Free access to key naval museums across the UK for serving sailor and marines 23 October 2023 Topic: CommunityLocal Initiatives Storyline: Museums ALL serving Royal Navy personnel can tap into the Senior Service’s centuries of proud history for free. The RN has joined forces with its premier museum, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, to give preferential treatment to those serving their nation – saving up to £44 on individual entry prices. And substantial discounts are available for a considerably cheaper family experience. Although synonymous with HMS Victory and the adjacent museum galleries in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, the National Museum is responsible for at least ten naval museums/attractions across the UK. HMS Warrior, WW1 monitor/gunboat HMS M33, the Royal Marines Museum (currently closed while funding for a new building is sought), the RN Submarine Museum and Explosion naval firepower museum in Gosport complete attractions on the Solent. In addition, the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, early 19th Century frigate HMS Trincomalee and the northern arm of the RN Museum in Trincomalee, and WW1 cruiser and survivor of Jutland HMS Caroline can be seen in Belfast. A Royal Navy identity card will gain you free entry to all – no pre-booking is required. The same card will also entitle you to 30 per cent discount on tickets for up to five guests – friends or family. With autumn half-term school holidays for many youngsters this week, Brigadier Jock Fraser – the Deputy Director Royal Navy Heritage – has issued a reminder of the free entry/discount offers to all ships and units because, he believes, “it remains important that we learn from our rich naval history and draw strength from our maritime heritage as an island nation”.
