Name: Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower
Rating: 5.0

Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower

Royal Navy Museums: Explosion, Priddys Hard, Gosport, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower is an award-winning museum category attraction located at Priddy's Hard in Gosport. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Gosport because it offers a unique, hands-on look at the history of naval warfare and weaponry. Families can explore a massive collection of cannons, torpedoes, and missiles housed in a historic former gunpowder magazine.

Entry to this site is often included in wider naval heritage passes, making it a flexible choice for a family day out. Prices start from £31 for a single attraction child ticket, though many families choose the Ultimate Explorer ticket for better year-long value across multiple sites. Since the museum is situated on the edge of Portsmouth Harbour, the journey there via water bus is an adventure in itself.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines military history with interactive fun, this is it. It provides a fascinating educational day out where children can learn about the science of explosives and the stories of the people who worked in the "powder monkey" trade. The museum's location offers stunning views and plenty of space for children to explore safely.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Gunpowder Magazine: This area features interactive exhibits set within original 18th-century vaulted ceilings where gunpowder was once stored.
The Big Guns: An educational day out highlight showcasing a huge variety of naval cannons and missile systems from different eras.
Sensory Play: Visual sensory play is provided through dramatic light displays and large-scale weaponry that kids can see up close.
Waterfront Location: The museum sits on a historic site with plenty of outdoor space for fresh air between gallery visits.

Top 5 Highlights

The Torpedo Gallery: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because the sheer size of the torpedoes is mind-blowing for kids. Seeing these "underwater missiles" up close helps children understand the scale of naval engineering.
The Powder Monkey Trail: This trail is a highlight because it turns the museum into a game. Kids follow the story of the young boys who worked here, making the history feel relatable and personal.
Modern Missiles: From Cold War tech to modern systems, this section is a hit because it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s a great way to talk about how technology has changed over time.
The Grand Magazine: A stunning building that once held thousands of barrels of gunpowder. It is a highlight because of the cool, echoing atmosphere that makes the history feel very "real" to children.
The Waterfront Views: After looking at the guns, head outside to look across to the modern navy ships. It is a must-see because it links the old weapons inside to the active warships across the water.

Facilities

Toilets: Located within the main museum building with baby changing facilities.
Buggy Parking: There is space for buggies within the galleries, as the museum is largely on one level.
Food & Drink: The Camber Lights Café serves hot drinks, snacks, and lunch with great harbour views.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Use the Water Bus: If you have an Ultimate Explorer ticket, the water bus from Portsmouth is the most exciting way to arrive.
Check the Weather: While the galleries are indoors, moving between buildings requires walking outside, so bring a coat.
Quiet Times: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are typically the quietest times to visit and avoid school groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While the weaponry is for older kids, toddlers love the outdoor spaces and the boat trip to get there. Under-3s are free, so it's a great value add.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 2 hours exploring the galleries and enjoying the café.
Where is the best place to park? The on-site car park at Priddy's Hard is the most convenient option for those driving directly to Gosport.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Gosport? Explosion Museum is a high-quality indoor option, and the one-year return pass makes it very affordable for repeat visits.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The location is much quieter than the main Portsmouth Dockyard, making it less stressful for parents with younger children.
The staff are very knowledgeable and often share "fun facts" about the explosions that didn't happen!
The café is a hidden gem with a lovely view and a relaxed atmosphere.

What Visitors Don't Like

It can feel a bit out of the way if you aren't using the water bus or the ferry.
Some parts of the historic buildings can be a bit chilly in the winter months.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Grand Magazine: An original 1771 gunpowder store.
4.5-inch Naval Gun: A classic piece of modern naval artillery.
Spearfish Torpedo: A massive modern underwater weapon.
Sea Slug Missile: An early surface-to-air missile system.
The Vickers Machine Gun: A look at smaller-scale firepower.
Exocet Missile: A famous anti-ship missile display.
Naval Mines: A collection of spheres designed for underwater defence.
Depth Charges: Equipment used for anti-submarine warfare.
Tudor Cannons: Weapons from the era of the Mary Rose.
The Shell-Filling Room: Displays showing how munitions were prepared.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Royal Navy Submarine Museum: A short trip away in Gosport, where you can climb inside HMS Alliance.
Priddy's Hard Nature Trail: A scenic walk around the historic ramparts and coastal paths.
Gosport Ferry: Take the short hop across to Portsmouth for Gunwharf Quays shopping.
The Powder Vaults: Explore the surrounding historic buildings of the former armament depot.

New for 2026

The Munitions Digital Experience 2026: A brand-new augmented reality tour for the 2026 season that lets kids "see" how shells were moved around the site in the past.
Refreshed Outdoor Play Zone: New for 2026, the outdoor area has been updated with navy-themed climbing equipment.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Individual: From £46
Children: From £31
1 Adult & Up To 3 Children: From £94
2 Adults & Up To 3 Children: From £115

Pricing URL: https://historicdockyard.co.uk/buy-your-tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Explosion Museum does not offer standard children's birthday party packages. For private room hire or group event enquiries: Contact Email: [email protected]

Wednesday - Sunday: 10 am–4 pm

Address: Royal Navy Museums: Explosion, Priddys Hard, Gosport, UK

Post Code: PO12 4LE

Council: Gosport

County: Hampshire

By Water Bus: Runs from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (check seasonal times).
By Car: Use postcode PO12 4LE.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Priddy's Hard.
By Foot: A 15-minute walk from the Gosport Ferry terminal.