HMS Anson

The submarine HMS Anson sits in a dry dock near Devonport, a haunting relic of World War Two that's far more visceral than any museum display. Walking aboard this A-class submarine, you're immediately struck by how cramped it all is - the crew quarters are almost coffin-like, and the torpedo tubes are shockingly narrow. You move through the vessel's guts single-file, ducking under pipes and squeezing past control panels that still feel operational.

It's the real details that hit hardest: the narrow bunk beds stacked three high, the galley where 50 men somehow ate, the periscope room where officers would have stood during active patrols. History buffs will spend a proper couple of hours here, reading plaques and imagining what submerged warfare actually meant. For families with kids over eight or so, it works well - there's enough tactile interest to hold attention, though younger children might find the confined spaces claustrophobic.

Allow around 90 minutes for a thorough visit. The site is reasonably well-signposted from Devonport, and parking is straightforward. Admission appears to be paid, though exact fees should be confirmed before visiting. It's not a flashy heritage site - there are no interactive screens or gift shop theatrics - which somehow makes it more affecting. If you're staying at The Secret Garden Glamping not far away, it's worth the short drive to spend a morning or early afternoon aboard. You'll come away understanding just how grim and claustrophobic submarine service actually was.