Once upon a time,
before the town of Portsmouth was founded, this coastline was made up of creeks, low-lying marsh and water. Over the centuries the coastline has altered, but the town's position here on the south coast, its proximity to the open sea, coupled with control of the harbour and its entrance, have secured Portsmouth's place in history as one of the world's great anchoranges and a rendevouz for British shipping in times of war for over 800 years.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Opening Times
Open daily except 24-26 December.
April-September 10.00am-5.30pm.
October-March 10.00am-5.00pm.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
Museum shop closes 15 minutes before closing time.

Parking
Free car parking in the grounds of the museum. Coaches may park in St George's Road (100 yards for the museum).

Catering
Selection of food, hot meals, sandwiches, cakes, snacks and drinks available.

Shop
Specialising in local history and decorative arts including local arts & crafts, gifts, souvenirs, greeting cards, fine art prints, toys, glassware, china and an extensive book section.

Length of Stay and Group Sizes
The typical visit time by a group is 1-1½ hours. The recommended maximum number arriving at any one time is 60. When visiting 'Story of Portsmouth', 'Portsmouth at Play' or temporary exhibitions, it is advisable to spilt into smaller groups of 15/20 within the museum to avoid overcrowding.

Free Admission
Groups please book in advance. If you wish you can book now on-line.

Educational Groups
Schools please book in advance, telephone +44 (0)23 9229 6905 for reservations or book now on-line.

Toilets
Toilets are available on the first floor (including accessible toilet combined with baby changing facilities on the ground floor).

Out to Lunch
Join us for the summer holidays, with a range of entertainment for all, including clowns, live music, comedy, drama, storytelling and much more!

All events in the grounds of the City Museum and Records Office, under cover if it is wet. All events FREE.

MAPS
Click here for a map of the local area
Click here to plan your route
Click here for a map of all museum sites
Click here for an aerial shot of the museum


Photo of Arts Room
* * *
Visit the Records Office site
Visit the Natural History Museum Site
Visit the D-day museum site
Visit the Charles Dickens Birthplace site
Visit the Southsea Castle site
Visit the Museums Shop site
Visit the Portsmouth Museum Portal site
Add this site to your favourites


Portsmouth Records Office
Galleries | Events | Accessibility | Visitor Information | Contact Us | Museums Portal
© 2006 Portsmouth City Council / Disclaimer / Privacy Statement