Other cities have seafronts or connections with maritime heritage but Portsmouth is almost submerged in naval life.
Home of the British Navy, this important port's history is very much tied to the sea.
Portsmouth itself is actually an island with nearby Southsea the main residential area.
Badly bombed during the Second World War, Portsmouth is brimming with things to see including three great ships - Nelson's HMS Victory, the Tudor Mary Rose and the battleship HMS Warrior. Next door is the renowned Royal Naval Museum.
For an alternative view take a boat trip around Portsmouth Harbour or visit the D-Day Museum, which tells the story of wartime Britain.
Author Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and there's a small museum about him.
Not surprisingly Portsmouth has hosted top seafaring events such as the Tall Ships Race and every second year the city holds a popular Navy Day when ships and their crews invite the public to come and look round.
