Portsmouth Royal Navy Museum

It was nice to leave London and head out towards the south coast. We left on a Sunday morning so the traffic was easy and we reached Portsmouth after only 90 minutes. The signage in this country has something to be desired. No sign for the museum only an entryway in a long wall. The locals must frequently be asked where it is. It's like, they are concerned that there will be to many signs everywhere. This is a frequent frustration throughout the UK. 

The museum is great. Expensive but well worth the money. We started by walking through the HMS Warrior. An 1860's navy warship. Iron hulled but set up in old style inside. It had cannons in all directions but apparently never fired a shot in anger.

Next we went on the harbour cruise. This was made interesting by the navy ships docked. I was especially taken by the short aircraft carrier. They were used for the harrier jets. It was just an opportunity for us adults to chill out inside while the girls sat outside. Holly inevitably made a number of friends. One lady got concerned as while moving to the upper deck Holly wanted to go with her similar aged daughter she had made friends with.

After the cruise we went down the dock to the museums biggest exhibit the HMS Victory. This was Lord Nelsons vessel during the battle of Trafalgar. It didn't disappoint. We were able to view every part and deck. Its amazing how low the sealing is in the lower decks. Can't be any more than 1.5 meters. The captain's cabins were very posh and gave us an idea of the hierarcy on a ship. We only lost Holly once when the girls were trying to find the spot where Nelson was shot by a French sharp shooter. It was part of an Easter hunt. Holly went off down the decks exploring.

We only saw about a half of the museum and spent three hours. Its well worth a look.

We finished the day by visiting a National Trust manor. Most of the National Trust properties have an Easter egg hunt over the weekend. Couldn't believe the crowd. The girls loved it and received the inevitable egg at the end of the day. I had to purchase mine.