HMS M33
Step aboard HMS M33, a rare WWI monitor ship offering a unique glimpse into maritime warfare and life at sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
HMS M33
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step aboard HMS M33, a rare WWI monitor ship offering a unique glimpse into maritime warfare and life at sea.
"Incredible WW1 warship! One of my favourite ships/museums in the Dockyard, simply amazing to explore. "
🎟️ Consider an Explorer Pass
Save money and time by pre-purchasing an 'Ultimate Explorer' pass if visiting multiple dockyard attractions.
⏱️ Allocate Enough Time
Most visitors spend 15-30 minutes exploring HMS M33. It's a focused, impactful experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WW1 Gun Deck
Main Deck
Experience the thrill of working the breech of a real World War I gun. A truly hands-on historical encounter.
Gallipoli Campaign History
Below Deck
Gain insights into this crucial WWI campaign and the daily life of sailors aboard this unique vessel.
Ship's Engineering
Engine Room
Discover the fascinating engineering behind this ship, designed for rapid production during wartime.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Pricing
Time for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
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What are your thoughts on the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
🎟️ Consider an Explorer Pass
Save money and time by pre-purchasing an 'Ultimate Explorer' pass if visiting multiple dockyard attractions.
⏱️ Allocate Enough Time
Most visitors spend 15-30 minutes exploring HMS M33. It's a focused, impactful experience.
Prince of Wales alongside Victory Jetty, Portsmouth. HMS Victory, M33 and the Mary Rose museum are also visible [2048 x 1051]
💡 Seek Out the Details
While history is key, don't miss the unique engineering and the fascinating rear-loading cannon mechanism.
🚗 Parking Options
Utilize the Historic Dockyard Car Park or the closer, more affordable Wickham Street Car Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Consider an Explorer Pass
Save money and time by pre-purchasing an 'Ultimate Explorer' pass if visiting multiple dockyard attractions.
⏱️ Allocate Enough Time
Most visitors spend 15-30 minutes exploring HMS M33. It's a focused, impactful experience.
💡 Seek Out the Details
While history is key, don't miss the unique engineering and the fascinating rear-loading cannon mechanism.
🚗 Parking Options
Utilize the Historic Dockyard Car Park or the closer, more affordable Wickham Street Car Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
HMS M33 is a unique WWI warship offering an engaging, albeit brief, exploration of maritime history. Visitors appreciate the hands-on gun experience and the glimpse into shipboard life, though some note a lack of in-depth historical interpretation and a need for modernization. +2
"A great ship to view. It definitely feels like the least loved attraction. The ship is fun to explore but there isn’t much history to learn. No auto guides or anyone really there. There is a video but it’s not as fun learning about the ship sitting in a single metal room rather than actually going around the ship. The top level is interesting but the bottom is certainly not much to talk about.
Again, it’s still a joy to see but needs a bit of TLC/modernisation. I suspect most of the money is going to HMS Victory’s renovation. I suppose M.33 isn’t pulling in as much money as the rest. But it’s still worth putting some TLC into it"
Josh T
"HMS M.33 is a rare survivor from World War I. It offers a unique glimpse into maritime warfare. While the history of the Gallipoli Campaign is the main draw, the lesser-known details of life aboard and the ship's engineering; having been designed for rapid production, are equally fascinating aspects. The incredible mechanism on the rear-loading cannon was my favourite part. There's plenty of parking a short walk away at the Historic Dockyard Car Park and even closer (for less) at Wickham Street Car Park. Allow 15-30 minutes for your visit. Pre-purchasing an 'Ultimate Explorer' pass is recommended to save both time and money."
Dale Rollinson
"There are better things to see than seeing this ship as one of your main attractions. On saying that it is still very interesting and an insight into how this ship functioned. Pity there was no audio guide with this attraction. Worth a visit though if you have the ultimate ticket."
Stillapatmike
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
HMS M33 is located within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. You can reach Portsmouth by car via the M27 and M275 motorways, or by train to Portsmouth Harbour station. The dockyard is a short walk from the station.
Yes, there are parking options available. The Historic Dockyard Car Park is a short walk away, and the Wickham Street Car Park is even closer and often more affordable.
Absolutely! Portsmouth Harbour train station is conveniently located near the dockyard entrance, making it easily accessible by rail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to HMS M33 is typically included with a Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ticket. The 'Ultimate Explorer' pass is recommended for access to multiple attractions and can offer savings. +1
While not always mandatory, pre-purchasing an 'Ultimate Explorer' pass online is recommended to save time and potentially money, especially during peak season.
Opening hours vary seasonally and are part of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's schedule. It's best to check the official Historic Dockyard website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, HMS M33 is generally suitable for all ages. Its compact size and interactive elements make it engaging for families and history enthusiasts alike.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can board and tour the interior of this WWI monitor ship, explore its decks, learn about the Gallipoli Campaign, and discover its unique engineering. You might even get to work the breech of a real WW1 gun! +1
Currently, there isn't a dedicated audio guide for HMS M33. Information is provided through onboard displays and potentially a video presentation.
Most visitors find that 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient to explore HMS M33 thoroughly.
Yes, a highlight is the opportunity to interact with the ship's weaponry, specifically working the breech of a real WW1 gun, which is a unique and memorable experience.
HMS M33 is a rare survivor from World War I, built for rapid production. It offers a glimpse into maritime warfare of the era and played a role in the Gallipoli Campaign.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
HMS M33 itself does not have dining facilities. However, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers various cafes and restaurants within its grounds where you can purchase food and drinks.
Picnics are generally permitted within the grounds of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, but check their specific policies. There are designated areas where you can enjoy your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed on HMS M33 for personal use. Capture the unique details of this WWI warship and share your experience.
The gun deck, the ship's bridge, and the exterior views of the vessel against the dockyard backdrop offer excellent photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical Tip: Ensure children are supervised closely, especially on the decks and near any open areas. The ship's layout is authentic, so be mindful of steps and confined spaces. It's a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about history in a memorable, engaging way.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Check for any special offers or discounts on the Historic Dockyard website. Sometimes, visiting during off-peak times or weekdays can also lead to slightly lower prices or fewer crowds, enhancing your experience without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of HMS M33
One of the most fascinating engineering aspects is the rear-loading cannon mechanism. This feature was a significant advancement, allowing for faster and safer reloading of the ship's main armament. The intricate workings of this system offer a tangible connection to the technological developments of naval warfare during the period. Understanding these engineering details provides a deeper appreciation for the ship's capabilities and the ingenuity of its designers.
While the ship may feel less 'loved' than some of its counterparts, its engineering is a testament to wartime necessity and innovation. It’s a chance to see how practical solutions were implemented to meet the demands of global conflict. The ship's design prioritised functionality and efficiency, making it a unique case study in naval engineering history.
Life Aboard a WWI Monitor
The ship's interior reveals the practicalities of life at sea during this era. From the mess decks to the gunnery stations, every space tells a story of duty and resilience. While some reviews suggest a lack of historical depth, the experience of being on the ship itself provides a powerful connection to the past. It’s about feeling the ship beneath your feet and picturing the sailors who lived and worked here.
Despite its smaller scale, HMS M33 played a role in significant campaigns like the Gallipoli Campaign. Understanding this context adds another layer to the experience, highlighting the diverse roles naval vessels played in the war effort. The ship serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made and the realities of naval service in the early 20th century.
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