Portsmouth
A One hour drive from the hotel, Portsmouth offers a full day’s activities and is ideal for those families with young, active minds to keep entertained. The historic Royal Dockyard forms the heart of the city and remains the spiritual home of the Royal Navy. Attractions within the dockyard include:

The Mary Rose – The remains of Henry VIII favorite warship, which was sunk in 1545 and was salvaged in 1982 from the Solent, can be seen in the hall where the hull is being preserved.
HMS Victory – Led the British Fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar and was where, with the battle won, Nelson fell prey to a sniper’s bullet. The ship perfectly restored to its original splendor and former servicemen provide entertaining and amusing tours.
HMS Warrior – Built in 1860 it was the fastest and most powerful battleship of its generation. A mixture of sail and steam, the first ‘ironclad’ is perfectly restored, step aboard and experience life at sea for the 19th century sailor.

Portsmouth has many attractions apart from the dockyard including the new Spinnaker Tower, D-Day museum promenades, beaches, a pier & fun fair at Southsea, itself is worth a visit for the chance to pick up a bargain at the many antique shops and the new shopping centre ’Gunwalf Quays’. The city also boasts an aquarium and exhibitions, which run all year round.