21 Mar 2016
Parents seeking inspiration for days out this Easter should look no further than Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. From creating Easter themed naval hats onboard the world's most famous warship, HMS Victory, or creating gingerbread submariners in one of the only remaining submarines of the Second World War era, there are plenty of opportunities for families to #MakeTime together.
Located just a five minute walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the ideal location for families looking to enjoy a fun packed, and educational, time together over the Easter break. And, with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offering an annual All Attraction Ticket which includes unlimited entry to all 11 attractions from £68 per family (two adults, three children, under 5s free) when booked online, visitors can return throughout the year to get up close and personal with Britain's naval heritage*.
Listed below are Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's top Easter themed activities:
Known as one of the fastest, largest and most powerful warships in the world when she was launched, HMS Warrior was the pride of Queen Victoria's fleet. This Easter, there will be plenty of on-board activities for all the family to enjoy.
From Tuesday 29th March – Friday 1st April and Monday 4th April – Friday 8th April, families can get stuck into onboard craft activities. On 29th and 21st March there will be interactive Victorian storytelling and from 25th March – 10th April an Easter family trail will take place. Free admission to activities with a valid All Attraction Ticket.
Although most of the museum is currently closed, there will be family fun activities such as calligraphy crafts, cordwheels and Henry VIII colouring over the Easter break. On 6th April, families can take part in an exciting Cluedo Day. Based around the Mary Rose Edition of the board game, participants can meet the costumed cast while playing the game. Free admission with a valid All Attraction Ticket.
This high-tech, interactive indoor attraction is housed in Boathouse 6. The boathouse itself was built between 1845 and 1848, and like the technology it now features inside, it was once at the forefront of design and innovation in the Victorian era. This Easter, children have the chance to make Easter chicks, bunny ears, and take part in an Easter egg hunt. Free admission with a valid All Attraction Ticket.
Just in time for the Easter holidays, HMS Victory, the world's most famous warship, synonymous with Admiral Nelson, is being returned to her Georgian heyday. From the 18th March, there will be a new visitor route through Victory, giving access to areas that have never been seen before, casting a new light on her incredible history, battles and connections to the maritime hero, Admiral Nelson.
Those looking for an Easter themed day out are encouraged to visit HMS Victory on 7th April, when they can make their own take-home Easter naval hats on board. Free activity admission with a valid All Attraction Ticket.
This Museum (accessible by waterbus from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard) is home to the only remaining submarine of the Second World War era, HMS Alliance. Families can take a trip through history to discover her every decade of service and peek through the working periscopes to hear, and even smell, how life was lived under the sea.
From 27th March – 10th April, families can take part in an Easter Egg Trail on board Alliance, with hidden clues that lead participants to the Easter eggs. And, on 29th and 31st March between 11am-3pm, visitors can create their own scrumptious gingerbread submariner to take home. Free admission with a valid All Attraction Ticket.
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower
The story of naval warfare is told in dramatic style at Explosion, an interactive museum housed in the Royal Navy's former Ordnance Depot at Priddy's Hard, Gosport, which once stored up to 6,500 barrels of gunpowder.
On 20th March, the museum is hosting an Easter fair. There will be craft stalls, a raffle and the chance to meet the Easter bunny. Families can also make a chocolate barrel with different sweets and popping candy on 1st April. Both activities come free with a valid All Attraction Ticket.
Boathouse 4 was built in 1939 in response to the need for a rapid rearmament programme prior to the start of the Second World War. Boathouse 4 is perfect for families; with exhibitions, hands-on children's activities and a brand new indoor mast climbing experience.
This Easter, the workshop floor will be open for visitors to walk through and see the boats, including Lively Lady, up close. There will also be a guided tour and rope making taking place each day over the Easter period at 11am, midday, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. Free admission with a valid All Attraction Ticket.
*All Attraction Tickets will increase by £1 from 1st April 2016
ENDS
Issued by Flagship Consulting
For further media information please contact:
Nadia Fidler 0207 680 7122 nadia.fidler@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
Belinda Hallworth 020 7680 7114 belinda.hallworth@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
Sophy Norris 01392 248 934 sophy.norris@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
About Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's annual ALL ATTRACTION TICKET includes entry to the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Boathouse 4 HMS M.33 and Action Stations. Also included is admission to our off-site attractions, including Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower (Gosport), The Royal Navy Submarine Museum and HMS Alliance (Gosport) and the Royal Marines Museum (Eastney). Plus a complimentary waterbus to the Gosport attractions and a 45 minute Harbour Tour.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great day out for all the family, offering a unique experience which spans 800 years of British Naval history. Situated within a working Naval Base, the dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past, present and future - a must see for anyone visiting the south of England.
