By David Curtis-Brignell MBE
What does Portsmouth and Southsea mean to us here in Mid-Sussex? Perhaps you have memories of Portsmouth Harbour Station and ferry trips to the Isle of Wight? Or even the fast, but possibly bumpier hovercraft off Southsea beach. Naval history perhaps? Some may remember the Pier which has had three fires during its lifetime, one in 1974 during the filming of “Tommy.”
Whatever your recollections, you can be sure that if you haven’t visited recently you are in for a pleasant surprise. The city’s strategic location has provided the reason for its rich maritime history which dates back to 1194.
Today you can see some of the landmark events brought to life with all of the advantages of 21st century heritage attractions. At Portsmouth Historic Dockyard you can see warships and submarines; Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory and visit the Mary Rose Museum, home to Henry VIII’s favourite ship which sank offshore in 1545. You’ll discover thousands of Tudor objects and learn about the lives of the officers, ordinary sailors and even the ship’s dog.
A year before the Mary Rose went down, Southsea Castle was built. Admission is free and you can go into the tunnel built in the 19th century and see how the castle was defended. 400 years later, the city was part of another great naval event; at the D-Day Story you will be able to experience just how little space there was on one of the landing crafts which has a Sherman and Churchill tank on board – just 20% of what would have been accompanying troops on the ‘day.’ If you don’t want to miss any of the history you can join a “Stories of WW2” walking tour which includes this attraction, Portsmouth Cathedral and the Royal Naval Submarine Museum.
The 170m high Spinnaker Tower will give you a bird’s eye view and the Blue Reef Aquarium has forty displays from a coral reef to an otter’s holt; but if you want to get on the water, there are boat trips, fishing charters and even the Gosport Ferry to enable you to sample life on the Solent wave.
As with many of our days out, there’s a lot to see and do and so an overnight stay might be the answer. From B&Bs to the luxurious ‘No Mans Fort’ there’s plenty of choice.
Always check opening times and Covid-19 restrictions before travelling.
