HMS Centurion

The rusting hulk of HMS Centurion sits in the waters off Lee-on-the-Solent like a monument to Britain's naval past - because that's exactly what it is. This former Royal Navy minesweeper, sunk in 1946, lies just offshore and serves as an artificial reef and a tangible reminder of post-war naval history. You won't be walking aboard her, mind; the wreck is submerged, making this one for diving enthusiasts rather than casual visitors.

For scuba divers, it's genuinely worthwhile. The wreck sits at a reasonable depth and remains largely intact, offering a proper exploration of a vessel that saw active service. The marine life has colonised the structure over decades, turning it into an underwater ecosystem worth investigating. Non-divers can get a sense of the story from the shore at Lee-on-the-Solent, though you'll need binoculars and imagination to appreciate what's beneath.

History buffs will appreciate the significance - minesweepers were unglamorous workhorses of the Second World War, and fewer of these vessels survive than battleships or destroyers. The wreck sits as testament to that overlooked naval history. Families staying at Kingfisher Caravan Park or Hayling Island Holiday Park nearby might find the local maritime heritage interesting, though young children won't get much from a submerged wreck.

Access and timings are best confirmed locally in Lee-on-the-Solent itself. Diving operators in the area run regular trips, but this isn't a drop-in attraction. It demands planning and specialist equipment.