HMS L55

A submarine rusting gently in the Solent off Lee-on-the-Solent - that's HMS L55, a British P-class diesel sub from the Second World War. She's been sitting on the seabed since 1944, when she was scuttled after the war ended, and today she's one of the few accessible wreck dives in these waters.

This isn't a museum visit. You're either diving to see her yourself or viewing from the surface if conditions allow, though frankly the appeal here is almost entirely for serious divers or underwater archaeology enthusiasts. The wreck sits in relatively shallow water, which makes it technically feasible, but you'll need proper certification and a guide who knows the site.

What draws people is the history - and it's genuine. L55 operated in real combat, and standing on her deck (metaphorically, given the saltwater) connects you to something tangible from that era. The submarine's still largely intact, though the Solent's currents and decades of marine life have done their work.

If you're staying at Kingfisher Caravan Park, just down the road, and you dive, this could be a genuine highlight. If you don't dive, honestly, there's not much to see from shore. Lee-on-the-Solent itself is pleasant enough - the seafront's got fish and chips spots and a pebbly beach - but HMS L55 specifically demands serious underwater interest. Worth the effort if diving's your thing. Otherwise, give it a miss.