Things to Do at Mary Rose Museum

The Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth is home to one of the world's most significant maritime archaeological collections, built around Henry VIII's flagship warship that sank in 1545 during a battle with the French fleet. After lying on the seabed of the Solent for over 400 years, the Mary Rose was raised in 1982 in one of the most complex and expensive maritime salvage operations ever undertaken. The museum, which opened in its current form in 2013, houses the preserved hull of the ship alongside thousands of artifacts recovered from the wreck. The museum offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into Tudor life aboard a 16th-century warship. Through innovative display techniques and immersive exhibitions, guests can explore the lives of the 500 crew members who perished with the ship, from officers and soldiers to surgeons and cooks. The collection includes personal belongings, weapons, musical instruments, games, and even the remains of the ship's dog, providing an unparalleled window into maritime history and Tudor society.

The Mary Rose Museum is located in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, easily accessible by car via the M27 and M275 motorways with on-site parking available. Portsmouth Harbour railway station is a 5-minute walk from the museum, with regular train services from London Waterloo (90 minutes), Brighton, and other major cities. Local buses serve the area, and the Gosport Ferry provides scenic water access. The museum is also accessible via the Portsmouth Park and Ride service during peak season.