Devonport Naval Heritage Centre
Devonport Naval Heritage Centre
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
The Devonport Naval Heritage Site and Visitor Centre records the development of The Dockyard and Plymouth's pivotal role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts since 1300, including two World Wars. Through its collections, interactive experiences and pictorial interpretation the drama of the close relationship of Devonport, the Royal Navy, The Dockyard and the people of Plymouth can be explored. The Devonport Naval Heritage Site and Visitor Centre includes The Naval Heritage Centre, the Duty Visit Ship, the decomissioned submarine'Courageous' and Naval Base Coach Tours. It is open by appointment to groups of visitors. Tours are conducted by RN Personnel and Civilian Volunteers. Tours* are available for Divisional, Departmental or Team-Building events and for public enjoyment. Join with us in sharing, exploring and conserving the character and history of Devonport Naval Base and The Dockyard for the future. Enjoy your visit! *TOURS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH BOOKING
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Marion C1 contributionWhat an amazing placeFor starters it's free, not much these days for free. So much to see, a real working periscope, interactive displays and so much more. The displays are fascinating and the volunteers provide a wealth of knowledge. Having a family connection with Devonport Dockyard makes it so much more relevant. We will return many more times to take it all in. Followed by free tea and coffee, what a day!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 September 2023
- Amanda F5 contributionsSurprisingly interestingVisited here as my partner was desperate to visit whilst we were on holiday in Devon from the North East of England. I had a passing interest as my uncle was based there many years ago for his navy/submarine training and postings. It was much larger than I anticipated and was so interesting! The very friendly volunteers there (all ex navy) were so knowledgeable and passionate about the site and surrounding area, we easily passed around two hours there. It was free to visit, with free tea and coffee offered, which was an unexpected bonus added! Donations were requested, but in no way forced on visitors, and in my opinion the experience was very much worth the money we popped in the box before we left.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 September 2023
- Marie BPlymouth, United Kingdom40 contributionsYou need time to enjoy thisWhat an absolute gem of a place, our host for the visit was Peter who was very knowledgeable and animated. The teenagers we were with loved it and explored and were shocked and amazed. The grownups loved it even more and each area we went into opened our eyes to lots of history and surprise. As a volunteer run attraction that has only been open since August it can only get betterVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 October 2023
- Juli C6 contributionsWonderful and varied museum. Genuinely something for everyone, and allow some time to see everything.Wonderful and varied museum. Genuinely something for everyone, as the exhibits span a vast range of topics. Our guide was so great. he spent over 2 hours patiently showing me, my enthusiast son and my elderly parents around. My son has a keen interest in naval history and absolutely revelled in the models of different warships showing the evolution and naval innovation over time. He loved everything really, and our guide was so knowledgeable - he'd worked in the drawing office and was a great storyteller. I loved hearing about the street leading from the Pay Office was full of department stores and shops, ready for people to spend their hard earned wages. There was a brilliant room with older exhibits from 17th, 18th and 19th century sailing. Personally my favourite things to see were the embroidered badges and insignia, and most especially the periscope room - AMAZING! Sad we couldn't visit the submarine - maybe one day??? You'll need time to appreciate this gem of a museum. Great day out.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
98 reviews
Excellent
72
Very good
16
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Juli C
manchester6 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Wonderful and varied museum. Genuinely something for everyone, as the exhibits span a vast range of topics. Our guide was so great. he spent over 2 hours patiently showing me, my enthusiast son and my elderly parents around. My son has a keen interest in naval history and absolutely revelled in the models of different warships showing the evolution and naval innovation over time. He loved everything really, and our guide was so knowledgeable - he'd worked in the drawing office and was a great storyteller. I loved hearing about the street leading from the Pay Office was full of department stores and shops, ready for people to spend their hard earned wages. There was a brilliant room with older exhibits from 17th, 18th and 19th century sailing.
Personally my favourite things to see were the embroidered badges and insignia, and most especially the periscope room - AMAZING!
Sad we couldn't visit the submarine - maybe one day???
You'll need time to appreciate this gem of a museum. Great day out.
Personally my favourite things to see were the embroidered badges and insignia, and most especially the periscope room - AMAZING!
Sad we couldn't visit the submarine - maybe one day???
You'll need time to appreciate this gem of a museum. Great day out.
Written 10 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie B
Plymouth, UK40 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
What an absolute gem of a place, our host for the visit was Peter who was very knowledgeable and animated. The teenagers we were with loved it and explored and were shocked and amazed. The grownups loved it even more and each area we went into opened our eyes to lots of history and surprise.
As a volunteer run attraction that has only been open since August it can only get better
As a volunteer run attraction that has only been open since August it can only get better
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stumpyBirmingham_UK
Birmingham, UK76 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Tried to visit this morning but was unable to find the centre. I was driving and followed the provided post code on the sat nav in the car and also on Google maps but neither took me to the centre. There were no signs on any of the approach roads and with no visible means of getting access I gave up and travelled the 196 miles home! Consideration needs to be given to better signage for visitors.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda F
5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Visited here as my partner was desperate to visit whilst we were on holiday in Devon from the North East of England. I had a passing interest as my uncle was based there many years ago for his navy/submarine training and postings.
