Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth UK

Spinnaker Tower by Geoff W. Sutton 2017

On my last day in Portsmouth, I purchased a ticket to the tower, which has great views of the harbour, historic dockyards, and city.

HMS Warrior view from Spinnaker Tower by Geoff W Sutton 2017

If I had it to do over, I would have gone up the tower first to get an overview of the area. Panels around the windows provide local information. There are also touch screens with more information.

I noticed some were reluctant to walk on a portion of one deck, which has a glass floor. But most enjoyed taking a picture looking straight down at the activities below.

Looking down from Spinnaker Tower, Geoff W. Sutton 2017

Video Clip from the Tower

Time of day matters as does sunshine. I went in the afternoon and experienced quite a glare making some views difficult.

Fees vary so check the website. When I went a ticket permitted returns during the same day.

I didn't find the introductory film of much interest.

Gifts are available and there is a restaurant with nice views of the harbour.

HMS Victory Portsmouth

HMS Victory by Geoff W. Sutton

HMS Victory was Lord Nelson's flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar 1805. On 7 May 1765m HMS Victory left the Chatham Royal Dockyard, The ship was active during the American War for Independence, the French Revolution and the war against Napoleon.

For the British, HMS Victory is remembered for the greatest naval victory led by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar when the British defeated the French and Spanish fleets.

The restored 104-gun-ship is an attraction at the Historic Dockyards, Portsmouth, UK. HMS Victory saw some service in the early 1800s. The ship was placed in permanent dry dock in 1922.

HMS Victory was manned by a crew of over 800. With a maximum of 37 sails (5,400 square yards), it could achieve a speed of 9 knots about 10 mph). The three heavy masts are too much for the ship to bear and will be replaced with lighter materials for the display. More than 6,000 trees were felled to build the ship--most were oak. The ship's cordage ran to 26 miles. The weight of the cannons is too much for the ship to support in dry dock.

The presentation at the Dockyards focuses attention on the Battle of Trafalgar 21 October 1805. Nelson led 27 British ships against the 33 ships of the French and Spanish. After a five-hour battle, the British destroyed 19 enemy ships and lost none; however, Nelson was shot by a French sniper and died within a half-hour. His grand funeral took place at St. Paul's in London and a statue was raised in his honour at Trafalgar Square.

Where Nelson fell

During the Battle of Trafalgar, the crew numbered 821, which included 31 boys. Most crew were seamen (500) who sailed and fought. The tour includes a look at multiple decks and reveals insights into the accommodations of officers as well as the work areas for craftsmen and other crew members. An audio guide describes the scene.

A selection of my photos follows.

Nelson's bed

You might like this fun and informative guide to British words and phrases.

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CHARLES DICKENS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM PORTSMOUTH

I recommend a stop at the Charles Dickens birthplace museum in Portsmouth. Check the website for opening days and times, then call. When I arrived on Friday, groups of French students were waiting their turn to enter the small house. I was told it was closed because of the groups but when I mentioned how far I had come, they let me in.

You enter below street level into what was the kitchen and is now reception and tiny gift shop. The desk staff mention a few words about the house and direct you upstairs. There’s a sitting room, dining room, and bedrooms. Multi-language cards are available to describe each room.

The furnishings are mostly from the early 1800s. Charles Dickens and his family lived here during his early childhood. You will see attention to detail in the wallpaper and curtains. There are a few portraits of Dickens on the walls.

Tips and suggestions

Because of the small house, its best not to enter as a large group.

Photography is permitted throughout except for one item-ask for information.

Credit cards are accepted but I had to wait for staff to end a phone call for processing on the one line.

There are toilets near reception. And they looked clean.

Website:    http://www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk/