Portsmouth is an interesting place to stay and visit. It has many museums and fortifications including the historic dockyard and not forgetting of course Gunwharf Quays where you can wine and dine before ascending up the Spinnaker Tower.

As a naval port, Portsmouth was for hundreds of years one of the most heavily defended cities in Europe. The Round Tower at the entrance to the harbour was one of the cities first permanent forts, built and completed in the 1420’s. This was to stop one of our oldest enemies, the French from entering the port and burning the city which they had done several times during the 100 year war.

Another fort worthy of a visit is Southsea Castle. Built in 1544 by Henry VIII where from her ramparts he watched in dismay as his flagship, the Mary Rose turned and capsized in the Solent with massive loss of life to her crew. The castle was also in fact for a time a military prison and a lighthouse was erected in the 1820’s and is still in use by shipping today.

At the historic dockyard you can visit many museums; HMS Victory, the Warrior and the Mary Rose raised from the Solent seabed in October 1992.

HMS Victory is a must see, Admiral Lord Nelson’s final command where he lost his life at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Built and launched in 1765 she remained in active service until 1812 and is still in commission.

The Warrior was the first iron clad warship built in 1860. She was powered by steam and sail and when launched was the most formidable warship the world had ever seen.

There are lots more to see and do in Portsmouth, but don’t just take my word for it, come and see for yourselves.