Britain's first warship with an all-metal hull, the HMS Warrior (1860) is a beautifully preserved/restored premium attraction, a must-see for anyone even remotely interested in the history of ship-building, and the wars that these ships fought in. It is part of the tremendous "Portsmouth Historic Dockyard" experience (It also includes the HMS Victory, the HMS M.33 and the WWII submarine HMS Alliance, plus several museums) which offers at least a couple of days worth of exciting sight-seeing for adults as much as more the smaller fry.
First things first: If you want to do all of the Portsmouth Harbour attractions in one day (better make it the full day, i.e. 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. in the summer and to 5 p.m. in the winter), make sure to book the "all attractions" ticket *ONLINE*, which will save you money: E.g. the single adult ticket costs UKP 32.00 on the door, but just 25.60 online. The HMS Warrior as an individual attraction alone costs UKP 18.00.
While not as famous as Nelson's HMS Victory, the Warrior is a tremendously imposing ship physically, and full of exciting details to explore. The whole body of the ship is fitted with historic cannons, cabin furniture, hammocks, tables, plates used by the sailors of the time, etc etc. It really conveys convincingly how both the officers and, in particular, the rank and file on this ship lived and worked at the time. It's thrilling, sometimes disturbing to see tables with plates next to the cannons, next to the hammocks - eating, sleeping, fighting and dying in one and the same place. There are cabins for the officers, a map room.
You can visit all the decks (be careful on those steep steps between the decks - it's almost inconceivable how sailors were supposed to run up and down those!) and photography is allowed everywhere in the ship. Since the lighting is much less low-key than on the HMS Victory you'll be able to make decent pictures even with smartphone and super zoom cameras.
If you have any questions while you're exploring the vessel, there are several friendly guides on every deck who you can ask anything. Of course they're friendlier towards single ladies than to single guys. ;)
Since HMS Warrior s only part of a large visitors' experience, if you're exhausted or hungry from your exploits there are several restaurants and cafés (sadly, no pub!) on the grounds of the dockyard nearby. Directly opposite of the Warrior you'll find the quay where the Harbour Cruise and the free boat ride to the HMS Alliance depart (included in the all attractions ticket).
All in all this is a most exciting and intriguing tourist and historical attraction. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours on the HMS Warrior alone. read more