Maritime & Museums 2026
HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson
The Mary Rose, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
SeaCity Museum
Portsmouth Waterfront
A wonderful maritime adventure on the South Coast to discover the long heritage of sea-faring and famous naval & military events which changed the course of history. Conveniently based between Portsmouth and Southampton, we will delve into the fascinating stories of both cities with visits to internationally renowned museums as well as the Royal Armouries, the home to the national collection or artillery, overlooking Portsmouth Harbour.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 D-Day Museum & SeaCity Museum
This morning, we visit the D-Day Museum in Southsea, which is dedicated to the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany during WWII. The experience includes boarding the last Landing Craft Tank from D-Day, galleries dedicated to the operation and timeline and the Battle of Normandy. The final display is the incredible ‘Overlord Embroidery’ which tells the story of the largest amphibious invasion in military history Afterwards, we will travel to Southampton to visit the SeaCity Museum. This fascinating interactive attraction showcases the history of RMS Titanic and its impact on the city. Discover the incredible story through an interactive model, recorded passenger messages, and original artifacts. Bringing the city’s long history to life from Roman times to Saxon settlers is a series of exciting exhibitions and collections.
Day 3 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Today, we will explore the Dockyards, starting with a visit to the Explosions Museum in Gosport. Here, we’ll marvel at missiles, examine torpedoes, and survey small arms, all within a genuine 18th-century armaments depot. Next, we will immerse ourselves in the world of underwater exploration at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, also in Gosport. In the afternoon (or when ready), we will take the Waterbus to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to some of the most iconic ships to ever sail the seas. You’ll have full access to many superb attractions, including HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson’s famous flagship; the Mary Rose Museum, which displays the remains and artifacts from Henry VIII’s flagship; and HMS Warrior 1860.
Day 4 Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson & My Time
This morning, we start the day with a visit to the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson, a restored Victorian fortress overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. Covering over 19 acres, this historic site features a series of tunnels, ramparts and a variety of artillery to explore. Highlights include a 15th-century Turkish bombard cannon, a massive 200-ton railway howitzer, and the notorious ‘Big Babylon’ Iraqi supergun. Filled with fascinating stories, we discover more in the museum galleries. We’ll also have access to the main tunnel and the bypass tunnel, which allowed personnel to traverse the fort without passing through the magazine itself. In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel for some free time to relax at our leisure.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 D-Day Museum & SeaCity Museum
This morning, we visit the D-Day Museum in Southsea, which is dedicated to the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany during WWII. The experience includes boarding the last Landing Craft Tank from D-Day, galleries dedicated to the operation and timeline and the Battle of Normandy. The final display is the incredible ‘Overlord Embroidery’ which tells the story of the largest amphibious invasion in military history Afterwards, we will travel to Southampton to visit the SeaCity Museum. This fascinating interactive attraction showcases the history of RMS Titanic and its impact on the city. Discover the incredible story through an interactive model, recorded passenger messages, and original artifacts. Bringing the city’s long history to life from Roman times to Saxon settlers is a series of exciting exhibitions and collections.
Day 3 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Today, we will explore the Dockyards, starting with a visit to the Explosions Museum in Gosport. Here, we’ll marvel at missiles, examine torpedoes, and survey small arms, all within a genuine 18th-century armaments depot. Next, we will immerse ourselves in the world of underwater exploration at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, also in Gosport. In the afternoon (or when ready), we will take the Waterbus to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to some of the most iconic ships to ever sail the seas. You’ll have full access to many superb attractions, including HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson’s famous flagship; the Mary Rose Museum, which displays the remains and artifacts from Henry VIII’s flagship; and HMS Warrior 1860.
Day 4 Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson & My Time
This morning, we start the day with a visit to the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson, a restored Victorian fortress overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. Covering over 19 acres, this historic site features a series of tunnels, ramparts and a variety of artillery to explore. Highlights include a 15th-century Turkish bombard cannon, a massive 200-ton railway howitzer, and the notorious ‘Big Babylon’ Iraqi supergun. Filled with fascinating stories, we discover more in the museum galleries. We’ll also have access to the main tunnel and the bypass tunnel, which allowed personnel to traverse the fort without passing through the magazine itself. In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel for some free time to relax at our leisure.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
The Solent Hotel & Spa
Fareham, Hampshire
Situated between both South Coast cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, the Solent Hotel & Spa offers luxurious accommodation and a new pool and spa facilities for a wonderfully relaxing stay. Modern stylish guest rooms feature a hairdryer, TV & radio, Power Shower, tea/coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a desk. The bar and lounge offer comfortable seating and cosy corners to relax at the end of the day. Casual dining from 12pm until late is available in the friendly pub-styled restaurant or a la carte dining
in the FYR Grill.
Solent Hotel & Spa
Fareham, Hampshire
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £509pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £186
Based on Thursday arrivals
Inclusions
• Entrance to D-Day Museum
• Entrance to SeaCity Museum
• Entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• Entrance to Royal Armouries Fort Nelson
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
Click to get a quote
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