It was much larger than I anticipated and was so interesting! The very friendly volunteers there (all ex navy) were so knowledgeable and passionate about the site and surrounding area, we easily passed around two hours there.
It was free to visit, with free tea and coffee offered, which was an unexpected bonus added! Donations were requested, but in no way forced on visitors, and in my opinion the experience was very much worth the money we popped in the box before we left.
It was much larger than I anticipated and was so interesting! The very friendly volunteers there (all ex navy) were so knowledgeable and passionate about the site and surrounding area, we easily passed around two hours there.
It was free to visit, with free tea and coffee offered, which was an unexpected bonus added! Donations were requested, but in no way forced on visitors, and in my opinion the experience was very much worth the money we popped in the box before we left.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion C
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
For starters it's free, not much these days for free. So much to see, a real working periscope, interactive displays and so much more. The displays are fascinating and the volunteers provide a wealth of knowledge. Having a family connection with Devonport Dockyard makes it so much more relevant. We will return many more times to take it all in. Followed by free tea and coffee, what a day!
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ynysva
Bodmin, UK118 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Really good experience, lots to see in respect of exhibits and displays, friendly guides and a good couple of hours looking around
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
2 contributions
Sept 2020
Devonport Naval Heritage Centre is currently closed due to Covid
Some of the figureheads have been loaned to the Box. but the museum still has all of its previous exhibits and new ones which will hopefully be on display when we reopen after the Covid restrictions
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information when it is available
@devonportnavalheritagecentre
Some of the figureheads have been loaned to the Box. but the museum still has all of its previous exhibits and new ones which will hopefully be on display when we reopen after the Covid restrictions
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information when it is available
@devonportnavalheritagecentre
Written 13 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jannerbloke
Plymouth, UK12,635 contributions
Sept 2020
The large figurehead of a queen has gone and now hangs with others in the high open area over the reception, bar/cafe and shop at The Box combi museum/gallery/archive complex on Tavistock Place in the city centre across the road from the university. There was a suggestion a few years ago that quite a lot of the naval heritage centre collection was to be moved and incorporated there. It’s not clear whether that has happened. But we have been down to Devonport to check out the centre but couldn’t find any clear notices or indications of the present position.
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terence L
Plymouth, UK34 contributions
Jun 2019
Great visit, something for everyone, the submarine tour is one to remember.
Some of the exhibits are very interesting.
Some of the exhibits are very interesting.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally D
Exeter, UK2 contributions
Oct 2019
The tour was well organised and ran for the full two hours. It was very informative, it is run by very knowledgeable volunteers. The tour took us around various parts of the submarine whilst both facts and stories of life onboard were shared. It was very enjoyable and initially I thought two hours was a long time but it flew past with so many questions being asked by the group. I only wish the tour were longer it was truly fascinating!
Written 28 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret S
Napier, New Zealand560 contributions
I don't know Plymouth at all. We will be staying at Saltash. Is Devonport easy to get to? Is there parking. Also, is there anything about the 1840 emigrants to New Zealand as I know that they sailed down the Tamar to go to NZ? If not, is there another museum that you can find this information?
Patricia H
37 contributions
Hi,I'm sorry but I've only just seen your message. Saltash isn't too far from Devonport, I believe there is a number 5 bus from Saltash Fore Street to a bus stop quute close to where you want to go in Devonport. Just ask the bus driver to tell you where to get off. If you're taking the car, I'm not too sure about parking but there is plenty of areas outside in the residential area. I don't remember seeing anything about the NZ immigrants but perhaps have a look at the museum website. All the best for your travels!
commanderdavidjohn
Plymouth, UK36 contributions
When can the public visit Nhs courageous
Kabba12
100 contributions
You would need to make arrangements with the Naval staff. If you go on the website, there are contact details on there. It needs to be a minimum of 4 people, but they can tag you onto another group if you are a smaller party than this.
Devongirlie
Newton Abbot774 contributions
Is the cafe open in May please ?
crb1262
London, UK114 contributions
hi i would have thought so yes
Jannerbloke
Plymouth, UK12,635 contributions
Time perhaps to take down the photos that obviously relate to the historical area of the dockyard in Portsmouth not Plymouth? Probably mischief or the fault of yet another tourist who can't distinguish between Pompey and Guz.
DNHC
Yealmpton, UK4 contributions
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will investigate removing these pictures. Hopefully we will soon be joining forces with our friends in NMRN and will therefore be able to share these pictures to the appropriate NMRN site. Thanks again
Stephen W
5 contributions
Thank you Adrian. I have just called the booking desk, and a chap called 'Matt' answered the phone. I related your kind response to him, but he says he has never heard of you, and there has always been a minimum of 5 persons for a visit. There are days during my visit to Plymouth where it would be possible to visit, ie Tues 16th two 2 hour slots, and Thur 18 10-12 are currently free but need min. 4 people to book at this late stage for me 'to tag on' in order to make the 5 minimum for a visit?
