Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Steve Parker

The Fortifications

If you go down to the harbour, you will be able to see Portsmouth’s Fortifications. There is a round and a square tower but both are well worth a look. There are even guided walks you can go on to find out more about them and their history.

The D-Day Museum

D-Day was the world’s largest invasion by sea and it was also a highly significant time in British history. The D-Day Museum in Portsmouth is an excellent place to visit where you can find out all about what happened on that day, as well as see some great presentations and equipment. The Overlord Embroidery is a definite must-see while you’re there.

The Historic Dockyard

If naval history is your thing then you are sure to love Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. Here you can see the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory, three of the most famous ships from British naval history. You can get a tour of the dockyard or go to the Royal Naval Museum, which is also on the site.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Heather Cowper

Southsea Castle

Built in 1544 during the reign of Henry VIII, Southsea Castle was built to help England defend its borders should the need ever arise. It’s definitely an interesting place to visit and there is an exhibition there where you can learn all about the military history of the city.

Royal Marines Museum

While you are in Southsea, it’s also worth going to the Royal Marines Museum, which is ideal for family groups as there are plenty of interactive activities and guides to take you through the history of the Royal Marines.

Museum of Naval Firepower

Otherwise known as ‘Explosion’, this museum offers lots of interactivity and is a great way to learn about the history of naval firepower, including the days of gunpowder right up to our modern capabilities. It’s also an award-winning attraction, so you know you’re in safe hands with this one.

As you can see, there are loads of military-themed attractions in Portsmouth, which offer a wide range of choice so everyone is bound to find something to appeal. There are also loads of great restaurants and bars in the city so you truly will be spoiled for choice when you go there. It’s a great choice for an entertaining weekend away.

Guest post by Adam Croft on behalf of Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth, one of the many places to stay in Portsmouth, but the only hotel at Gunwharf Quays.

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Filicudi, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy by Ghost-in-the-Shell

The beaches spread out throughout the island are pebble beaches rather than sand and while the main beach is the most readily accessible, many people prefer the secluded locations of the other beaches around the island. However, in order to get to the other beaches on Filicudi, you will have to cross sharp jagged rocks.

The island itself has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Just outside of town, along the man road that crosses the island you will find the archeological site of a Bronze Age settlement that was discovered on the island. The settlement was only discovered back in the 1950s and there are still regular digs going on in the area today.

Filicudi and Alicudi islands, Sicily, Italy by Tore Urnes

For those who want to get a true view of the surround waters and islands around Filicudi, you will need to put on some good shoes and make your way to the heart of the island where you will find Fossa dei Felci. The peak is situated 774 meters above sea level and from there you can see forever in all directions. The views at the peak are nothing less than extraordinary and if you are up to it, you simply have to spend the day trekking to the top.

An interesting place to visit on Filicudi is the Grotta del Bue Marino which up until the 1960s was inhabited by seals. Unfortunately the seals no longer live in the cave which makes visiting it a little easier. The nearby Cane Reef is also a popular attraction around the northwestern part of the island.

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