Behind the Scenes at HMS Excellent - Portsmouth

Join us for this unique opportunity to visit HMS Excellent, the home of naval gunnery on Whale Island, Portsmouth. Now, HMS Excellent is home to the Naval Headquarters and front-line training units. It is built on Whale Island (or Whaley), a partially man-made island, vastly enlarged during the late 1800s by landfill as the basins and docks of Portsmouth Harbour were dug out. In addition to its reputation as the gunnery school, its instructors became renowned as the Royal Navy’s experts in drill and ceremonial. Excellent was also home to the Portsmouth Field Gun crew until the demise of the Royal Tournament.

We will enjoy a guided tour which will last approximately an hour and will take in the grounds (that once had a zoo), and include the chance to see the impressive array of Victorian buildings, the Church of St Barbara, the on-site museum and the State Gun Carriage.

As this is a working military establishment, security will be tight during our visit. Names must be provided in advance so there will be no late availability for this event and you must bring photo ID with you on the day.

Please also note the following restrictions:

Searching is a condition of entry and will involve 100% person, baggage and vehicle searches.

No bottles are permitted onto site. Water stations will be provided.

No photographs to be taken.

This is a free event, provided in conjunction with Heritage Open Days.