The Easter school holidays at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are packed with entertainment for visitors of all ages and interests, with a programme ranging from storytelling, games to arts and crafts and even a Royal Bengal Tiger.
 
Visitors can also sample the new eating experience ‘The Georgian at Antiques Storehouse.’  
 
This traditional English tearoom has a contemporary twist and serves traditional cream teas, afternoon high tea and an international selection of quality beverages from around the world. It also offers lunch with the special feature - the ‘Square Meal’ - using local produce and continental recipes to create a tailored meal. Local wine and beer are available and there is a sweet shop for the children.
This traditional English tearoom is set within the surroundings of the Georgian Storehouse next to the Antiques Storehouse, which recently opened in January and sells a wide range of antiques, art and collectables.
 
It is free to enter Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and visit Antiques Storehouse and The Georgian along with the all the shops, restaurants and cafes on the site.
 
From Monday 7 – Monday 14 April, Gunwharf Quays and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be joining the build up to the celebrations for Bengali New Year with the Voyage East: Boishakhi Mela
 
Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in carnival workshops at  Gunwharf Quays and witness the infamous Royal Bengal Tiger, accompanied by Bengali music and local dancers on Monday 14 April.  The finale procession on Monday 14 April will start at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and finish at Gunwharf Quays.
 
Highlights of the Easter school holidays programme  include a daily challenge to visitors to the Mary Rose Museum to identify some of the more unusual objects from the famous Tudor warship and a 45 minute guided tour of the Museum.
 
There is a special appearance from the Wickham Spinners on Sunday 6th April and on Tuesday 8 & 15 April & Thursday 10 & 17 April  HMS Warrior 1860 will be hosting Girls and Boys Come Out to Play with Victorian toys, board and parlour games for all the family to enjoy.
 
On Wednesday 9 April Extreme Explorers at the Royal Naval Museum
visitors can create useful equipment for their explorer’s kit bag and test it on an extreme Easter adventure trail.
 
HMS Victory will be hosting arts and crafts drop-in activities on Thursday 10 & Thursday 17 April  and advanced bookings are required for Secret Treasure Boxes at the Royal Naval Museum on Saturday 12 April 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: £8.50 per participant. Suitable for children aged 5 and above. Price includes all art materials and Easter cakes. Advance booking is required. To book call 02392 727568 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Other events taking place include:
 
Tuesday 8 - Thursday 10 April
Photo Story  Behind the scenes talks at the Royal Naval Museum’s photographic archive.  Each day a Museum expert will share a new story from the 100s of personal collections in store. 2pm.  Free with a valid attraction ticket. Call 023 9272 7582 to reserve a place.
 
Thursday 17 April
Third Thursday talks at the Mary Rose Museum
Visitors are invited to drop by for an informal talk on the painting by artist Heather Bowring explaining how and why she created a tactile painting of the Mary Rose. 12noon.
 
 
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is open daily from 10am. Annual Admission tickets are priced at adult £18.50, senior £16.50, child £14.00, family £51.50 (up to 5 members of the same family, maximum 2 adults/seniors) and give unlimited entry for one year to HMS Warrior 1860, the Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations and one entry to the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and a Harbour Tour (subject to the special events programme). Visitors are urged, where possible, to opt for the Gift Aid Annual Admission ticket that allows the charity-owned attractions to reclaim tax. Single Attraction tickets are also available and valid on day of purchase only. Visitors are welcome to visit any of the restaurants, retail shops and Antiques Storehouse without charge.