Enjoy an instant weekend in Emsworth, Hampshire says CHARLIE WALKER

PLACE: EMSWORTH, HAMPSHIRE
SEE: Nelson's famous flagship, the aptly named HMS Victory, is on display alongside other historic naval attractions in nearby Portsmouth Dockyard (02392 839766/ www.historicdockyard.co.uk). This battle-scarred giant led the Royal Navy to victory against French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in 1805. You can stand in the spot where Nelson died and view the ship's 3,618sq ft topsail, riddled with 90 cannon shot holes. The Royal Naval and Mary Rose museums are also well worth a visit.

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DO: The sunny south coast is the UK's watersports capital and Hayling Island, just off Emsworth, claims to be the birthplace of windsurfing. There are plenty of centres offering activities, tuition and equipment. Portsmouth Outdoor Centre (02392 663873/www.portsmouthoutdoor.co.uk) is just a few miles west and Cobnor Activity Centre (01243 572791/www.cobnor.com) offers courses designed for children. If you have the know-how and just need the kit, head to Shore Watersports (01243 674830/www.shore.co.uk).

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EAT: Just a stone's throw from the village's pretty harbour, the Fat Olives on South Street (01243 377914/ www.fatolives.co.uk) has an informal atmosphere and serves sophisticated dishes including venison loin with dauphinoise potatoes, butternut squash and wild mushrooms. If you're after a light snack, Driftwood Café on High Street (01243 377373/www.driftwood-cafe.co.uk) has cream teas and home-made cakes.

DRINK: The Lord Raglan (01243 372587/ www.lordraglanemsworth.co.uk) is a cosy, convivial watering hole with constantly changing guest beers on tap. Live bands play every Sunday and good, simple meals are available.
STAY: Recently refurbished, The Brookfield Hotel (01243 373363/www.brookfieldhotel.co.uk) offers doubles from £85 per night (two sharing), B&B.

INSIDER'S TIP: For a bracing walk take a lap of Thorney Island's shoreline path, about eight miles. The island was an RAF base during the Second World War and recently used as a testing site for a land speed record attempt.
Visit Hampshire: 02392 467111/ www.visit-hampshire.co.uk