The Diving Museum is currently closed for improvement works and will reopen in July 2024.
The museum, established in 2010, houses a collection of exhibits and artefacts connected with the history of diving. There is something for all as well as activities for children. Exhibits include amongst many others equipment used by James Bond, modern and historical recreational diving equipment, deep saturation diving equipment and a comprehensive collection of Royal Navy equipment. Larger exhibits can be seen outside the Battery beneath the ramparts adjacent to the No.2 Battery car park. On display at the Museum is the Deane Helmet, the world’s first successful diving helmet dating from the early 1820s, on loan from the Science Museum. The co-inventor of the diving helmet, John Deane, lived in Gosport from 1835 to 1845 during which time he discovered the Mary Rose. The first diving helmet ever sold by the inventors was to a Gosport mariner, Henry Abbinett. As a result, Gosport represents a natural home for the country’s premier historical diving museum.
The museum is housed in a Victorian Battery. There is a short flight of stairs down into the museum. The museum volunteers are willing and able to assist anyone who may need help managing the stairs. They have a wheelchair in the museum which is available on request. Once you are in the museum all areas are then accessible by wheelchair.
For latest details visit the Diving Museum website.