Royal Navy Submarine Museum

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport tells the story of submarines from ancient times to today. It sits near the old HMS Dolphin site, where the Submarine Service was based for most of the 20th century. The museum began in 1963 as a small collection above St Ambrose Church. It grew after gaining official recognition in 1967 and moved to its own site in 1978. The main building opened in 1981, with HMS Alliance as its centrepiece. The museum holds key artefacts from the Royal Navy’s submarine past. Holland 1, the first British submarine built in 1901, is on display in a climate-controlled building. Visitors can board HMS Alliance, guided by former submariners, and explore interactive exhibits. The collection also includes wartime midget submarines like X24 and the German Biber. Other displays feature deep-sea rescue submersibles and early diving suits. Inside, the galleries trace the Submarine Service’s role from early missions to modern command. A control room trainer lets visitors try submarine operations. The periscope from HMS Conqueror, famous for its role in the Falklands War, overlooks Portsmouth Harbour. Nearby, Remembrance Corner honours those lost in submarine service. The museum also links to other naval sites, including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower.