Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be opening its doors to reveal the many treasures that can be found behind the scenes of its museums and historic buildings in the popular exclusive free tours as part of Heritage Open Days from Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th September.

Heritage Open Days is a national, annual event that celebrates England’s architecture and culture. It is co-ordinated by the Civic Trust in partnership with English Heritage and allows visitors free access to interesting properties that are not normally open, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Amongst the highlights available at the Historic Dockyard this year:

Wednesday 10 – Friday 12 September - 11am
Behind the scenes at the Mary Rose
Behind the scenes at the Mary Rose Ship Hall and reserve collection
 
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September - 10am & 3pm
Tour of Boathouse 6 at Action Stations
Tours about the history of Boathouse 6 up to the present day, including Action Stations and InterAction gallery.
Some areas within the tour are not accessible by a lift.
 
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 11am & 2pm
Tours of Boathouse 5
A look at the Victorian Boathouse which houses the Mary Rose collection.
 
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Flying Flags and Cunning Codes on board HMS Victory
A unique opportunity to learn about signalling on the Poop Deck of HMS Victory. A chance to visit this area which is not usually open to the public and get to grips with how messages were sent during the Georgian period.
Maximum of 30 people per session
 
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm
Behind the scenes tours at the Royal Naval Museum
Join our curators and experts for our popular behind the scenes tour of the Museum buildings and collection stores.
 
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 10.30am, 1pm & 3pm
Trace the Footsteps of Nelson: walking tour of the Dockyard
A fascinating glimpse into the hidden architectural gems within the working Naval Base.
This tour must be booked by Wednesday 10 September.
 
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 1pm
Tour the Dockyard’s Oldest Building
Take a guided tour of the Porter’s Lodge (1708), the Historic Dockyard’s oldest building and learn about the life and times of the Porter who unlocked the gate, rang the Muster Bell - and kept a very good cellar!
 
All tours are free but will need to be pre-booked as spaces are limited. Please call 02392 839 766 to reserve your place.
 
There will be a special 25% discount off the standard ticket price to all those who take part in the FREE Heritage Open Days tours. An Annual Admission Ticket is available for one year with unlimited entry to Action Stations, HMS Warrior 1860 and Royal Naval Museum and valid for one entry to HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum and Ship Hall and Harbour Tours. It is priced at £18.50 adult, £16.50 senior, £14.00 child and £51.50 family (up to 5 members of the same family, maximum 2 adults/seniors). A Gift Aid Annual Admission ticket and single attraction tickets are also available.
 
There will be a number of other venues around the City including the King’s Theatre, Eastney Beam Engine House, the Square Tower and Round Tower who are planning to mark the event and The City of Portsmouth Preserved Bus Depot will be operating a limited free vintage bus service between Portsmouth Heritage Open Days sites.
 
Further details will be available on www.visitportsmouth.co.uk and an online directory of all the properties available to visit nationwide will be available from Heritage Open Days on www.heritageopendays.org.uk .