Home of the Royal Navy and Charles Dickens’ birthplace, Portsmouth boasts a glorious harbour and magnificent maritime heritage. Located 110 km southwest of London on Hampshire’s Portsea Island, this seaside city can be easily reached by car. Or if you fancy a relaxing journey while you enjoy the charming scenery, hop on the train with your favourite playlist.
From the picturesque Eastney Beach to the Historic Dockyard, there are buckets of exhilarating places to visit in Plymouth – whether it’s a short break or a day’s trip. To make your life easier, we’ve listed five of the top things to do in Portsmouth.
1. Pay a visit to the Hotwalls Studios
Portsmouth’s artistic quarter and an important heritage site, Hotwalls Studios blends the old with the new through 13 studios featuring the artwork of local creatives. Find it in the Point Battery and Barracks, get introduced to the brilliant creations of the city’s designers and artists, and stop for a coffee at The Canteen.
2. Stroll along the Historic Dockyard
Located in HM Naval Base, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the perfect attraction for history buffs. Explore HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s famous flagship, and other historic ships, such as the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior 1860 and HMS M.33. There is also an array of impressive museums to be toured, including the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower.
3. Tour the D-Day Story Museum
The D-Day Story in Southsea boasts an interesting collection that tells the story of the 1944 attack on France’s Normandy coastline. Displays include vehicles, weapons and the Overlord Embroidery, the world’s largest tapestry. Enjoy the immersive experience as you learn about the historical significance of this turning point in WWII.
4. Get a panoramic view of the city from the Spinnaker Tower
Once known as the Portsmouth Millennium Tower, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is the tallest climbable construction outside London. Climb the observation tower at sunset and enjoy a hot drink as you feast your eyes on the fascinating multicoloured sky.
5. Shop in Albert Road, Southsea’s main artery
A stretch of exciting shops, Albert Road is probably one of the most vibrant places in Portsmouth. Whether you’re window-shopping or looking for souvenirs, you’ll enjoy browsing at the quirky independent boutiques. For a great culture experience, take a look at Kings Theatre’s program.
5 Best Things to Do in Portsmouth is a feature post
