Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

A working naval base housing HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum, preserving over 500 years of British naval history. You can walk the decks where Nelson planned Trafalgar and explore Tudor shipwrecks in purpose-built galleries. 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 £39 adult, £31 child (annual pass), individual attractions from £24 and full day (6-8 hours) is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: Full day (6-8 hours) Best for: walk aboard nelson's flagship Skip if: You have mobility issues with stairs or limited time for a full day out Cost: £39 adult, £31 child (annual pass), individual attractions from £24

You climb narrow wooden stairs between gun decks, duck through low doorways where sailors lived, and stand on the exact spot where Nelson fell. The Mary Rose hall displays 19,000 artifacts in climate-controlled galleries surrounding the preserved hull.

Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access to ships due to historic nature, but museums and some deck areas accessible

Walk aboard Nelson's flagship and see Henry VIII's warship raised from the seabed. That puts it near the top of any Portsmouth visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Spinnaker Tower and Old Portsmouth - 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 mobility issues with stairs or limited time for a full day out

• Buy the annual pass for better value if visiting multiple ships.
• Download the free app for audio tours.
• Wear comfortable shoes - lots of walking and steep stairs on ships.

Insider tip: Enter through Victory Gate rather than the main entrance to skip queues during peak times

Photography allowed throughout most areas, flash photography prohibited near artifacts