We left Brighton this morning heading for Portsmouth. We originally planned to stop at a manor house along the way but decided there was too much we wanted to see in Portsmouth so we came straight here.
Our first stop was the D-Day Story Museum. As the name implies it tells the story of D-Day from the decision of where to land to the end. It was beautifully done and we spent a very pleasant 2 hours visiting.
Our first stop in the museum was the only remaining landing craft from D-Day. Originally, there were over 800 of these craft and this is the only one left. It’s skipper was a 20-year old law student who joined the British Navy. He led a crew of 11 men.
Inside the museum was filled with different exhibits explaining the various phases of the invasion.
After getting a quick snack in the café, we briefly visited the Southsea Castle just behind the museum. It was built in the 16th century by Henry VIII and now has shops and a restaurant. We didn’t stay long and didn’t climb the stairs to walk the walls but we enjoyed our brief visit.
Then we headed to the Historic Dockyard where there are about 10 different ships and/or exhibits. We bought an Ultimate Explorer which allows us to visit any of the attractions for 12 months. In Italy, Peter got into museums free as a disabled person and I paid regular senior fare. Here, Peter is paying either regular senior or senior disabled and I’ve been getting in for free as a carer. Pretty good deal but I would prefer to pay full price if it meant he could get around a little easier.
Our first exhibit in the Dockyards was the HMS Warrior, one of the first British Ironclad ships. It was finished in 1859 and was the considered the pride of Queen Victoria’s navy. Everyone was so afraid of her, they stayed out of her way. As a result, she never fired a shot in anger.
We stayed on deck as we didn’t want to climb down the steep stairs to get belowdecks.
Our final stop of the day before heading to our new flat was to take a Portsmouth Harbor Cruise. It was part of our ticket and it was a beautiful day for a 45-minute boat ride. We went past the Navy Base where we saw 2 carriers and several other ships.
The Harbour was full of boats enjoying the beautiful Sunday afternoon.
Our flat is on the top floor of an apartment building about 10-minute drive from the Historic Dockyard. There’s a bus around the corner so I think we’ll do that tomorrow instead of taking the car out again.
We’re very happy to be in this lovely 2-bedroom apartment for the next 4 nights. We’re especially thrilled to have a king-sized bed. We’ve been managing with a double bed since we arrived. Every time one of us moves it wakes the other. This will be such a treat! It’s the little things when you travel. Talk with you tomorrow.
What a full day you had Today! I need a nap after reading all you did. Looking forward to seeing where you explore tomorrow.
That’s why we do very little in the evening except try to stay awake until 10pm. Peter only usually makes it to about 9 but since I only sleep about 6 hours/night, I try to stay up later. As it is, I’m still awake by about 4:30, which only makes it more difficult to stay awake at night. Vicious circle. But, we’re having a great time. Thanks for your comments; it’s always fun to see what people think about our adventures.
Gorgeous views from the apartment. There’s nothing like being by the water.
After living in the desert for a while, it’s nice to be near water. Peter is loving dipping his toes in the Channel. Thanks for following our adventures. Give the big guy a hug for me.