Portsmouth is a naval city, approx. 54 miles (86 km) east of Bournemouth. Portsmouth started as a small Saxon fishing village, before developing into a military garrison town and then into the home of one of the most powerful navies in history. Henry VIII’s favourite warship, the Mary Rose sank in 1545 with up to 700 men on board. In 1982 the great ship was raised from the sea bed together with thousands of objects belonging to the crew. You can visit the museum and see the treasures from this Tudor time capsule at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. You can also see HMS Victory at the Historic Dockyard and explore the world of the Georgian navy, experiencing both the ship herself and the lives of the men who lived in her 'wooden world'. You can also take a water tour of the harbour from the Historic Dockyard.

Famous people who lived in Portsmouth include Charles Dickens (1812-1870). The house he was born in has been decorated in the Regency style appropriate to his parents and all the items on display are authentic. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, writer of the Sherlock Holmes series, lived in Southsea from 1882-1890. Born in 1859 and brought up in Scotland, he came to Portsmouth to set up a doctor's practice. Doyle was a founder member of Portsmouth Football Club in 1884 and was the team's first goalkeeper. He was also captain of Portsmouth cricket team. As a child Rudyard Kipling lived in Portsmouth and Herbert George Wells also lived there.

You can follow the Renaissance Trail from Spur Redoubt in Old Portsmouth to the gate of Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard. The Trail follows the chain set into the pavements of the Millennium Promenades. Along the route there are 11 interpretation panels which provide information about the places you pass. You can enjoy some fascinating glimpses of the past. The City Museum is housed in what used to be Victoria Barracks. The displays in the museum include 'The Story of Portsmouth' and 'Living in Portsmouth', which shows rooms from different centuries, and there is also an art gallery in the museum with paintings and postcards showing scenes of Portsmouth's history.

Gunwharf Quays is a new centre and has 85 shops, 20 bars and restaurants, a 14-screen cinema and a 26-lane bowling alley. It is on the waterfront and has spectacular views across Portsmouth Harbour. It is about ten minutes walk from the Historic Dockyard.

The Spinnaker Tower stands at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. The controversial tower is 500 ft high and should have been opened as part of the Millennium celebrations. However, it has taken much longer to build than originally thought and will cost several million pounds more than was first estimated.

Historic Dockyard - open every day 10.00 hrs - 17.00 hrs . All inclusive ticket approx. £15.00 (£12.50 with a student card)/ £9.00 single attractions (£8.00 with student card).

Portsmouth City Museum - open 10.00 hrs - 17.00 hrs. Free entry

Charles Dickens Birthplace - open April - September