The Saunders Roe SRN1 (Saunders Roe Nautical 1) experimental hovercraft. The craft was designed by Sir Christopher Cockerell, inventor of the hovercraft. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

The Saunders Roe SRN1 (Saunders Roe Nautical 1) experimental hovercraft. The craft was designed by Sir Christopher Cockerell, inventor of the hovercraft. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

The amazing history of Southsea's hovercraft in 22 stunning photos

Most of you will remember and will have travelled on the hovercraft since the service began more than 60 years ago.

By Steve Deeks

Published 19th Aug 2020, 12:30 BST

Updated 30th Nov 2023, 14:01 BST

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Do you recognise any of these great machines? The life of the hovercraft began in 1955 when inventor Sir Christopher Cockerell tested his idea for a floating craft by putting a cat food tin inside a coffee tin.

The plan was to run a summer hover service for tourists for the Isle of Wight and the south of England, but it became a year-round service as it was so popular.

Here are a few of our favourite photos from hovercraft from the past.

MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Portsmouth shops from the 90s | Portsmouth in 1990 | Southsea piers

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Here are a few of our favourite photos from hovercraft from the past.

Clarence Esplanade with the hovercraft waiting for customers on December 23, 1972. The News PP4504

5. Hovercraft from the past

Clarence Esplanade with the hovercraft waiting for customers on December 23, 1972. The News PP4504 Photo: The News archive

SRN4 Hovercraft being towed into The Solent bound for HMS Daedalus on June 28 1994. The News PP3468

6. Hovercraft from the past

SRN4 Hovercraft being towed into The Solent bound for HMS Daedalus on June 28 1994. The News PP3468 Photo: The News archive

SRN2 over an ice pack in Wooton Creek, Isle of Wight in January 1963.

7. Hovercraft from the past

SRN2 over an ice pack in Wooton Creek, Isle of Wight in January 1963. Photo: The News archive

Hovercraft SRN4 controls.

8. Hovercraft from the past

Hovercraft SRN4 controls. Photo: The News archive

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