Photo: en:User:Geni, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Sits just on Portsdown Hill and is free of charge to visit.
Fort Nelson, in the civil parish of Boarhunt in the English county of Hampshire, is one of five defensive forts built on the summit of Portsdown Hill in the 1860s, overlooking the important naval base of Portsmouth and is a Grade I Listed Building. The current tenant is the Royal Armouries, housing the artillery of the national collection of arms and armour.
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Offers amazing views across Portsmouth and the South Downs. Just to the rear (north) of Portsmouth, it is a world away with countryside walks and traditional pubs.
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.
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.
The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in 1812.
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.