Portsmouth & The Mary Rose

Monday 27 September

Leaving Devon we travel to Portsmouth for a visit to the Spinnaker Tower situated on the waterfront of Gunwharf Quays. The panoramic views from the top stretch for up to 23 miles in any direction, and are truly breathtaking. There will be time to visit Gunwharf Quays or have a stroll along the waterfront, before making our way to our hotel in time for dinner.

Tuesday 28 September

After a full English breakfast we will visit The Mary Rose Museum. In 1545, the Mary Rose sank outside Portsmouth Harbour defending England from invasion. In 1982 the Mary Rose made a spectacular return to the surface and this year you can experience The Mary Rose as never before. Explore Hentry VIII's favourite ship, recovered from the seabed in one of the most challenging archaeological excavations of all time. See the thousands of objects, from the large guns and the surgeon's tools to personal items like tankards and nit combs, which recreate life onbaord with an authenticity no other attraction can provide.

Wednesday 29 Septemb

Today we will take you to the Hovercraft Experience, something that was released in 2019 and is tailored especially for groups. Our group has a private 20 minute Hovercraft demonstration that shows off the capabilities of the craft. The experience includes a 360 degree spin, sitting on the water and 'floating like a boat' as well as a general flight around the Solent to see different landmarks. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to meet the Hovercraft Pilot and learn about the history of the vessel. After this, a tour of the external parts of the Hovercraft is given showing all components up-close (better than the general public ever get to see). We then take the short journey to Ryde on the Isle of Wight with free time here to explore the area and have lunch. Returning by Hovercraft in the afternoon we then make our way back to our hotel for dinner.

Thursday 30 Septembe

After a leisurely breakfast we visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with entrance to all attractions. You will have access to Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 - the world's first iron hulled armoured warship - and HMS M.33, the only surviving ship from the First World War's Gallipoli Campaign. Why not visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth, boathouse 4, Explosion Museum or a harbour tour. Later that day we will make our journey back to Devon

D=Dinner, FE=Full English Breakfast