This week has been gloriously sunny—one of those rare spring stretches where you can’t help but want to drop everything and head outdoors. With the Easter holidays still in full swing, I decided to lean into it fully: work took a back seat, and family time came front and centre.
We packed up and headed to one of our all-time favourite places, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, determined to make the most of the final days on our annual passes. It’s one of those locations that never really gets old—there’s always something new to notice, even if you’ve been countless times before.
A Walk Through History
No visit is complete without stepping into the incredible world of the Mary Rose Museum. Every time I see the remains of Mary Rose, it takes me straight back to childhood. I vividly remember watching her being raised from the seabed—glued to the TV during coverage on Blue Peter and Newsround. It’s funny how certain moments stick with you, and revisiting the ship now, through adult eyes but with my children beside me, feels quietly special.
The museum itself is extraordinary—more than just a shipwreck, it’s a window into Tudor life. From personal belongings to tools and weapons, it tells the human stories behind the history in a way that really resonates, even with younger visitors.
Exploring the Dockyard
Beyond the Mary Rose, the dockyard is a treasure trove of naval heritage. This time, we spent time aboard HMS Warrior, a striking contrast to the Tudor vessel. As Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship, she represents a completely different era of naval innovation. Walking her decks, you get a real sense of how rapidly technology advanced—she must have seemed unstoppable in her day.
We also took to the water with a harbour tour, which is always a highlight. Seeing the modern naval base from the boat gives you a fascinating perspective—you pass active Royal Navy ships alongside historic vessels, all set against the backdrop of Portsmouth’s skyline. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just a museum space; it’s a living, working port with centuries of layered history.
From Naval History to Aviation Adventures
Continuing our week of making the most of the sunshine (and our shared love of all things historical), we also headed to the Gatwick Aviation Museum for a completely different kind of experience—one that brings you right up close to more modern history.
Unlike larger, more polished museums, there’s something wonderfully hands-on about this one. You’re not kept at a distance—you can get right up close to the aircraft, really taking in their scale and detail. For the kids (and, if I’m honest, for me too), that made it all the more exciting.
One of the standout moments was trying out the Typhoon simulator, inspired by the Eurofighter Typhoon. It was such a thrill—fast-paced, immersive, and just the right level of challenging. Definitely one of those experiences that leaves everyone buzzing afterwards.
And then, in perfect contrast to the adrenaline, we slowed things right down. At the edge of the museum’s field, we found the perfect sunny spot to sit and watch planes taking off and landing at Gatwick Airport. There’s something oddly calming about it—tracking each aircraft, guessing destinations, and just enjoying the rhythm of it all. Simple, but genuinely one of the highlights of the day.
Sunshine, Sea Air, and Slowing Down
What made this week particularly memorable wasn’t just the places we visited—it was the pace. With no real agenda and nowhere else to be, we could take our time, soak up the sunshine, and let the kids explore at their own rhythm.
As the Easter holidays begin to wind down, I’m so glad we carved out this time. Work will always be there—but these sunny days, shared experiences, and small moments of wonder are the things that really stay with you.
Sarah Pettyfer 