From old forts, to tunnels, statues and even time capsules, the area is littered with intriguing things from the past.
Here’s a selection of things you may not have known existed or happened in and around the Portsmouth area.
9. HMS M.33
HMS M.33, based at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, was involved in the ill-fated 1915 Gallipoli campaign in Turkey, in which 46,000 Allied troops died. She is the only surviving Navy ship from the campaign, and as such, holds great historic importance. This is despite the fact she was constructed and sent into service so speedily that she did not even warrant a name. Fabricated in just seven weeks she was one of nearly forty Monitors built in a rapid construction campaign following the outbreak of First World War. Although the Gallipoli Campaign claimed 100,000 lives of personnel from all round the world, M.33 was considered a lucky ship and, despite being showered by shell splinters, she suffered no casualties.Picture by Christopher Ison Photo: SCC
10. Fort Brockhurst
Fort Brockhurst in Gosport is one of a number of forts built in the 1850s and 1860s to protect Portsmouth and its vital harbour against a French invasion. Largely unaltered, the parade ground, gun ramps, moated keep, washrooms and armoury can all be viewed. It is one of the popular locations involved in Gosport Heritage Open Days. Photo: contributed
11. Landport Gate
Landport Gate was once part of Portsmouth's defences. Its sister King James's Gate has been moved to Burnaby Road, but Landport Gate, built in 1760, remains in its original position in St George's Road. It was once the main entrance to Portsmouth and was possibly based on a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor. Picture by Garth Groombridge Photo: -