The Purple Penguin

Not the ones at Glastonbury, but the ones along the south coast! We’re off to the Jurassic coast! But first to Portsmouth, after a night of watching the Rolling Stones at Glastonbury (that was pretty wonderful!) (oh, not live, just the BBC coverage. Unfortunately as it looked pretty amazing!)

We got up Sunday and headed off to Waterloo for the train. Taking the train to Portsmouth gets a wonderful discount for the Historic Docks – about £10 off the ticket. So not a bad ride down and once in Portsmouth headed for the hotel, stopping in a square with a TV to watch the start of Silverstone. (everything happening this weekend – Glastonbury, Silverstone, Wimbledon, cricket, Gay Pride, Armed Forces weekend) Once checked in we headed to the docks to sort out our ticket (which is good for one year – so a great value even without the train discount!) and get our timed entry to the Mary Rose Museum (the reason we’re in Portsmouth!) The docks were still packed even though it was about 4pm – we had no idea it was Armed Forces Weekend, so didn’t realise the docks were open with special ships in and loads of free tours. We found that out Monday. Oh well.

Then we walked. Though Gunwharf Quay  – where we stopped for either a very late lunch or a very early supper – and along the waterfront to Southsea where there is a funfair and all the arcades. Lunch/dinner was at Loch Fyne by the harbour and we had seafood. Decided against the lobster though it did look very nice. Nice walk and the weather was wonderful. Loads of people out and on the pebbles, playing in the water and just enjoying the day.

Monday morning up early for some reason, breakfast and a slow walk to the docks. Where we were early so Joe stopped for photos of the Warrior while we waited (photos will go up on Flickr!) Finally in and in the correct queue (rather than wandering around aimlessly as we sort of did on Sunday). Except the people in front of us were not in the correct queue and decided to argue about it. By the time we got to the ticket check they were surprised we had the proper tickets and our Mary Rose times sorted; also seemed rather relieved! So we got in and got to the Mary Rose museum in plenty of time and were even let in early.

The new museum is really good – crowded but we expected that as it’s only just opened. But really well laid out, with lots on exhibit, well described and with plenty of views of the ship – though it will be at least five years before you can really see it as it’s still being restored. It’s in the drying stage so lots of ducts running through and equipment. Still, with the layout of the exhibits opposite the windows showing the ship, it was very atmospheric and you can really get a sense of being on board. We easily spent 2 hours there before leaving to see the Victory.

The Victory is currently undergoing restoration so the masts are down and you can see some of the under planking (which is really interesting!) But it is still open and we got to wander through – though I missed the plaque showing where Nelson was shot. Oh well, our tickets are good for a year so we can go back! The layout is well thought out and a one way system so you don’t miss anything.

Then the harbour tour which was fun. About 45 to 50 minutes around the harbour with commentary and very very very bad puns. Got to see the modern ships which were in port.

After that we were tired, but headed for the Warrior for a last tour. That one isn’t as well laid out as the others – no clear route through, but I think we saw most of it! And our feet and stomachs voted for leaving and finding a place to sit and eat!

We dithered about where to eat, but ended up back at Gunwharf Quay and Jamie’s Italian, which turned out to be a good decision. The food is quite good and we had a huge meal (another of those late lunch/early supper things). After a nice meal we headed back out along the town and then back to the sea front and along to SouthSea castle. By this time it was about 7pm so the castle was closed but we could walk around it, then back to the hotel.

Tomorrow we pick up our hire car and head off to Lyme Regis area and fossils!