The Hard (Portsmouth)
The Hard is an interesting location in the historic maritime city of Portsmouth, or more properly the former walled town of Portsea.
The shore here was once the haunt of the Mudlarks, young boys who would scrabble around for loose change dropped by naval officers and other visitors.
Permanently moored at The Hard is HMS Warrior 1860, the world's first ironplated battleship.
Close by is the Royal Dockyard, and outside the gates of this is the Tourist Information Centre.
The Hard Interchange is Britain's most impressive interchange for public transport. Here are Portsmouth and Southsea Station, the terminus for lines from London and the South Coast; The Hard Bus Station, where long distance coaches also stop; the ferry terminal for the Isle of Wight; and the pontoon for the ferry across Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport.