Name: Royal Navy Submarine Museum
Rating: 5.0

Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Jetty Road, Gosport, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is a premier museum category attraction located on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Gosport and Portsmouth because it offers a rare chance to step inside a real-life Cold War submarine. Families can explore the inner workings of silent service vessels and learn about the brave crews who lived beneath the waves.

Visiting this historic site is a great value option for a full day of maritime adventure. Prices start from £36.00 for a child ticket when purchased as part of a single-entry pass, though most parents choose the Ultimate Explorer ticket for year-long access. This museum is part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, meaning your tickets often grant you access to several other world-class attractions nearby.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines narrow-corridor excitement with deep-sea history, this is it. It provides an educational day out where children can peer through periscopes, touch original controls, and hear stories of life in a submerged world. It is an immersive experience that brings the "silent service" to life through physical exploration.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

HMS Alliance Tours: This flagship attraction features interactive exhibits led by former submariners who share real-life stories of underwater missions.
Science of Submarines: An educational day out highlight where kids learn how these massive vessels sink, float, and breathe underwater.
Sensory Play: The "John Fieldhouse Building" offers visual sensory play with massive torpedoes and minisubs displayed in a dramatic setting.
Outdoor Play Area: A dedicated space for younger children to burn off energy right next to the harbour waters.

Top 5 Highlights

HMS Alliance: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it’s a giant, real-life submarine you can actually walk through. Kids love the narrow bunks and seeing the tiny galley where hundreds of meals were cooked for the crew.
Working Periscopes: Located in the museum galleries, these let kids see out across Portsmouth Harbour. It is a highlight because it gives them a "captain's-eye view" of modern warships and the busy water.
Holland 1: Step inside the building housing the Royal Navy’s very first submarine, built in 1901. It’s fascinating for children to see how small and simple the first subs were compared to the giants of today.
X24 Midget Sub: This tiny four-man submarine was used for secret missions. Kids find the small scale of the vessel incredible, imagining how anyone could fit inside for a dangerous mission.
The Torpedo Collection: See the massive weapons that submarines carry. The scale of these objects often surprises children, and it leads to great conversations about how these machines work.

Facilities

Toilets: Located in the main museum building with baby changing facilities.
Buggy Parking: Buggies cannot be taken inside the submarines due to space; a parking area is provided near the gangway.
Food & Drink: The Coffee Boat Café offers sandwiches, cakes, and views of the harbour.
Lockers: Small bags can be stored at the reception desk.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Take the Water Bus: If you are starting at the Historic Dockyard, use the free water bus (included in your ticket) to reach the museum—it’s a highlight for the kids.
Mind Your Head: The submarine is cramped; make sure kids are careful with their heads and shins as they climb through the hatches.
Check the Weather: Much of the site is outdoors or in unheated buildings, so dress warmly for a winter visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While toddlers might be too small to climb into the submarine easily, they will love the harbour views and the outdoor play area. Under-3s are free!
How long does a visit take? A tour of the submarine and the galleries takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you take the water bus, allow an extra hour for travel.
Where is the best place to park? The museum has its own dedicated car park which is free for ticket holders, making it easier than parking in central Portsmouth.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Gosport? The Submarine Museum is a premium attraction, but with the 12-month return pass, it becomes one of the best value indoor spots for local families.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The guides on HMS Alliance are often veterans who tell amazing, funny stories that keep the kids interested.
Being able to touch the controls and look through the periscopes makes it much more than just a "look but don't touch" museum.
The 12-month return ticket is fantastic for local families who want to pop back in for an hour.

What Visitors Don't Like

The submarine can feel very claustrophobic, which might be difficult for some children or adults.
It is a bit out of the way compared to the main Portsmouth attractions if you are driving.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

HMS Alliance: A classic 1945 ocean-going submarine.
Holland 1: The Royal Navy's first-ever submarine.
X24 Midget Submarine: A WWII craft designed for secret attacks.
Biber Minisub: A small, one-man German submarine from the Second World War.
LR5 Rescue Submersible: A modern craft used for deep-sea rescues.
The VC Medal Collection: Honouring the bravery of the Silent Service.
The Busy Bee Train: [Information not available on official website - check seasonal availability].
Periscope Gallery: Interactive station overlooking the harbour.
Escape Tank Training Exhibit: Showing how submariners learn to leave a sinking vessel.
Submarine Memorial Garden: A peaceful area to reflect on the crews lost at sea.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower: Just a short drive away in Gosport, this museum focuses on the history of naval weapons.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Take the water bus across the harbour to see HMS Victory and the Mary Rose.
Gosport Splash Park: A nearby outdoor water play area perfect for cooling down in the summer.
Haslar Marina: A scenic spot for a walk to see luxury yachts and local fishing boats.

New for 2026

Submarine Rescue 2026: A brand-new digital exhibition for the 2026 season exploring modern-day deep-sea rescue technology.
Enhanced Alliance Tour: New for 2026, the tour of HMS Alliance includes updated audio-visual effects in the engine room to simulate underwater movement.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Individual: £51.00
Child (3–15 years): £36.00
Family (1 Adult + 3 Children): £99.00
Family+ (2 Adults + 3 Children): £120.00
Under 3: Free
Carer: Free

Pricing URL: https://tickets.royalnavymuseums.org.uk/en/rnm-portsmouth/phd-tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum does not offer standard birthday party packages. For private hire or group enquiries: Contact Email: [email protected]

Wednesday - Sunday: 10 am–4 pm.

Address: Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Jetty Road, Gosport, UK

Post Code: PO12 2AS

Council: Gosport

County: Hampshire

By Ferry: Take the Gosport Ferry from Portsmouth Harbour, then a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride.
By Car: Use postcode PO12 2AS.
Parking: There is a large, free car park on-site for museum visitors.