Portsmouth Historic Waterfront Dockyard Portsmouth Cathedral

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The biggest attraction in Portsmouth is the Historic Dockyard complex. Based on the Royal Navy Dockyard are a collection of museums and interactive attractions. These include the Mary Rose - the only sixteenth century warship on display in the world, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.

HMS Victory, built in the mid 1700s, was famously led by Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. It was on-board HMS Victory that Nelson's momentous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar was planned. It was on board the Victory that Nelson famously met his end when a stray bullet hit him while he walking on deck with his captain Thomas Hardy. HMS Warrior, originally built in 1860, has been fully restored and is a fantastic sight moored in the harbour. In its day it was the most armoured ship in the fleet with its iron hull and with its steam engine was the fastest warship in the world.

The site makes a fantastic family day out. You can buy a ticket that gives you access to all the attractions on the site or just buy entrance tickets to just the attractions you want to visit. Many of the ticket prices include unlimited entry to some of the attractions for up to a year from the date of purchase. There are also several watering holes and shops to keep you amused. If you want to see more of Portsmouth's busy harbour you can pick up harbour tours that take you past the Navy's current ships HMS Ark Royal, HMS Illustrious and HMS Invincible that are based here.

Check out the link right for comprehensive information on what there is to see and do at the Historic Dockyard as well as opening times and entrance fees. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ. Tel: 023 9272 8060

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Spice Island Historic Portsmouth

From the Historic Dockyard you can follow the Millenium Promenade around Gunwharf Quays and further south into the centre of the historic part of Portsmouth that has retained much of its eighteenth century port feel. It was known as Spice Island as it was the main port for the importation of spices from the Caribbean. It is still obvious that it was an important port and military stronghold with the fortified walls and battlement towers still defending Portsmouth from the sea.

Two of the original fortifications that have been in situ for around 500 years are the two towers. The Square Tower was built in 1494 and was originally a gun platform, but later served as a fortified residence for the Governor. It was later used as a store for gunpowder then meat for the Navy. On the north east side of the tower is a gilded bust of King Charles I which was a gift to the city from the King himself after he landed at Portsmouth following his tour around Europe to find a suitable bride. The Round Tower, dating from 1418, is at the other end of Point Barracks that were built in the 19th century. It was originally a single storey 18 gun battery much narrower than it is today. The second tier was added to house 32 cannon while the rest of the battery was rearmed with 68 carronades on traversing mounts.

Lining the streets in this area are several terraces typical of the architecture from the eighteenth century. The Inns on the "Point" at the end of Broad Street appear to have changed very little since that time. From here you can get some excellent views of the modern development of Gunwharf Quays and Spinnaker Tower. The Milennium Promenade links up with the Renaissance Trail which takes you down to Clarence Pier.

The ruins of the Old Naval Garrison Church are still standing on the Grand Parade despite being bombed in 1941 during World War II. It was originally founded in 1212 as a hospice and the Domus Dei was used as shelter for overseas pilgrims as they travelled to the cathedrals at Winchester, Chichester and Canterbury. In May 1662 Catherine of Braganza from Portugal landed at Portsmouth to marry King Charles II which did much to cement the alliance between England and Portugal. Open Apr-end Sept from 11am-4pm. Admission is free.

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Portsmouth Cathedral

Portsmouth Cathedral was founded on a site that was given to the Augustinian canons of Southwick Priory in 1180 by a wealthy Norman merchant, Jean de Gisors, who was Lord of Titchfield Manor. The original church was dedicated to Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was famously murdered in 1170 in Canterbury Cathedral.

The medieval building is an example of transitional architecture which was a crossover between Norman and Early English. In 1449 the church was closed for a period, following the murder of the Bishop of Chichester in Portsmouth after which Portsmouth was excommunicated! Various additions have been added to the cathedral over the years with restoration of the older buildings ongoing.

The cathedral welcomes visitors where you can see the interior with its light coloured stone and the nave with its tall arches and pillars that give it a light, airy and spacious feel. Guided tours are also available. Groups should contact the cathedral to book in advance.

Portsmouth Cathedral, St. Thomas's Street, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HA. Tel: 023 9289 2968. Fax: 023 9289 2964. Visitors' Officer: rosemary.fairfax@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk Email: enquiries@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

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