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Put the wind in your sails in 2022 - and organise your trip to Portsmouth today

VisitPortsmouth.co.uk

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Offering miles of coastline, centuries of history and a host of world-class attractions, Portsmouth has everything you need for a city break by the sea. Whether you're looking for a foodie getaway, want to get up close to British icons, or simply enjoy some time in the great outdoors, there's loads to see and do. 

Iconic Portsmouth 

Portsmouth is the only place on earth where you can see some icons of British and world history. The Mary Rose, for example, stands proudly on display inside its very own museum, which showcases the hull of Henry VIII's beloved flagship, rescued from the seabed after 437 years. In fact, 2022 will mark 40 years since the ship was raised, so you can expect a host of related events to celebrate the anniversary. 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is also home to HMS Victory, from which Admiral Horatio Nelson gave the orders for the Battle of Trafalgar. Though the battle went on to cost Nelson his life, he managed to orchestrate a historic victory for the British fleet, despite being heavily outnumbered. 

There are also more modern icons, including the Spinnaker Tower, itself an emblem of Portsmouth today. From the viewing platforms over 100-metres above sea level you can see for miles - taking in views across the Portsmouth cityscape, out over the Solent to the Isle of Wight, and up towards the South Downs National Park. 

City foodies 

Get your foodie fix at one of the city's many great restaurants, cafes and pop-ups. There's modern British cuisine available at Restaurant 27 just off the seafront, which comes recommended in the Michelin Guide. Or, head over to the King Street Tavern near the city centre - which has won a Good Food Award three years in a row for its smokehouse BBQ. There are hundreds of places to eat, from quirky fusion offerings to hearty pub grub. See the Visit Portsmouth listings for all the details on where you want to go. 

It's not just top-quality food you have on offer, but drink too. Try some locally distilled gins and rums at the Portsmouth Distillery, or sample the city's famously plentiful pub scene - where you're sure to find a selection of locally brewed drinks. 

Outdoors in the city 

Portsmouth is the ideal place for a city break with plenty to explore outdoors. Most people start along the seafront, where you can enjoy miles of gentle walks along the promenade, with uninterrupted views out across the Solent. There's history to explore along the Millennium Promenade, where information boards point out the locations of great battles and turning points in history. Alternatively, take a stroll around Southsea Common, itself just alongside the seafront, or explore the cobbled, lamplit streets of Old Portsmouth. 

There's something around every corner. 

On top of all these great things to see and do we have a host of great events, anniversaries and things to enjoy throughout 2022. Take a look at just some of what’s going on below. 

2022 marks a full 40 years since the Mary Rose was raised from the seabed in a dramatic and inspiring salvage operation.

The museum is set to host some big events over the course of the year to mark the big anniversary - so keep your eyes peeled for updates. 

Victorious Festival returns to Southsea Common for the August Bank Holiday weekend, bringing with it some of the biggest names in music. Stereophonics, Sugababes, Nothing But Thieves and Sophie Ellis-Bextor have already been announced, with the Saturday and Sunday headliners still to come. 

Lace up those trainers and get ready to test yourself against the world's premier 10-mile running event. The race takes over the streets of Portsmouth in October this year, offering runners the chance to post a good time on the flat, fast course. 

This February will be the 210th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens - one of the country's best-loved authors. To celebrate, the Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum in central Portsmouth hosts a service, before opening up free of charge to visitors for one day only. 

The inaugural Sea Angling Classic competition will take place on the Solent this summer, just off the Portsmouth coast. As well as the main competition itself there will be ceremonies, parades and plenty more to raise the profile of the sport and promote sustainable fishing. 

Portsmouth will join other cities around the country for a long weekend of celebrations to mark HRH The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

There will be beacon lighting, street parties, a Big Lunch and plenty more besides taking place over the four-day bank holiday weekend. 

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