and historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to HMS Warrior
Navigating the Ship
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
HMS Warrior, upon launching the world's largest and most formidable warship, at sunset. [1440 x 1080]
⏳ Allow ample time
Dedicate at least 3 hours to explore HMS Warrior and its exhibits thoroughly.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be navigating steep ladders and uneven surfaces.
[OC] HMS Warrior 1860, moored in Portsmouth Harbour. A ship which made every other warship obsolete, who was herself obsolete only 10 years later. Photo from 2014 (2688x1520)
How To Get Around Portsmouth
🗣️ Chat with the guides
The costumed guides are incredibly knowledgeable and add a unique dimension to the visit.
🚢 Check tide times
The gangway angle can change significantly with the tide, affecting accessibility.
The gun deck of HMS Warrior with period-correct artifacts. She was the Royal Navy's first armored oceangoing warship, launched in 1860, and currently berthed at Portsmouth as a museum. (1200x900)
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Dedicate at least 3 hours to explore HMS Warrior and its exhibits thoroughly.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be navigating steep ladders and uneven surfaces.
🗣️ Chat with the guides
The costumed guides are incredibly knowledgeable and add a unique dimension to the visit.
🚢 Check tide times
The gangway angle can change significantly with the tide, affecting accessibility.
🎟️ Consider Historic Dockyard ticket
Offers best value if you plan to visit other attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by HMS Warrior 1860, often exceeding initial expectations. The ship's historical significance as the first ironclad warship is a major draw, enhanced by the incredibly knowledgeable and engaging costumed guides who bring the era to life. While the ship's layout with steep ladders can be challenging for some, the overall experience is highly praised as immersive and educational.
"Wasn't sold on going but the wife wanted to. I am Soo happy I listened to her. The audio tour provided tons of information as it navigates you through the entire ship!!! Such a great tour. Well done and totally worth going to Portsmouth for this"
Russell Martin
"What an interesting ship, the most powerful warship on the planet for over 10 years, in the mid 1800s.
The exhibition below deck, the actors, the material given out, and the whole experience, is superb. Well worth a visit."
Mr Pickle
"Loved this place. I have lived in the area for years and never been. Took my brother in law from America and loved it. What was great were the guides in period costume. They were so knowledgeable. What set this off as amazing, was they were talking like it was 1856. So interesting and funny. Just a great place to visit."
Justin Pearce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
HMS Warrior is located in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. You can reach Portsmouth by train from London Waterloo, or by car via the M27 and M275 motorways. Parking is available at the Historic Dockyard. For those arriving by ferry, the dockyard is a short walk from the terminal.
Yes, HMS Warrior is accessible from Gosport. You can take a ferry across the harbour to Portsmouth. The ferry terminal is a short walk from the Historic Dockyard where HMS Warrior is docked.
The most convenient way to reach HMS Warrior is by car or public transport to Portsmouth. Once in Portsmouth, the Historic Dockyard is easily walkable from the city centre and ferry terminals.
Portsmouth Harbour train station is a short walk (approximately 10-15 minutes) from the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by train.
If driving, follow signs for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Public transport users will find the dockyard well-connected. Consider the ferry if you're coming from Gosport for a scenic route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website for the most current pricing. Often, purchasing a Historic Dockyard ticket offers better value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable to guarantee entry and potentially save time queuing.
A ticket typically grants you access to explore the ship, including its various decks and the exhibition areas. Audio tours are often included and highly recommended.
Look out for potential discounts for families, seniors, or group bookings on the Historic Dockyard website. Sometimes, special offers are available for locals or specific membership schemes.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The audio tour is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the ship's history and features. Engaging with the costumed guides also provides a unique and immersive experience.
HMS Warrior has steep ladders between decks and a gangway whose angle changes with the tide, making it challenging for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility issues. Some areas may be inaccessible.
Children often enjoy exploring the ship, imagining life as a sailor, and interacting with the costumed guides. There are often specific activities or areas designed to engage younger visitors.
Most visitors spend at least 3 hours exploring HMS Warrior to fully appreciate its history and exhibits. If you have a Historic Dockyard ticket, you'll need more time for other attractions.
Yes, there are good toilet facilities for visitors. Cafes and picnic areas are also available within the wider Portsmouth Historic Dockyard complex to suit various tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing silhouette of the ironclad from the dockside, the intricate details of the rigging, and the atmospheric interiors. The costumed guides also make for great photo subjects.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside HMS Warrior for personal use. However, it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions in certain areas or during special events.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm equivalent, is useful for both wide shots of the ship and details. A prime lens with a wide aperture can be great for low-light interiors.
Try different angles from the dock, the upper decks looking down, and the lower decks looking up. The stern and bow offer dramatic perspectives.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historic sites and naval bases due to security and safety regulations. It's highly unlikely you'll be permitted to fly a drone here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ship is fascinating, parents should be aware that navigating between decks involves steep ladders, which might require extra supervision for younger children. The gangway's angle can also change with the tide, so keep an eye on that. Despite these considerations, the interactive nature of the guides and the sheer scale of the warship make it a highly engaging experience for most children.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While exploring HMS Warrior itself is a significant experience, consider packing your own snacks and drinks. There are picnic areas available within the wider dockyard complex, which can help save on food expenses. Planning your visit to coincide with any potential off-peak discounts or special offers can also contribute to a more budget-friendly trip.
couples
The ship provides a dramatic backdrop for photos, and the immersive historical atmosphere can lead to interesting conversations and shared discoveries. Consider visiting during a weekday morning to enjoy a more relaxed and intimate exploration of this impressive vessel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of HMS Warrior
Exploring the ship reveals the intricate details of its construction. You'll see how the decks were sectioned to prevent flooding, a crucial design element for an iron ship. The presence of numerous coal burners highlights the immense fuel requirements for its steam propulsion. While the layout can be somewhat confusing due to these sections, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the practical challenges and solutions of 19th-century naval architecture. The ship's original 'smells of time' also add to the authentic atmosphere.
For those interested in naval history and engineering, HMS Warrior offers an unparalleled experience. It's not just a museum piece; it's a tangible link to a pivotal moment in maritime history. The audio tour is particularly effective in explaining the complex engineering and the daily life onboard, making the experience both educational and engaging.
Immersive Historical Experience
The exhibition below deck further enhances this immersive experience. It delves into the ship's construction, its operational life, and the social history of the sailors who served aboard. The material provided, combined with the atmospheric setting of the ship itself, creates a powerful connection to the past. Many visitors find this aspect to be the highlight of their visit, making it a 'great place to visit' and 'well worth a visit'.
This dedication to authenticity means that a visit to HMS Warrior is more than just sightseeing; it's an opportunity to step into history. The combination of the ship's impressive structure and the engaging historical interpretation makes it a memorable and highly recommended attraction.
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