PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD
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Portsmouth's rich maritime heritage is the reason people come to Portsmouth and the Historic Dockyard is where most of the attractions are concentrated. Accessible with the same ticket, you can easily spend the day there. Everything here illustrates the military and naval past of the region, but also of the whole country. A must-see!
HMS Warrior : not to be missed, it is the only survivor of Queen Victoria's Black Battle Fleet. Launched in 1860, it is the first battleship in the world and could embark up to 700 men. It can be sailed or steamed, and being immersed in its bowels is a fascinating experience.
HMS Victory: this is the second main attraction of the visit. This ship is none other than that of Admiral Nelson, who distinguished himself during the Battle of Trafalgar against the French. Launched in 1765, it is the oldest armed warship in the world. It carried 850 men and we discover their living conditions by surveying this marvellous witness of History.
The Mary Rose : this captivating visit unveils the remains of Henry VIII's ship, which rose from the bottom of the sea where she lay in 1982. Named after his favourite sister and the Tudor emblem (the rose), this flagship of warships served in the Royal Navy for 34 years. However, in 1545, she tragically sank in a battle against the French, taking almost the entire crew (700 men) with her.
National Museum of the Royal Navy: to learn all about the customs and habits of the Royal Navy, its fleet and its history, it will be here. The victories of Admiral Nelson, the arrival of women in the Navy, or the hour-by-hour reconstruction of the Battle of Trafalgar are particularly worth discovering.
Boathouse 4: opened in July 2015, here you can learn more about shipbuilding and its know-how, while admiring a large collection of small boats.
HMS M.33: landed in August 2015 for the centenary of the Great War, it is the only British ship still visible having taken part in the famous Battle of Gallipoli.
Action Stations & Laser Quest: the aim here is to immerse oneself in the life and activities of the Royal Navy, with fun attractions for the youngest.
Royal Navy Submarine Museum (in Gosport): take the waterbus to Gosport and meet the HMS Alliance, the only World War II submarine still visible.