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Winter short breaks, explore the cultural heart of the waterfront city of Portsmouth

The historic city of Portsmouth has plenty to offer visitors for a special winter short break. Stroll the Historic Dockyards which will be transformed into a snowy Victorian street market for the annual festive event. Soak up the city’s cultural atmosphere beginning with a visit to the birthplace of Charles Dickens, the great 19th century writer and the city’s most famous son. The City Museum is home to the largest collection of items in the world relating to Conan Doyle and his famous detective.

Stay in one of the city’s many boutique hotels such as the Mercer Collection of seven unique properties in Southsea - relax with a cosy spa treatment, and indulge in delicious food and wine from all regions in the many varied pubs offering local ales and top class restaurants such as No27 and Montparnasse, or the quirkier Pie & Vinyl. No Man’s Fort in the Solent offers a completely different experience in one of three fortifications built during the Napoleonic Wars and now offering luxury accommodation. For those who prefer to stay on dry land the Emirates Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays offers stunning views across the Solent.

A Study in Sherlock collection boasts items dating from Doyle’s time to the present day and features a special narrative from Stephen Fry, its patron. Conan Doyle settled in Portsmouth at the age of 23.



By this time he was a qualified doctor with just £10 to his name and with this he set up a practice. While building his practice he spent time writing and the rest as they say ‘is history’. The City Museum houses what is recognised as the largest collection in the world pertaining to Doyle and his famous detective. FREE admission. Winter opening times October - March (10.00am - 5.00pm). www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk

Travel back in time to a bygone era, where snowy Dickensian streets welcome you to a world of festive cheer. Victorian Festival of Christmas (1 to 3 December, 10am - 6pm) features over 150 sellers offering unique gifts and produce, plenty of merrymaking at Fagin’s Real Ale Tavern, as well as more Victorian characters and entertainment including the Edelweiss Bavarian Oompah Band, Old Sea Dogs and Shep Woolley & the Ansome Sea Buoys. The festival’s traditional Father Christmas dressed in green, accompanied by his reindeer, will be stopping by. Capture the ultimate #ElfieSelfie and head on over to Facebook and Twitter to post it to be in with a chance to win an Historic Dockyards All Attraction ticket for the best one. Tickets Early Bird Adult £14.50 Child £12.50. www.historicdockyard.co.uk



NEW in 2018 The D-Day Museum is due to re-open in spring 2018 after a £4m refurbishment enabled by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. The transformation will create spaces for learning, events and displays using the words and perspectives of the people who took part both military and the French civilians, and the museum’s iconic collection. At the heart of the museum will be The Overlord Embroidery, inspired by the Bayeaux Tapestry. Re-opening dates to be announced. www.ddaymuseum.co.uk

Women and the Royal Navy: Pioneers to Professionals explores the impact of women’s involvement from the seventeenth century onwards, during both World Wars, the Cold War to integration and beyond, to today’s serving personnel. The National Museum of the Royal Navy (runs until 18 February). Exhibition entry FREE with a valid ticket to Historic Dockyards. Online tickets from All Attraction Adult £28, £12 Child (5 – 15 years). www.historicdockyard.co.uk.

Portsmouth, the great waterfront city, has miles of sea views and centuries of maritime history. The renowned dockyard is also home to the multi-award winning Mary Rose Museum where you can see artefacts that lay on the sea bed for more than 437 years. Opening times November to March 10am-5pm (last entry 4:15pm). Online tickets from All Attraction Adult £28, £12 Child (5 – 15 years). wwwmaryrose.org.uk




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