Portsmouth

Portsmouth, the waterfront city

At the heart of the city is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Here you can explore Lord Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory and tour Queen Victoria’s battleship, HMS Warrior 1860. You visit the Mary Rose Museum and trace the history of the Royal Navy at the Royal Naval Museum. Then come right up to date with Action Stations an interactive attraction on today’s navy.  Why not take a harbour tour to see the naval ships, and harbour fortifications from the water.
Other fascinating attractions include Charles Dickens’ Birthplace, the D-Day Museum featuring the Overlord Embroidery, Southsea Castle, the Royal Marines Museum and two inspiring cathedrals.
Southsea offers four miles of beach and promenade, featuring gardens, green open spaces and piers. You can take an undersea safari at the Blue Reef Aquarium or splash around at the Pyramids with their fun pools, flumes and waves.
At the harbour entrance lies Gunwharf Quays, with designer outlet shopping and dining right on the water’s edge.  The Spinnaker Tower is also situated here. This is a striking attraction soaring 170m into the air, offering spectacular views over the south coast.
If you want to shop then Portsmouth City Centre and Southsea offer an excellent selection of shops from high street names to quirky independent retailers.

Memory of Portsmouth

“My favourite thing about Portsmouth is its people. They are always cheerful and helpful and justly proud of their great city. There seems to be a permanent 'buzz' about the city and with this great atmosphere, and so much to see and do for all ages, it is a perfect holiday destination.” 

Ray Fairbank, Lincolnshire

Culture & heritage

With 11 inspiring museums, Portsmouth has a great story to tell. Discover more about its naval heritage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Royal Marines Museum.  Hear about Portsmouth’s role in WWII at the D-Day Museum and learn more about famous author Charles Dickens at the very place he was born.

Attractions

The Spinnaker Tower is a great place to begin your visit to Portsmouth. Standing 170m high with the city laid out before you, you’ll be able to see how compact the city is. Watch the bustling harbour in action and dare to step out onto Europe’s largest glass floor.

Food and drink

Portsmouth boasts a number of award-winning restaurants and is home to two of its very own food festivals. With regular farmers' markets and plenty of establishments offering a taste of local food, Portsmouth is becoming the South’s newest foodie haven. 

Shopping

Portsmouth is a shopping haven, with three distinct areas offering something different. Portsmouth’s City Centre has all the big names you’ll recognise. Enjoy the indoor mall at Cascades and a street market dating back centuries. Southsea boasts an impressive range of specialist retailers plus two department stores. Or head to Gunwharf Quays and discover more than 95 designer outlet stores. 

Sport

Head to Fratton Park to catch the Premier League’s finest in action and some of the most passionate fans in the country. 

Every October Portsmouth is host to the Great South Run, Europe’s leading 10-mile road race.

Music & nightlife

The legendary Wedgewood Rooms in Southsea is the best place to catch the emerging Portsmouth talent and popular acts on tour. Gunwharf Quays is home to more than 30 bars and restaurants so perfect for a night on the tiles!

Buy before you fly

There are so many great things to see and do in Portsmouth, so don’t waste time. Visit our online shop to get discounts on attractions and services. For great offers, go to VisitBritain Direct (www.visitbritaindirect.com).