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Portsmouth Attractions in, Portsmouth
Portsmouth attractions, local Portsmouth attractions, Hampshire England
If you only see one site in Portsmouth
you have to check out HMS
Victory.
Nelson’s famous flagship, that fought with French and
Spanish fleets and helped lead Britain to victory in the
battle of Trafalgar, where Nelson sadly lost his life.
The Mary Rose is also another great source of pride in Portsmouth. Henry VIII’s four-mast flagship was built in 1509 but sank off the south coast on its way to meet the French navy. It was rediscovered in the 1960’s, thanks to the preservative effect of the silt of the Solent. Raised in 1982 and has now been impressively restored to its former glory.
The Royal Naval Museum, set alongside HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and the Royal Navy’s first warship HMS Warrior, gives a detailed account of Portsmouth’s long naval history. New exhibitions funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund include Horatio Nelson: The Hero and the Man, and HMS Victory and the Battle of Trafalgar.
Many people pass through Portsmouth on their way to the continent via the channel ferry port
Tour the Portsmouth area from the sea between Easter and October with a cruise on board one of the Blue Boat Trips (023 9282 0564). A 45minute trip packs in plenty of sites including the harbour fortifications and historic ships, the naval base and views of Portchester Castle and the Isle of Wight.
For a day out with a difference visit the Royal Navy Submarine Museum celebrating a hundred years of submarine history. Your museum visit will include a guided tour of the submarine HMS Alliance to really bring to life what life is like on board a sub.
A great family day out can be had at Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower. This multi-award winning attraction with its attention grabbing exhibits and film shows detais the history of firepower including a fascinating insight into gunpowder loading and dodging mines.
Those after a little retail therapy have a number of choices on offer in the Portsmouth area. For designer brands you can’t beat the Gunwharf Quays waterfront shopping centre while the city centre plays host to all the main high street names. Southsea’s shopping centre and Port Solent’s marina offer further shopping opportunities.
