Day 42 Gosport, Portsmouth and Southsea

 

The Lightship in Haslar Marina, Gosport, now a bar and restaurant.

Dear Readers, day 41 is a rest day for us, so we decided to take the 10 minute ferry ride to Portsmouth. We then headed to Southsea, because Josh is having a special birthday in September and we have booked a family weekend celebration there. We caught the no 1 bus to Southsea, and had a coffee stop in the Canoe Park, with some rather old fashioned but charming pedalos. I don't think the real swans were impressed!


I had to have a swim in the sea on the East beach by the pier, while Josh had an ice cream. It was very cooling for both of us, which was needed as we are having a heat wave at the moment.

We walked along the seafront and came to the D Day Story, which we visited for several hours, it was very interesting, clearly explained and full of personal stories of the D day landings. The tour starts on a Landing Craft and then leads you back into the building for the rest of the experience. Well worth a visit. 

Southsea Castle built by Henry VIII. He saw the Mary Rose sink from here. The flowers spell E II R.

The seafront is very well kept, with flower beds and shelters to sit in, all gaily painted, and numerous cafes and ice cream stalls along the way. There is a large grass area and a huge memorial to the Royal Navy, very reminiscent of the Hoe in Portsmouth. 

What a great way to encourage people to bin their litter

We also walked past the Hover Port where a small hovercraft takes you on a 10 minute trip to Ryde in the Isle of Wight. It is the only passenger hovercraft operating in the whole of Europe. We might do that trip next time we are here in September.

We hopped on a conveniently passing bus and were back at the ferry terminal in no time.

As it is so hot this evening we are staying on board and are having an early night in preparation for our 5am start tomorrow, to get the tide for most of the 8 hour trip to Brighton. Catch up with you then.

Brittany ferry and the Ben Ainslie hanger


The stunning view of the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Warrior



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