Portsmouth

About

With a rich maritime and naval history, Portsmouth's fortunes have long been intimately tied to the sea. Even today, many of Portsmouth's most stunning features and most popular attractions are found near the harbour.

From the imposing Spinnaker Tower, to the Mary Rose Museum and historic ship HMS Victory, you'll find a huge range of things to see and do. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to some of the most impressive historic ships in the world – with the remains of Henry VIII's Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1860 both here.

If you love to shop, Gunwharf Quays is an absolute must. With over 90 premium retail outlets and up to 60% off the RRP, plus over 30 delicious restaurants, Gunwharf Quays really will leave you spoilt for choice. Visit today to experience the idyllic South Coast setting while you save on your favourite designer brands. But it doesn’t stop there…on top of late-night shop and restaurant opening there is a Vue Cinema, Bowlplex and Grosvenor Casino. You many come for the shopping, but you’ll stay for the views.

Kids will love the Blue Reef Aquarium. On sunny days the whole family can follow the Old City Walls and enjoy an ice-cream on the seafront. Portsmouth Guildhall provides one of the south's premier entertainment venues.

Things to do in Portsmouth

• Shop till you drop in the wonderful Gunwharf Quays or enjoy the incredible views over the city from the top of the nearby Spinnaker Tower.
• Visit the D-Day Museum to learn all about the incredible bravery and stories behind the D-Day Landings.
• Don't miss the fantastic HMS Victory, Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar and one of the oldest and best preserved ships in the country.
• In addition to its naval traditions, Portsmouth is also the birthplace of Charles Dickens - find out more about one of Britain's most famous literary figures at the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.
• Find out what's on in Portsmouth this weekend in our Hampshire events guide.

Places to visit near Portsmouth

Explore the local area in these towns and villages near Portsmouth.

• Southsea (1 mile)
• Gosport (2 miles)
• Portchester (3 miles)
• Hayling Island (4 miles)
• Lee-on-Solent (5 miles)
• Fareham (5 miles)
• Havant (6 miles)