The Royal Navy Submarine Museum

You walk down a slipway and suddenly you're standing next to HMS Alliance, a real Second World War submarine that sits on the water like it's about to dive any second. This is the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Lee-on-the-Solent, and it's properly absorbing if you've got any interest in naval history or engineering.

The main draw is climbing inside the submarine itself - narrow corridors, cramped crew quarters, periscope towers. It feels claustrophobic in the best way, and you genuinely get why submariners were considered mad. The museum tells the story of submarine warfare from the early days through to the Cold War, and there's enough technical detail to keep history enthusiasts occupied for a couple of hours. Kids tend to love the hands-on bits, though under-tens might find some sections slow.

Allow three hours minimum if you're doing the full tour and going aboard HMS Alliance. Check ahead for admission fees and opening times as these can shift seasonally. The nearby caravan parks - Kingfisher is closest at 2.3 miles, or you've got Nodes Point and Woodside Bay if you want to be closer to the Isle of Wight's broader attractions.

It's worth the trip if submarines interest you, and the waterfront location itself is pleasant enough. On a grey day it feels a bit windswept, but visit on decent weather and you'll spot across the Solent nicely. Not a half-day attraction, mind - you need to commit proper time to get value from it.