Welcome to Portsmouth! The English metropolis I now name dwelling. It’s a vibrant place to be, bursting with full of life sights, historic wonders, and that pleasant seaside appeal. From naval museums to a beautiful waterfront wander, this coastal gem has lots to entertain you. Let me take you thru the very best issues to do in Portsmouth, and the place to seek out them.
I’ve lived in Portsmouth since 2017 – can’t truly consider it’s been that lengthy. Coming as much as longer than I lived in London – shocker!
I’ve undoubtedly received to know town and space properly in that point, what with the entire lockdown and all the pieces. I do know precisely what to do in Portsmouth, so listed here are the very best Portsmouth sights to maintain you entertained whilst you’re right here.
From cool cafes and bookshops, to nationally famend museums, and all of the enjoyable of the seaside that is what to plan into your Portsmouth itinerary for some good occasions forward.
All of the Greatest Issues to Do in Portsmouth
1. Stroll alongside Southsea Promenade
Start your relaxed journey by leisurely strolling alongside Southsea Promenade, a pleasant stretch overlooking the (sometimes) azure waters of the Solent. Really feel the light sea breeze caress your face as you amble previous vibrant seashore huts, inviting cafes, the odd meals stand, and charming gardens.
Take a second to pause on the nostalgic South Parade Pier, basking within the views and the sound of waves lapping in opposition to the wood construction. Seize a swirly ice cream from the Ice Cream Emporium and benefit from the style as you wander around the pier, or just discover a serene spot to take a seat and watch the world go by.
The promenade is among the many causes I like residing in Southsea. For those who’re visiting Portsmouth, you must undoubtedly test it out!
There’s a great deal of parking on the seafront, or park round Canoe Lake for a number of hours of freebie.
2. Calm down on Southsea Seashore
Need to take in some solar and seaside vibes? Look no additional than Southsea Seashore!
Take a dip within the bracing waters, convey one thing mushy to lie on the shingles within the solar, or simply park your self on the promenade to observe all of it unfurl. Southsea Seashore is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Portsmouth.
It’s an ideal place to apply your sea paddle boarding expertise – if the climate and circumstances are proper!
Look, this video I made will take you thru all the pieces you might want to find out about Southsea Seashore…
Try my Southsea Seashore Information for extra on what to do if you get there. It’s a should do in Southsea.
journey in portsmouth
Getting round Portsmouth
First Bus have lately spent over £28 million on a fleet of 62 zero emissions electrical buses. These buses imply cleaner air and quieter streets for the locals, and supply passengers a smoother, extra snug trip. On board they’re fitted with USB charging factors, on display screen and audio bulletins, and the most recent in accessibility design.
The buses are on route #1 from Gunwharf to Southsea, and three from Fareham to Southsea, in addition to 9/9A, X4, X5 and the Eclipse speedy transit bus too.
You may pay on board utilizing the First Bus app. Take the bus in Portsmouth and you may keep away from the faff of driving in metropolis centre visitors, and the parking.
3. Drink alongside Albert Highway
I’ll take you for a stroll alongside Albert Highway right here, to focus on the very best locations to eat, drink and see. However briefly, Porters pub is a favorite for its Mexican choices, Offbeet for the veggie choices, and Southsea Spirit for a Spicy Magarita.
It’s one of many quirkiest streets within the UK, and filled with independents – we now have to assist them!
4. Hang around at Southsea Citadel
Southsea Citadel, down by Southsea Seashore, belonged to Henry VIII, and is now open for a free looksee. Climb as much as the highest and also you’ll get nice views over to the Isle of Wight. Downstairs you’ll discover a fab little cafe which makes for an ideal brunch spot on a sunny day.
5. Sit back on Clarence Pier
Clarence Pier’s iconic amusement park could possibly be a little bit of a love or hate state of affairs. There are a number of rides down there, loads of arcades and now, an the other way up home too. The Brewer’s Fayre presents nice priced foods and drinks in a pub with a mushy play – additionally, an all-you-can-eat breakfast!
6. Unwind in Victoria Park
Escape metropolis life and discover tranquility within the serene oasis of Victoria Park. Nestled within the coronary heart of Portsmouth, this fantastically landscaped park presents a peaceable retreat for nature lovers and weary souls alike.
You may take a leisurely stroll amidst flower-filled borders, calm down on a shaded bench with a superb ebook, or relax on the expansive lawns whereas having fun with a pleasant picnic.
