Affiliate links: This page contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we genuinely believe in. Read our full disclosure policy.
Historic Ships Triangle Tour - practical travel guide with honest advice.
This full-day maritime tour explores three Royal Navy vessels across Portsmouth Harbour and Gosport. You'll board the 1860 ironclad HMS Warrior, descend into the tight quarters of the HMS Alliance submarine, and tour the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Water taxi transfers between sites offer harbour views. Expect hands-on naval history and authentic working vessel experiences. Best for serious naval history enthusiasts and submarine fans. This is a moderate activity lasting 9 hours. Group size: 2-35. You meet at Historic Dockyard main gate. Key highlights: HMS Warrior: Britain's revolutionary 1860 iron battleship with original gun decks, HMS Alliance: Authentic 1945 submarine with cramped working quarters intact, Water taxi crossing Portsmouth Harbour with naval vessel views.
Price: £75
Duration: 9 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Group size: 2-35
Minimum age: 8+
Best for: serious naval history enthusiasts and submarine fans
Best time: April-October for fair weather and extended water taxi operation. June-August for longest daylight in submarine areas. Avoid December-February for cold and potential water taxi suspension. Weekday tours have smaller groups.
Meeting point: Historic Dockyard main gate
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
9:00am Meet at Historic Dockyard main gate in Old Portsmouth - Group assembly and safety briefing; verification of booking and arrival tickets.
9:15am-11:00am Guided tour of HMS Warrior - Walk through Britain's first iron-hulled battleship (launched 1860). Explore gun decks, engine room, and living quarters. Guide explains Victorian naval technology and design.
11:15am-12:00pm Water taxi transfer to Gosport - 10-minute harbour crossing with views of modern naval vessels, Fort Blockhouse, and Solent traffic.
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch break near Gosport waterfront - Free time at Gosport Marina cafes or pubs. Budget £8-15 per person. Return by 1:00pm for submarine access.
1:15pm-3:00pm HMS Alliance submarine tour - Descend into decommissioned 1945 submarine. Experience extreme claustrophobia in torpedo rooms, engine compartments, and crew quarters. Tour duration 45 minutes with guide.
3:15pm-4:45pm Royal Navy Submarine Museum exploration - Self-guided visit covering WW1 and WW2 submarine warfare, naval architecture, and escape equipment. Audio guide available.
The whole experience takes 9 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Historic Dockyard main gate.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £75 |
| Duration | 9 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Group size | 2-35 |
| Minimum age | 8+ |
| Meeting point | Historic Dockyard main gate |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure. After 72 hours, 50% refund. No refunds for operational closures due to naval activity. |
| Accessibility | HMS Warrior has steep metal stairs and low doorways. HMS Alliance submarine is extremely tight: narrow companionways, tight hatchways, and confined spaces unsuitable for claustrophobia, large frames, or mobility issues. Submarine tour not recommended for anyone under 1.4m tall. Wheelchair access limited to museum building only. |
What is included: Guided tour of HMS Warrior with professional guide, Round-trip water taxi transfer to Gosport, Guided tour of HMS Alliance submarine, Entry to Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Museum audio guide, Insurance and guide gratuity.
Not included: Meals and refreshments, Museum gift shop purchases, Personal travel insurance, Photography permits in some areas. You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes with grip for metal walkways, Camera (check photography rules in submarine), Water bottle as tour is physically demanding, Packed snacks or £10-15 cash for lunch, Waterproof jacket (water taxi exposure), Fleece or jumper as vessels are cold inside, Medication for claustrophobia if needed, Notepad for naval history details. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: April-October for fair weather and extended water taxi operation. June-August for longest daylight in submarine areas. Avoid December-February for cold and potential water taxi suspension. Weekday tours have smaller groups..
Tip: Includes water taxi transfers
Tip: Not suitable for claustrophobia sufferers
Accessibility: HMS Warrior has steep metal stairs and low doorways. HMS Alliance submarine is extremely tight: narrow companionways, tight hatchways, and confined spaces unsuitable for claustrophobia, large frames, or mobility issues. Submarine tour not recommended for anyone under 1.4m tall. Wheelchair access limited to museum building only..
Operator: Maritime Heritage Tours
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by Maritime Heritage Tours.
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure. After 72 hours, 50% refund. No refunds for operational closures due to naval activity..
Accessibility: HMS Warrior has steep metal stairs and low doorways. HMS Alliance submarine is extremely tight: narrow companionways, tight hatchways, and confined spaces unsuitable for claustrophobia, large frames, or mobility issues. Submarine tour not recommended for anyone under 1.4m tall. Wheelchair access limited to museum building only..
Best time to go: April-October for fair weather and extended water taxi operation. June-August for longest daylight in submarine areas. Avoid December-February for cold and potential water taxi suspension. Weekday tours have smaller groups..
No. The submarine has extremely tight spaces: narrow companionways, confined torpedo rooms, and low metal ceilings. If you experience claustrophobia, skip the submarine portion and extend your time at the museum instead. Notify the operator in advance so they can adjust your itinerary.
The water taxi crossing takes approximately 10 minutes. It's a small passenger ferry operating year-round across Portsmouth Harbour. You'll see modern Royal Navy frigates, destroyers, and submarines at dock. The ferry is weather-dependent; rough seas can cause cancellation or substitution with coach transfer.
HMS Warrior is a must for naval enthusiasts. It's a fully preserved 1860 ironclad with original gun decks, engine room, and crew living quarters. The guide explains Victorian naval innovation and weapons technology. You can explore independently after the tour. Plan 2-3 hours total. Photography is allowed on the decks.
No. The submarine has extremely tight spaces: narrow companionways, confined torpedo rooms, and low metal ceilings. If you experience claustrophobia, skip the submarine portion and extend your time at the museum instead. Notify the operator in advance so they can adjust your itinerary.
The water taxi crossing takes approximately 10 minutes. It's a small passenger ferry operating year-round across Portsmouth Harbour. You'll see modern Royal Navy frigates, destroyers, and submarines at dock. The ferry is weather-dependent; rough seas can cause cancellation or substitution with coach transfer.
HMS Warrior is a must for naval enthusiasts. It's a fully preserved 1860 ironclad with original gun decks, engine room, and crew living quarters. The guide explains Victorian naval innovation and weapons technology. You can explore independently after the tour. Plan 2-3 hours total. Photography is allowed on the decks.
Best for: architecture enthusiasts and Jane Austen fans
Best for: history lovers and those wanting royal connections
Best for: car enthusiasts and nature lovers
Best for: walkers and those seeking quieter countryside
Live availability from our partner Viator