Mary Rose Museum

The world's only 16th-century warship museum, housing Henry VIII's flagship raised from the seabed in 1982 after 437 years underwater. The ship sits in a climate-controlled hall surrounded by 19,000 artifacts including weapons, musical instruments, and personal belongings of Tudor sailors. It sits in Portsmouth's Old Portsmouth, close to the other main sights. It ranks among Portsmouth's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Tickets cost £24 adult, £19 child (standalone ticket) or included in Historic Dockyard pass and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: see the only preserved tudor warship in the world Skip if: You have claustrophobia or aren't interested in detailed historical exhibitions Cost: £24 adult, £19 child (standalone ticket) or included in Historic Dockyard pass

You walk around the preserved ship hull in a darkened hall, seeing through to gun decks and storage areas. Interactive displays let you handle replica artifacts while viewing cases show everything from leather shoes to surgical instruments used by the crew.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout with lifts to all levels and audio descriptions available

See the only preserved Tudor warship in the world with thousands of artifacts telling sailors' personal stories. That puts it near the top of any Portsmouth visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Portsmouth Cathedral - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Portsmouth. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.

Skip if: You have claustrophobia or aren't interested in detailed historical exhibitions

• Use the free audio guide to understand the ship's construction.
• Allow extra time for the lower galleries with personal artifacts.
• Visit the conservation lab viewing window to see ongoing preservation work.

Insider tip: The museum shop sells replicas of Tudor artifacts found on the ship, including games and musical instruments

Photography allowed throughout, but low lighting conditions require steady hands or tripod