Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

About the museum

The Devonport Naval Heritage Centre was set up more than sixty years ago to preserve the story of Devonport Dockyard and of the Royal Navy ships and people connected with it. It has always been staffed by volunteers and is supported by the Royal Navy at Devonport.

The collection is spread over several historic buildings close to the old South Yard. The Old Fire Station of 1851 holds the Age of Sail Gallery, which covers the wooden sailing navy and shipbuilding at Devonport. An 18th-century building that once housed the Dockyard Superintendent and the pay office contains five more galleries, covering the change from sail to steam, the two World Wars and the Battle of Jutland, the submarine service, victualling the fleet, and naval uniforms.

Changes to the secure boundary of the naval base mean that the centre now stands outside it, so visitors no longer have to book in advance to enter. The centre also keeps a large archive and answers research enquiries, and its volunteers run guided tours of the collection on open days.

Highlights

• Finds from the wreck of HMS Coronation, which sank in 1691, in the Age of Sail Gallery
• Large models of HMS Warspite and a 14-foot model of the carrier HMS Ark Royal
• Working submarine periscope with a view over the River Tamar
• Battle of Jutland exhibition
• Uniform collection from admiral to able seaman, plus medals and ceremonial swords

Permanent exhibitions

• Age of Sail Gallery – Covers the wooden sailing navy and shipbuilding at Devonport, with artefacts recovered from HMS Coronation, which sank in 1691.
• Warspite Gallery – Shows how warships changed from wood to steel and from sail to steam, with detailed models of HMS Warspite, built at Devonport.
• Courageous Gallery – Tells the story of the Royal Navy submarine service and the Cold War submarine HMS Courageous, with a working periscope and an interactive walk-through.

Operated by

Volunteer-run, supported by the Royal Navy at Devonport

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Donations are welcome and are accepted in cash or by bank transfer (BACS) only.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Buggy and wheelchair access is available to most of the heritage site. Visitors with specific needs should email the centre in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

The centre promotes family-friendly features such as a working submarine periscope, naval hats and uniforms, ship models and a block-and-pulley display to try.

Getting there & parking

From the Granby Way bus stop it is about 600 yards on foot, following signs to the centre. Do not follow Google Maps directions, which lead down Albany Street to a point from which the centre cannot be reached; turn left at the bottom of Granby Way to reach Vivid Approach.

Amenities & dining

• Café

A reception café serves simple snacks and drinks and takes cash only. The Devonport Market Hall, a few minutes away, has another café.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit