48 Hours in….Gosport

Discover what it was like to live and work on a Royal Navy Submarine.

If you’re interested in military history – Gosport is for you!  After breakfast, head to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum to discover the secret world of the submariner. 

Step on-board the HMS Alliance to tour the only remaining Second World War submarine; explore the decks and cabins, peer through the periscope and hear the stories of those who served on-board. Check out Britain’s first submarine: Holland 1 and the midget submarine: X24, photographs, videos and displays bring to life the history of these submarines and their sub-mariners.

Learn about other weapons used by Britain’s Royal Navy at Explosion! – Museum of Naval Firepower.  This award-winning museum, housed in impressive 18th century buildings, contains a vast array of weapons used by the Navy through the centuries.  Beside the collection, the museum tells a very moving story of the people who worked here and gives first-hand accounts.

After lunch and for a change of scene, head outside to the Waterfront Trail which links the two museums.  This 3km Trail provides spectacular views across Portsmouth Harbour. 

For an evening meal, dine at one of Gosport’s three marinas - Royal Clarence, Haslar or Gosport Marina – each offers beautiful views across the harbour.

Step back in time at our 1642 Living History Village.

Next morning, head to Little Woodham Living History village, a small English 17th century village and a hidden gem.  Meet and ask questions of the ‘villagers’ dressed in period costumes as they demonstrate their historic skills.  For a totally immersive experience, chat to blacksmiths, potters, lace-makers, weavers and the village doctor, all demonstrating their different crafts and providing a fascinating snapshot of life in the 17th century. 

After lunch and if you’re a history-lover, you’ll be in for a treat visiting a collection of historic and rare undersea diving equipment at the Diving Museum.  Alongside the antiquities, there’s also a collection of modern diving equipment including one used by James Bond himself.

007 fans should head over to the Hovercraft Museum which showcases more than 60 Hovercraft including one from Pierce Brosnan’s Hovercraft chase in Die Another Day.

On some days you can even take a ride on a Hovercraft, as Hovertravel offers excursions from the Museum. 

As the sun sets, end the day at a slower pace, hop on-board one of the scenic boat cruises from Gosport to drink in the panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent.   The perfect finish to your trip in this intriguing South Coast town.