Royal Navy Submarine Museum

The museum’s collection chronicles the development of the submarine from original concepts to the present day with a focus on the history of the Royal Navy’s submarine service. This branch of the navy has been operational since the early 20th century, playing crucial roles in both World Wars and beyond. The museum showcases the technological advancements in submarine design and warfare and commemorates the bravery and dedication of the submariners who have served.

What to see at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Visitors to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum can explore a range of exhibits and activities designed to provide an immersive experience into the world of submarines.

One of the main attractions is the collection of decommissioned submarines, including a replica of the Turtle submarine, the first ever submarine to be used in combat, Holland 1, the Royal Navy’s first submarine, and the museum’s centrepiece, HMS Alliance.

You can go inside HMS Alliance to get a firsthand look at the cramped conditions and sophisticated technology that submariners would have worked with. A visit also offers insights into the daily lives of the crew and the vessel’s operational capabilities.

The museum is also home to an extensive collection of artefacts, ranging from early submarine designs to modern-day equipment. Items on display include torpedoes, periscopes and diving suits, which provide a connection to the technological advancements in submarine warfare. Personal items from submariners, such as letters, uniforms and diaries, offer a poignant glimpse into the human side of submarine service.

Visiting the Royal Navy Submarine Museum

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is in Gosport across Portsmouth Harbour from Portsmouth. It’s not the most central location as it’s not even that close to the centre of Gosport, which is a 15–20-minute walk away. However, it is more centrally located than Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, also in Gosport.

There are a couple of ways you can get here. You can take the ferry from Portsmouth Harbour railway station to Gosport, which runs every 15 minutes, and then walk 15 minutes to the museum; alternatively, during summer there is also a less frequent ferry that provides a direct connection to the museum from the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Visitor facilities include a gift shop and a small cafe; however, there aren’t any other options for eating and drinking in the immediate vicinity around the museum so it’s best to either bring a picnic or have something to eat before visiting the museum.

At £36, it’s fairly expensive to visit the museum; however, the £46 three-attraction ticket and the £51 Ultimate Explorer ticket are a much better deal and these tickets allow you to spread your visit over several days. The Ultimate Explorer ticket is a little cheaper if you buy it online in advance. The Ultimate Explorer ticket gives you access to the Explosion Museum and the Submarine Museum in Gosport as well as all the attractions at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the ticket gives you 12 months to visit these attractions, which means that it is definitely the best deal if you want to explore the site properly.

Allow two hours for a visit to the museum.

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