Spooky Historic Dockyard After Dark

This two-hour after-hours tour accesses the Historic Dockyard when closed to general visitors, offering private views of HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum in low lighting. The guide shares paranormal stories tied to naval disasters, accidental deaths during construction, and sailors lost at sea. You'll walk through restoration areas and below-deck spaces where staff have reported unexplained sounds. Hot drink and biscuits are included, making it a complete evening experience. Best for naval history buffs and those wanting unique access. This is a moderate activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 8-25. You meet at Victory Gate, Historic Dockyard. Key highlights: Private after-hours access to HMS Victory when closed to day visitors, Walk below-deck areas where paranormal activity reported, Visit Mary Rose Museum in distinctive evening lighting.

Price: £18

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 8-25

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: naval history buffs and those wanting unique access

Best time: October to March only (when tour operates); evenings 5:30pm-7:30pm

Meeting point: Victory Gate, Historic Dockyard

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

5:30pm arrival Gather at Victory Gate for security briefing and tour introduction - Guide explains safety procedures and ghost stories you'll encounter during the evening.

5:45pm-6:15pm Private access to HMS Victory's lower gun decks - Explore areas closed during day tours; guide discusses deaths from cannon accidents and poor conditions.

6:15pm-6:45pm Walk through Historic Dockyard buildings and restoration areas - See where construction accidents occurred; learn paranormal reports from staff working late.

6:45pm-7:15pm Mary Rose Museum after-hours viewing - See preserved Tudor ship remains in distinctive lighting; hear stories of 700 sailors lost in 1545 sinking.

7:15pm-7:30pm Hot drink and biscuits in heated shelter - Warm up and ask final questions before tour concludes.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Victory Gate, Historic Dockyard.

• Private after-hours access to HMS Victory when closed to day visitors
• Walk below-deck areas where paranormal activity reported
• Visit Mary Rose Museum in distinctive evening lighting
• Stories of 16th-century maritime disaster and modern construction accidents
• Hot drink and biscuits included to warm up

What is included: 2-hour guided after-hours tour, Private access to HMS Victory, Private access to Mary Rose Museum, Hot drink (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), Biscuits.

Not included: Main Historic Dockyard admission (only includes ghost tour access), Meals beyond biscuits, Photography inside ships. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Warm coat or jumper, Waterproof jacket (dockyard exposed to elements), Sturdy walking shoes, Torch or headlamp, Camera (allowed in some areas; ask guide). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: October to March only (when tour operates); evenings 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Tip: October to March only

Tip: Book well in advance; spaces fill quickly

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for security clearance

Tip: Wear thick-soled shoes; metal decks are slippery when damp

Tip: Photography restricted in some areas

Accessibility: Multiple stairs inside HMS Victory; not wheelchair accessible. Requires climbing to upper decks and descending steep ship ladders. Navy vessels have confined spaces and low doorways. Not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Sturdy footwear essential..

Operator: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 23 9283 9766

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Tour contained within dockyard walk)
• Mary Rose Museum (Tour includes this walk)
• Gunwharf Quays (10 min walk for evening drinks after tour walk)

This activity is run by Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before; 50% refund 3-6 days before; non-refundable within 3 days.

Accessibility: Multiple stairs inside HMS Victory; not wheelchair accessible. Requires climbing to upper decks and descending steep ship ladders. Navy vessels have confined spaces and low doorways. Not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Sturdy footwear essential..

Best time to go: October to March only (when tour operates); evenings 5:30pm-7:30pm.

When does the Spooky Dockyard tour run?

The tour operates October through March only, typically Tuesday to Saturday at 5:30pm. Summer months don't run due to daylight hours. Book in advance on the Historic Dockyard website as spaces are limited to 25 people per tour.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?

No. HMS Victory requires climbing steep ladders, ascending multiple narrow staircases, and navigating confined below-deck spaces. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. If you have limited mobility, consider the daytime Dockyard tour instead, which offers accessible routes.

Can I take photos on the after-dark tour?

Photography is allowed in some Dockyard areas but prohibited inside HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum to protect preservation. Bring a camera but be prepared to put it away during ship visits. Ask your guide which areas permit photography.