Proud maritime history is ripe to be explored in bustling Portsmouth

WITH popular beach resorts Bournemouth and Bognor Regis located to the east and west, not to mention the Isle of Wight a 45-minute ferry ride away, Portsmouth is often overlooked by sun-seekers looking for a short break on the south coast.

But having played a crucial role in our nation’s history for more than 500 years, few destinations can match it for the abundance of places of interest now on offer.

Anchoring Portsmouth’s pride is its position as Britain’s premier naval port.

The hats in the local shops are more likely to read Kiss Me Hardy than Kiss Me Quick in honour of the man whose name stands above all others in maritime matters.

Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson spent too much of his life sailing the seas or based abroad to accurately say Portsmouth was his home, but he lived here towards the end of his life and it was where he spent his final night before setting sail to thwart Napoleon’s ambitions at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The famous battle’s flagship, HMS Victory, is now anchored at Portsmouth’s number one visitor attraction, the impressive Historic Dockyard.

You can follow in the footsteps of Lord Nelson – and visit the spot where he fell – on an interactive tour of the ship, but mind your head. Early 19th Century sailors were, on average, built a few inches shorter than today’s tourists and following the tour below decks, with all its low-lying beams, can result in a sore head to match the one you would have if you received double rations ship’s rum.

And you’ll need a clear head to work out which is the best ticket to suit you to visit the rest of the Historic Dockyard’s attractions.

The Mary Rose, the sunken Tudor warship brought to the surface 25 years ago, can now be viewed here along with an impressive array of artefacts from Henry VIII’s day.

You can then jump forward 300 years in naval development to see HMS Warrior, the world’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship which launched in 1860 and never fired a shot in anger but changed naval warfare forever.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, a new exhibition detailing the Battle of Jutland – the only meeting between the Royal and German navies during the First World War – and an activity park based on ITV’s Ninja Warrior series are also on site and the Dockyard offers ticketing options to visit all or just one of the many attractions.

The all attraction ticket, which includes a complimentary harbour tour, is available for £38 (£25.50 for under-16s) and is valid for one year from the day of your visit (you will need to make at least one return trip to see everything on offer). And if you know you’re going in advance, get your tickets online – the adult ticket can be purchased for £30.40 (£20.40 for children). Different combinations of family tickets are available.

Lord Nelson and his navy cohorts are not the only famous names connected with this part of Hampshire.

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and it was home to Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling.

These literary greats are celebrated at museums throughout the city and with frequent events.

If there are big, outdoor events in Portsmouth chances are they’ll be hosted on Southsea Common, a 100-acre open space right on the seafront. It’s a popular location for sports, picnics and dog walks. Recently, the Common has also hosted a number of high-profile events, including the America’s Cup World Series and Victorious music festival.

Also situated on the Common is Southsea Castle, one of King Henry VIII’s most famous fortifications. It’s from the castle’s vantage point that Henry is said to have watched the sinking of the Mary Rose.

Modern-day visitors can look out to sea from what is fast becoming the modern emblem of Portsmouth – the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. This imposing structure stretches 170 metres (558ft) above Gunwharf Quays – making it taller than Big Ben, the London Eye and Blackpool Tower. On a good day, visitors can see 350-degree panoramas stretching up to 23 miles.

Coming back down to earth you can spend time – and money – in the Gunwharf’s high-end retail stores or eating a meal while sitting watching the sun set at a waterfront restaurant.

With so much to see and do, you’ll be grateful for the chance to take the weight off your feet.