February Half Term – Dockyard Deckhands
14 Feb - 22 Feb 2026
FUN HALF TERM ACTIVITY AT THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM
This February half term, step into the shoes of a Dockyard worker and become an apprentice deckhand for the day. Families are invited to roll up their sleeves together, try real maritime skills and discover the trades that once brought the Dockyard to life.
On arrival, an Apprentice Card is collected before setting off between hands on skill stations. Along the way, new challenges are tackled and stamps earned to show each skill has been mastered. Every activity is inspired by the work of Dockyard workers past and present.
After completing enough skill stations, it’s time to graduate. Families can head to the graduation desk to have the Apprentice Card checked, before taking home a pin badge celebrating a chosen trade.
Dockyard Deckhands is included in your Dockyard admission ticket.
Learn Your Trade
Activity stops do not need to be completed in any particular order.
Help keep the ship seaworthy by learning the skill of caulking. Deckhands have used this technique for centuries to seal the gaps between wooden planks and stop water from getting in.
Try your hand and earn your stamp. Can you pack the seams of the deck and smooth the surface?
Learn the skill that guided ships safely across the sea. Navigation was essential for every journey, helping sailors know where they were, where they were heading and how to get there.
Try your hand and earn your stamp. You will need to follow the set of coordinates on the map. Where do they lead you to?
Help build the strong connections that keep ships secure by learning the skill of chain making. Heavy iron chains were vital in the dockyard, used for anchors, mooring and lifting heavy loads.
Try your hand and earn your stamp. Link and secure the chain pieces to create a length of chain. Take your links home or add them to our growing cable.
Help prepare the materials that keep ships afloat by learning the skill of oakum picking. Before caulkers could seal a deck or hull, oakum had to be made by hand.
Try your hand and earn your stamp. Carefully tease the fibres from the rope to create your own oakum.
Discover the skill that brought ships to life. Shipbuilding sat at the heart of the dockyard, turning timber, iron and skill into vessels ready for sea.
Try your hand and earn your stamp. Shape and test different hull designs using the tow tank. Which shapes float best and travel fastest through the water?
Learn the careful craft that kept ships moving and visible at sea. Sail and flag stitching was vital work in the dockyard, used to repair sails, strengthen seams and create flags flown from the mast.
Try your hand and earn your stamp. Sew a simple seam connecting 2 pieces of fabric. Take your piece home or add it to our growing flag. How big can we make it?
Learn the skill that holds everything together at sea. During the Age of Sail, ropework was essential on every ship. It was used for sails, rigging, lifting, securing cargo and tying up safely in harbour.
Try your hand and earn your stamp. Learn 2 essential knots used by sailors and deckhands. Tie them correctly to earn your knot stamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Information
Dockyard Deckhands is included with your Dockyard admission, so there is nothing extra to pay to take part. Pick from adult tickets and child tickets for ages 4 to 15, with children aged 3 and under going free. Discounted family tickets are also available. Prices vary if you book online or on the day, so booking ahead gives you the best value. Best of all, your ticket lasts for 12 months and also includes our Easter, Summer and half term programmes, so there is plenty more to come back for.
February Half Term – 14 to 22 February 2026 (10am to 4pm)
Dockyard Deckhands is a family-friendly Half Term activity, designed for families with younger children looking for a fun day out at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
The trail takes place in various locations across the Dockyard, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor locations. All activity stations are under cover.
You don’t need to bring anything special. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for exploring the Dockyard. All materials needed for the activities are provided.
Alongside Dockyard Deckhands, families can explore historic ships, galleries and outdoor spaces across The Historic Dockyard, all included as part of a great Half Term day out. Find out more on our Visit page.
The Historic Dockyard is committed to being accessible and inclusive for most visitors. The site offers disabled parking, level access routes, and facilities to support a comfortable Half Term day out for all families. For full details on access, facilities, and planning your visit, please see our Accessibility information page.
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