This nationwide festival of events and exhibitions commemorates the bicentenary of Lord Nelson’s victory, and his death, at the Battle of Trafalgar. It also celebrates the broader picture of Britain’s rich past as a maritime nation.

* Captains, Pirates and Castaways is a free exhibition at the National Archive in Kew (June 22-November 19), exploring the voyages and battles of Horatio Nelson, James Cook and William Bligh. It promises hands-on interactive displays and the opportunity to view open pages from several original journals: both the master’s log and Cook’s own log recording the first voyage of Resolution (1772-75); William Bligh’s account of the notorious mutiny on HMS Bounty (1789); and an admiral’s log kept by Nelson shortly before his death in 1805.

* In July ,the National Maritime Museum unveils Nelson Napoleon, a prestigious exhibition that’s been 10 years in the making. It is the first to explore together the lives and myths of the two dominant leaders and adversaries, Horatio Nelson and Napoleon Bonaparte. Rare and previously unseen personal items will be on display, as well as the lieutenant’s log from HMS Bellerophon, open on the date of the Battle of Trafalgar. The exhibition will run from July 7 to November 13 and will be presented in both French and English.

* For further events visitwww.seabritain2005.com