Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from Southampton 

Private Group Tours

Tailored Itineraries

Luxury Vehicles

What better way to spend your shore excursion from Southampton port than journeying through the heart of Britain’s naval history with our private tour of Portsmouth’s historic dock?

Departing from the Southampton Cruise Terminal, your luxury air-conditioned vehicle whisks you away to Portsmouth, a city steeped in maritime heritage. Explore iconic landmarks such as HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, and Old Portsmouth’s cobbled streets. 

With expert commentary and seamless transportation, this tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure—a perfect excursion for history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike. 

What's Included:

Collection at Southampton Cruise Terminal

Aerial view of Southampton Docks on a sunny day, showcasing the busy port and waterfront area in England for potential tourists.
Southampton Port, England

Your private driver and luxury air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting to collect you from your Southampton Cruise Point in the morning to get your tour of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard underway!

Driver-Guided Tour & Portsmouth War History Tour

Mallets Mortar displayed at Fort Nelson, a Royal Armouries museum near Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK, showcasing historical artillery with grass foreground and cloudy sky background.
Royal Armouries, Portsmouth, England

Explore Portsmouth on a driver-guided tour, where the maritime city’s rich naval history comes to life. 

Surrounded by the sea, Portsmouth boasts an array of military and maritime landmarks, including the renowned Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the D-Day Story with its stunning Overlord Embroidery. Your guide will take you to Royal Armouries Fort Nelson on Portsdown Hill, offering panoramic city views.

In the summer, your tour can include a ride on the Portsmouth Harbour Waterbus, connecting top attractions like the Historic Dockyard, Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Royal Navy Submarine Museum, and the vibrant Gunwharf Quays shopping and dining district.

Delve into the charms of Portsmouth’s Old Town as your driver-guide reveals its hidden gems, including the Anglican Cathedral, a historic treasure dating back to 1185. Uncover the city’s secrets and enjoy a seamless, personalized journey through Portsmouth’s storied past and vibrant present.

HMS Victory Tour

Close-up view of HMS Victory in Portsmouth showcasing intricate details of the ship's rigging, cannons, and wooden structure, under a clear blue sky.
HMS Victory, Portsmouth

Step on board the HMS Victory, the iconic flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson, and prepare to be transported back in time as you discover this historic vessel, steeped in maritime history and naval glory.

As you step onto the deck of the HMS Victory, you’ll immediately feel the weight of history beneath your feet. This magnificent ship played a pivotal role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where Nelson famously led the British fleet to victory against the combined forces of France and Spain.

Witness every nook and cranny of HMS Victory from the Great Cabin, where battle plans were drawn up, right through to the lower gun deck, where you will catch a glimpse of what it was like to live and fight under Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson.

Discover the triumphs and tragedies that unfolded on this legendary ship, and gain a newfound appreciation for the bravery and skill of the men who sailed her. 

Private Tours England did a great job putting together a memorable itinerary and coordinated details including all ticket purchases and transport. Special note of commendation for our driver-guide who added tremendously to the enjoyment of our trip. He was professional, personable, proficient and knowledgeable. Should you choose to use the services of Private Tours of England (highly recommended) including transport, be sure to ask for Calvin.

Mary Rose Museum

Discover the extraordinary story of Henry VIII’s favorite ship, from her fateful last battle to her miraculous rediscovery at the bottom of the Solent over 400 years later. 

The Mary Rose Museum is a marvel of modern story-telling and cutting-edge science, brought together to create a unique experience unlike anything else. This one-of-a-kind attraction brings you closer to Tudor life than you can imagine.

From the depths of the Solent to Portsmouth Dockyard, the Mary Rose has had a long journey.   

Built in 1510 and launched the following year, she served Henry VIII for 34 years before sinking dramatically in 1545, defending England from a French invasion fleet. There she lay until 1971, when a team of divers, led by the late Alexander McKee, rediscovered the wreck site. 

What followed was a ground-breaking feat of underwater archaeology, as hundreds of divers worked tirelessly to recover the Mary Rose and return her to the surface. Many still remember the momentous day she finally broke free of the water on 11 October 1982. 

From here she was transported to her final home in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where essential conservation work began. An enduring memory of the Mary Rose during this time was of her being constantly sprayed, initially with water, then later with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), a water-soluble wax, to aid in her preservation. 

This process took over 30 years to complete, and now the Mary Rose is reunited with her artefacts, telling the stories of the men who lived, worked, and died onboard, as well as being a testament to those that worked so hard to bring her home.  

Portsmouth Harbour Cruise

Twilight view of Spinnaker Tower and the vibrant harbor area in Portsmouth, highlighting the dynamic waterfront and architectural beauty during a sunny evening on England's South Coast.
Portsmouth

Set sail on a Harbour Tour and get up close to the modern Royal Navy in a way few ever get to experience. 

As you cruise around the harbor, you’ll get unparalleled views of the modern frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers that call Portsmouth their home. As you sail past these titans of Britain’s naval ingenuity, the Harbour Tour’s Captain will talk you through each of the ships currently in dock, as well as stories from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s past and present. 

Drop-off at Southampton Cruise Terminal

Our private day trip concludes as your private driver returns you to Southampton Cruise Terminal. 

Email Us

Let us know your questions!

Call Free

+1 (619) 404-6091

SideBar Tour Request

Step 1:

Fill out the form with the destinations & wish-list for your perfect trip. Our specialists will be happy to provide additional ideas & inspiration for your vacation

Step 2:

You will then receive a tailor-made tour itinerary which can be revised an unlimited number of times to ensure total satisfaction and the perfect vacation in England

Step 3:

Your guide will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point. You can count on us for 24/7 in-country support and everything else necessary for a wonderful & seamless tour

Book Your Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Tour

Experience Britain’s rich naval heritage on our exclusive Portsmouth Historic Dockyard tour. From the iconic HMS Victory to the fascinating Mary Rose Museum, every detail is designed for cruise guests.

Contact us today to book your private Portsmouth tour or design a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests. Dive into history—your adventure awaits!

Tour Request

Email Us

Let us know your questions!

Call Free

+1 (619) 404-6091

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