Courageous tours are conducted by civilian volunteers from all over Devon and Cornwall who freely give their time to allow us to offer this exceptional opportunity to the general public. To justify their effort we require a minimum of 5 persons to make the tour worthwhile, as the booking desk correctly informed you.
To answer your original question, we will endeavour to add individuals to another group wherever possible and ensure that your requests are met. We are sorry for any confusion.
Stephen W
5 contributions
Just for info, your web link for bookings/enquiries goes directly to a map of India?
Adrian_Boswell
Plymouth, UK
Thank you for your feedback - this has now been changed. I hope that Simon and Matt have now clarified the situation regarding your tour and that you are able to visit soon when numbers allow. Kind regards, the Devonport Naval Heritage Team
Stephen W
5 contributions
Copy of email sent 1 may last .
Dear Sirs,
I am contacting you to inquire as to the possibility of a visit to HMS Courageous, on which I served as a Chief Ordnance Artificer from 1982 to 1987. I see from the Heritage website it appears to be open for bookings but seemingly organised groups only, which is not a viable proposition in my case.
If this is the situation, is there any possibility of 'tagging on' to a previously arranged event? I am visiting Plymouth between the 11th and 18th May this year, with a possibility of a return sometime in June, if not then September.
Thank you,
Adrian_Boswell
Plymouth, UK
Dear Sir, we are sorry for the delay in responding - we have had a small IT problem. Please contact our booking desk directly on 01752 552326 and/or email us your contact telephone number at navynbcd-book1@mod.uk. Thank you for your feedback -
we have updated the website to make it clearer that all visitors are welcome, not just groups. We have several guides that have served onboard HMS Courageous, if you mention the fact that you also served to the bookings desk they may be able to arrange for an old oppo to give the tour. We look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, the Devonport Naval Heritage Team
Colin S
Eastbourne, UK30 contributions
Hello. I have just found your internet site, after putting a question into Google to ask if there was a R.N. museum in Plymouth. I am ex. R.N. but don't live in the Plymouth area unfortunately, so a visit would have to be planned well in advance. I spent most of my R.N. time being Plymouth based ( Ark Royal IV ) including living at St. BUDEAUX so would love to take a tour and see the dockyard again. Was also wondering if in your artefacts, you have any models of R.N. ships that were attached to Devonport. IF NOT, have you thought about that, or do you have any plans for something like that ? Haven't checked yet, but, do you have a Facebook Group page ?
Adrian_Boswell
Plymouth, UK
Dear Colin, sorry for the delay in replying. For bookings and enquiries please contact 01752 552326 or email: navynbcd-book1@mod.uk (please note that 10 working days notice is required for tours). We have a reasonable collection of model warships, many of which were attached to Devonport. Our facebook page can be found by searching for Devonport Naval Heritage Centre (I'm sorry but I cannot post the link here but if you add the usual start it is at facebook/DevonportHeritage). We look forward to seeing you. Kind regards, Adrian
Jannerbloke
Plymouth, UK12,635 contributions
We understand that the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre is to be incorporated into the new History Ventre which is being built in North Hill using an evolution and extension of the existing Museum and Library. It doesn't look very big from the 3D model we saw recently. What will happen to the big interesting exhibits at the existing site like the figureheads, cannon, working equipment like the periscope and especially HMS Courageous? Will entry still be free?
DNHC
Yealmpton, UK4 contributions
We are working with the Plymouth City Museum, which opens ready for our city's mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020. The Devonport Naval Heritage Centre is remaining and indeed improving as we forge forward with our relationship with the National Museum of the Royal Navy. We are going to loan some of our figureheads to the City Museum to help with their entrance WOW space, but we will be back filling our collection with other figureheads from the Naval Collection.
I believe that the City Museum will be free and DNHC will remain to be free for the forseeable future. Courageous is unaffected.
Thank you for your quetion.
Ray Crockett
Devonport Naval Heritage Centre Manager
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Frequently Asked Questions about Devonport Naval Heritage Centre
- Devonport Naval Heritage Centre is open:
- Mon - Thu 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Hotels near Devonport Naval Heritage Centre:
- (0.13 km) Badham Farm Holidays
- (0.29 km) Blackdown Farm
- (0.88 km) The Phantele Bed & Breakfast
- (2.41 km) Edgcumbe Guest House
- (2.51 km) Tudor House
- Restaurants near Devonport Naval Heritage Centre:
- (0.10 km) School of Spice Plymouth
- (0.08 km) Fish and Chips on the Corner
- (0.17 km) Lucky Wok Takeaway
- (0.18 km) Devonport diner
- (0.23 km) Market Hall - Community Cafe