Giving the gift of an unforgettable experience is often the perfect option for those hardest to buy for at Christmas. This year, Portsmouth Historic Quarter is offering the opportunity to surprise a loved one with an experience they will never forget aboard one of its remarkable vessels – a thrilling, one-of-a-kind adventure on the open water.
Guests can choose from Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s remarkable fleet of active vessels, each steeped in naval history and restored to immaculate condition.
Whether ripping through the waters at high speed in the Motor Gun Boat (MGB) 81 or the High Speed Launch (HSL) 102, or enjoying a relaxing, open-air excursion on the iconic Landing Craft Foxtrot 8 (F8), every voyage promises breathtaking views, fascinating historic insight and, at the skipper’s discretion, the chance to take the helm.
Boat trips depart from the iconic Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which hosts a fascinating collection of historic boats as well as a stunning restaurant overlooking the harbour.
With boat trip tickets starting at just £12 per person and exclusive charters ranging from £100 to £6,100, there’s something for every budget — whether family members club together for a day out to remember, or someone special deserves an extraordinary treat they’ll never forget this Christmas.
Each vessel have been painstakingly restored and maintained by Portsmouth Historic Quarter and has its own extraordinary story to tell:
Motor Gun Boat (MGB) 81: The Spitfire of the Seas
Commissioned in 1942, the MGB 81 can rip through the waters at an eye-watering speed of 48 miles per hour (42 knots). Fast, light, and agile, she was involved in heavy military action in the English Channel, attacking enemy torpedo boats (German E-boats) and taking enemy fire, as well as landing secret agents on occupied soil during WW II.
Despite having undergone substantial restoration, much of her 71.75-foot-long hull is original and her design is considered one of the finest built during WWII.
MGB 81 is the only surviving boat of her type, and with three new engines, is the ultimate high-speed, once in a life-time experience for up to nine guests.
Prices: 1 hour £1,100 | 3 hours £3,300 | 6 hours £6,100
Boat trips on pontoon open weekends £130 per person (60 mins)
High Speed Launch (HSL) 102: Over 13,000 WWII lives saved
Built in 1936, HSL 102 is the only surviving 100-class high-speed launch amongst more than 350 that served during WWII, saving over 13,000 lives. Capable of reaching 46 mph (40 knots), HSL 102 saw extensive action during the Battle of Britain, rescuing 38 downed airmen from the sea under fire.
Despite weighing over 13 tonnes and at a length of 65 feet, HSL 102’s hull is designed for magnificent speed, lifting above the water’s surface to skim across it. Most of the hull is believed to be original.
Sleek, elegant, and steeped in history, HSL 102 offers an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers and maritime enthusiasts alike. She can accommodate up to nine guests.
Prices: 1 hour £800 | 3 hours £2,200 | 6 hours £3,000 (lunch included)
Boat trips on pontoon open weekends £65 per person (45 mins)
Landing Craft Foxtrot 8 (F8): Pivotal in the Falklands campaign
Foxtrot 8 (F8) was built in 1959 and subsequently attached to the amphibious assault ship HMS Fearless. She played a pivotal part in the re-taking of the Falklands Islands in 1982 campaign, where she saw considerable action landing troops in San Carlos Water, and is one of only two to survive.
The 12.5-tonne craft is powered by two original diesel engines and following a rebuild and restoration in 2018 under the stewardship of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, is now in full working order.
Offering a more relaxed but unique open-air excursion, F8 is one of the best ways take in the panoramic views of the harbour, at a gentle top speed of 13 miles per hour (11 knots). F8 can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Prices: 20 minutes £100 | 1 hour £250 | 3 hours £600 (lunch included)
Throughout April – October £12 per person (30 mins)
The ideal time to enjoy these memorable experiences is between April and October. Book via boatbookings@portsmouthhq.org or 023 9282 092. All excursions set off from the pontoon at Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard; the home of these impressive and historic vessels.
These experiences have been curated by Portsmouth Historic Quarter (PHQ), the landlord and custodian of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which has a sizable collection of 36 small historic boats.
As a charitable organisation, PHQ is responsible for conserving and restoring the iconic boats and buildings of Britain’s history, so that future generations can visit and learn about the inspiring tales of the past. Profits from visits to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are reinvested by the Trust, so that the heritage of the iconic dockyard can be upheld.
For more information visit: https://portsmouthhq.org/
