Royal Navy Submarine Museum

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport offers an unparalleled look into maritime history and underwater warfare. Visitors are invited to explore the story of submarine evolution through exhibits set within and around actual vessels.

A key highlight is HMS Alliance—the only surviving Second World War-era submarine—where you can wander its narrow corridors, peer through an original periscope, and envision life beneath the waves.

Equally compelling are Holland I, the Royal Navy’s first submarine, and X24, the sole surviving example of the WWII-era X-craft, each bringing to life technical ingenuity and naval bravery. Additional galleries, such as the “Silent and Secret” exhibition, reveal insights into Britain’s at-sea nuclear deterrent with artefacts like diving suits, torpedoes, and original documents.

The museum’s facilities enhance your visit with free audio guides, a small café serving refreshments, and a gift shop stocked with maritime memorabilia. Open Wednesday to Sunday (and daily during school holidays), the Royal Navy Submarine Museum provides an engaging, educational experience for families, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the hidden world beneath the surface.

Photo credit: Andrew Bone