12 September 2016

Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for a haunted half term this October

Spooktacular fun for the whole family

Families are welcomed to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to enjoy a range of special Halloween events, family trails, spooky tours and entertainment this October half term. With haunted story time, vampire bat hunts, ghost ships and festive fireworks, everyone is sure to be entertained.

Vampire Bat Trail (21-29 October)

Head off on a hunt for little hanging vampires on the fun self-guided Vampire Bat Trail at the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport. Try and spot the bats hanging in the ceilings or 'flying' throughout the museum displays. Want to bring one of the flappy creatures home? Get creative at the arts and crafts station and create a spooky batty creation that can become the new family pet! This activity is included as part of the annual All Attraction entrance ticket and a water bus runs regularly from the main Portsmouth site

Tales from Captain Hardy (24 October)

Discover what life was like for the officers and men who served onboard the HMS Victory by stories from Captain Hardy himself about historic Trafalgar Day. Join the captain onboard the ship from 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm for a story time like no other. There are also interactive opportunities to explore the Lower Gun Deck and uncover mystery objects linked to the ship with the object detective activity. Stories with the captain are free with a valid All Attraction ticket.

Lego Ghost Ships (25 October)

Step into the Victory Gallery to get crafty with Lego from 11am until 4pm. Free with valid annual All Attractions tickets, children can build their own ghost ships and use the iPads on hand to bring the ghoulish masterpieces to life. For those who provide email addresses, they will be sent the animation of their creation to keep forever.

Pirate Ghost Tour (26 October)

It's been said that as Halloween nears, ghostly pirates rise from the depths of Portsmouth Harbour to reclaim their precious treasures kept in the grounds of the Submarine Museum. Muster the courage to venture out with a torch or lamp on a creepy tour of the museum and the old submarine, HMS Holland 1. Participate in a mysterious ghostly game and more on this thrilling Pirate Ghost Tour. Tickets are £2.00 per child and £3.00 per adult (pay on the same day). To avoid disappointment, email families@nmrn.org.uk or call 023 9283 9766 (opt. 3).

Fireworks at Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower (29 October)

No Halloween weekend is complete without an incredible fireworks display to light up the night sky! The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower will close half term with a bang on the 29th October with a spectacular fireworks display for all the family from 5-11pm. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Portsmouth Harbour, the event will include family entertainment, performances, bouncy castle, funfair, tasty treats and full access to the museum. Tickets are £6 for adults, £4 for children, £6.00 for adults and under 5s go free of charge. To book, call 023 9250 5600 or visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk. Why not make a day of it and visit the Historic Dockyard's 11 attractions before the fireworks – there is so much to see and do to entertain all ages.

ENDS

Notes to editors

All Attractions Ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, one year unlimited access ticket

Adult (online) - £28.00 (£35.00 when bought on-site)

Child (online) - £12.00 (£15.00 when bought on-site)

Concession (online) £25.20 (£31.50 when bought on-site)

Family (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) (online) - £64.00 £80.00 when bought on-site)

Discounted tickets can be purchased online at www.historicdockyard.co.uk/tickets-and-offers

Issued by Flagship Consulting

For further media information please contact:

Belinda Hallworth          020 7680 7114   belinda.hallworth@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Victoria Porcellato         020 7680 7118   victoria.porcellato@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 Portsmouth, 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) 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.