There’s an ideal playground in there for over 4s, and final time I used to be wandering by way of it seemed like they had been constructing some form of playground for toddlers too. The brand new aviary within the centre needs to be completed any day now.
There’s additionally an ideal little cafe in there, and all earnings go to homeless individuals in Portsmouth. Pretty muffins!
7. Eat your manner round Palmerston Highway, Southsea
Southsea leisure is a 3rd seashore (coated that), a 3rd Southsea Frequent (go picnic on it) and a 3rd the good indie retailers, espresso retailers and eating places. There are some nice locations to hang around with a brew right here.
My present faves embody The Clubhouse and Meat and Barrel, however you possibly can discover the very best eating places in Southsea right here.
8. Eat and store at Gunwharf Quays
For a leisurely lunch or dinner, head to Gunwharf Quays. This vibrant waterfront vacation spot presents all types of feasts for foodies, with all of the chain eating places you can ever need. The newest additions embody Faucet&Tandoor and Banana Tree.
It’s a reduction procuring outlet so anticipate a mixture of high-end and high-street retailers with their costs slashed. Private favourites embody French Connection and the Vans store. Oh and the pik n combine within the Lindt store is fairly particular too.
9. Hit the Heights on the Spinnaker Tower
Ascend the enduring Spinnaker Tower and brace your self for panoramic vistas overlooking the Solent, the Isle of Wight, and town under. When you’re up there the Sky Backyard Cafe presents muffins, espresso and afternoon tea suspended 100 metres above sea degree.
You can even take a look at the glass ground and check your nerves attempting to stroll throughout it. It makes my abdomen flip, particularly when Reggie does it!
10. Uncover Portsmouth’s hidden historical past
Portsmouth is steeped in wealthy maritime historical past, and its hidden gems present a captivating glimpse into the previous.
– Dive deep into historical past on the D-Day Story museum, the place participating reveals transport you again to the dramatic occasions of World Conflict II.
– Delve into the life and works of acclaimed creator Charles Dickens on the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum, tucked away within the charming Previous Portsmouth.
– Go to Portsmouth Museum and Artwork Gallery for the most recent exhibitions exhibiting off the very best of town.
“No Place Like Pompey explores what’s particular concerning the UK’s solely island metropolis, while Portsmouth at Play celebrates the myriad methods by which leisure habits have modified through the years. There’s additionally Soccer within the Metropolis, overlaying Portsmouth FC’s significance to many metropolis residents, and The Story of Portsmouth – which presents a glimpse into dwelling lives by way of the ages.”
– Portsmouth Museum and Artwork Gallery
These hidden historic gems supply a calming alternative to immerse your self within the tales and legends that formed Portsmouth.
11. Go to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Get able to set sail on historic seas as you step foot within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Immerse your self in charming tales of naval battles, discover the magnificent HMS Victory and stand on the very spot the place Admiral Nelson was shot. Step aboard the HMS Warrior, the world’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship, and discover the unimaginable inside.
You can even unleash your internal pirate with a go to to the interactive Pirate Ship Expertise, the place you possibly can seek for hidden treasure and stroll the plank in model.
There’s additionally an ideal little cafe in right here serving a variety of lunch time snacks, alongside a unusual museum. Additionally, classic arcade video games to be amazed by aplenty. And after I say amazed, I imply, how tech and leisure has come alongside a lot!
12. Sundown Splendor at Portsdown Hill
Make your solution to Portsdown Hill, a tranquil spot that gives panoramic views over Portsmouth and its environment.
Discover a cozy perch and watch in awe because the solar slowly dips under the horizon. For those who’re fortunate you’ll see the sky change with vibrant hues of orange and pink. I’ve seen some epic photographs of the sunsets right here, though by no means been fortunate sufficient to witness one myself.
You may both stroll up right here (mission, however enjoyable) or simply drive to the automotive park. See if you will discover Mick’s Monster Burgers – he’s a little bit of a legend round these elements. It will get very busy up right here when there’s any form of fireworks on, however it’s an ideal environment.
What to do in Portsmouth
Has that enlightened your thoughts to a few of the nice issues to do in Portsmouth? With its coastal appeal, relaxed vibes, and hidden treasures I actually do assume Portsmouth is among the most underrated cities within the UK.
I hope you’ll come and go to us for an evening or 4. On a sunny day there’s nowhere higher.
I wouldn’t have stayed right here for SEVEN years if I didn’t consider it!
