Photo: Matthew Folley from UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
About 5 mi from Portsmouth is one of the best preserved Roman fortifications in Northern Europe. The castle's keep was built in Norman times (largely from recycled Roman brick) and extensive late Roman structures remain although ruinous. The castle is well sign posted, and served by regular buses, Portchester rail station is a 10-min walk north.
Portchester Castle is a medieval fortress that was developed within the walls of the Roman Saxon Shore fort of Portus Adurni at Portchester, to the east of Fareham in Hampshire.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in 1812.
The Mary Rose Museum houses the remains of Henry VIII’s flagship, which sank in 1545 and was raised in 1982 after more than 400 years underwater. The museum is built around the preserved hull, displayed in a climate-controlled environment alongside thousands of Tudor artefacts recovered from the wreck. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
A major naval heritage site within an active Royal Navy base, featuring historic warships including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. It also includes the National Museum of the Royal Navy and other museums, exhibitions and interactive attractions. Allow at least half a day to a full day depending on interest.