Mingling some of the country’s most celebrated historic attractions with chic dining, shopping and culture, Portsmouth tops Hampshire’s must-see list.

The bustling port city has been a focal point for Britain’s navy over the centuries and there are dozens of sights dedicated to bringing Portsmouth’s maritime history to life.

Chief among them is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which, alongside a host of kid-friendly interactive exhibitions, offers the chance to explore treasured antique ships, like Nelson’s HMS Victory. Elsewhere, historic highlights include Southsea Castle, the Royal Marines Museum and the Mary Rose Museum, which is home to the legendary Tudor warship.

Afterwards, wander Portsmouth’s ancient cobbled lanes for characterful pubs and quirky shops, or head to the waterfront, where you’ll discover Gunwharf Quays and its 90 outlet stores, cinema, gallery, and fine restaurants. Looming above all this stands the Spinnaker Tower, a modern icon which you can climb for mesmerising views of the city.

• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• The Mary Rose Museum
• Southsea Castle
• Spinnaker Tower
• Gunwharf Quays