Portsmouth
Why we love Portsmouth
Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth welcomes visitors with open arms all year round. Explore miles of coastline offering adventure sports, relaxation and refreshing sea air. Venture into the city with vibrant attractions, restaurants, bars, theatres and live music, all within close proximity. Explore iconic relics from history with a modern day spin, like King Henry VIII’s ship, the Mary Rose, and the historic dockyard. Jump right back into the present with epic views from the ultra-modern Spinnaker Tower, the 170-metre structure dominating the landscape of Portsmouth harbour. From beach-front music festivals to Charles Dickens’ birthplace, sporting events to maritime adventures, Portsmouth has it all.
Spinnaker Tower
For unbeatable views of the South Coast, ascend 170 metres up this architectural wonder. Thrill-seekers have the chance to abseil down, or simulate walking along its beams in a nail-biting virtual reality experience. For something more relaxing, book high tea in the clouds or order a cocktail in the Sky Bar.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Delve into the UK’s naval history and explore legendary ships and submarines at this maritime must-visit. It’s home to nine of Portsmouth’s biggest attractions, including the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. The Mary Rose Museum is a highlight, with an immersive 4D experience that lets visitors simulate diving to the sunken ship.
Victorious Festival
Catch British legends and international icons alike this August, as some of the world’s biggest artists take to Southsea Common. This musical extravaganza by the sea features a packed line-up across various stages and areas. Whether it’s watching huge bands on the Common Stage, escaping to a book talk at Literacy Live or tasting your way around Neighbourhood Eats, this festival offers something for everyone.
Wetwheels Solent
Fully accessible motorboats enabling people of all abilities to experience Portsmouth’s waves. From wildlife spotting to naval history tours, there are cruises to suit a variety of interests. Passengers even get their chance to take the helm and drive the boat, offering a truly exciting boating experience.
Hotwalls Studios
Portsmouth’s young creatives come together in this centre of art, housed in the Grade I listed Point Battery and Barracks. Offering affordable workspaces to up-and-coming artists, Hotwalls Studios are an important part of the city’s cultural scene. Visitors can take part in workshops including rug making, pottery and printmaking.
Icons
Climb aboard some of Britain’s most legendary ships at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.
Remember Britain’s role in the Normandy landings at the immersive D-Day Story, the country’s only museum dedicated to this pivotal wartime event.
Admire the fortifications at Southsea Castle – the very spot from which King Henry VIII watched the sinking of his flagship, the Mary Rose, in 1545.
Nab discount designer fashion, homeware, beauty and more at Gunwharf Quays, the city’s waterfront shopping and dining destination.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Visitors may have heard of the Bayeux Tapestry – but what about the Overlord Embroidery? This 83m-long artwork with 34 hand-stitched panels tells the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, with the work on show at Portsmouth’s D-Day Museum.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- Portsmouth Museum houses more than 40,000 items, including the world’s largest collection dedicated to Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
- Unique in English professional football as being the only ground not located on the British mainland, fans can tour Portsmouth FC’s Fratton Park stadium on Portsea Island to learn more about the historic club.
- The wreck of the Tudor warship Mary Rose was recovered live on TV in 1982 – the Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard spotlights the vessel and a vast collection of Tudor artefacts.
- The 170m-high Spinnaker Tower celebrates its 20th birthday in 2025, with afternoon tea available in The Clouds Café – 105m up in the sky.
- Writer Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth in 1812, and his birthplace is now a museum, displaying prized personal possessions from his early life.
Things to do in Portsmouth
Featured things to do
Unwind in nature
Wander acres of lush parkland, relax by the pond and feed adorable farm animals. Staunton Country Park is home to a menagerie of friendly creatures, from pigs and sheep to llamas and alpacas! For the full English countryside experience, stop for refreshments at the Regency Tea Rooms.
Explore Staunton Country Park
Festival fun
Head to Southsea Common in August for Victorious Festival. This musical extravaganza by the sea features a packed line-up. From huge bands on the Common Stage, to book talks at Literacy Live or foodie gems at Neighbourhood Eats, there's something for everyone.
Check out Victorious Festival
Lace up your trainers
A 10-mile run along Portsmouth’s seafront, taking in the city’s attractions and bringing people together in celebration. Runners will pass the Historic Dockyard and Spinnaker Tower, cheered on by the lively crowd.
Join the Great South Run
Legendary literature
Few writers are as treasured as Charles Dickens, whose novels have played a part in sculpting Britain’s national identity and culture. Visit the first home of this legendary English storyteller.
Explore Charles Dickens’ Birthplace MuseumPlaces to stay in Portsmouth
City centre
Place yourself in the heart of the city’s action with boutique hotels and big name chains, plus self-catering options in quaint town houses and bed and breakfasts, all within easy reach of the main attractions.
Southsea
Experience Portsmouth like a local with a stay in Southsea. Accommodation includes independent bed and breakfasts, seafront apartments and boutique hotels.
Explore nearby
Getting to Portsmouth
Located 74 miles (119 kilometres) south-west of London, Portsmouth is nestled on the south coast of England.
London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airport are both approximately 60 miles (100 kilometres) away from Portsmouth. Both are connected by train, with Gatwick offering a direct rail service to Portsmouth via Southern Rail in just under one and a half hours.
Heathrow requires several changes when travelling to Portsmouth by train. The most direct way to get from Heathrow to Portsmouth is via National Express coach. The journey is direct and takes as little as 90 minutes.
Getting around Portsmouth
By bus
Regular public bus services connect Portsmouth and the surrounding area with larger coaches offering trips further afield.
By bike
A flat and compact city, Portsmouth is ideal to explored by bike, with miles of designated cycling routes that are safe and scenic.
On foot
A walker’s and runner’s paradise, Portsmouth’s flat landscape makes it easy to explore on foot — from city centre strolls to wildlife routes.
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