Welcome to Portsmouth! The English metropolis I now identify dwelling. It’s a vibrant place to be, bursting with vigorous factors of curiosity, historic wonders, and that nice seaside enchantment. From naval museums to an beautiful waterfront wander, this coastal gem has lots to entertain you. Let me take you through the most effective points to do in Portsmouth, and the place to hunt out them.
I’ve lived in Portsmouth since 2017 – can’t actually think about it’s been that prolonged. Coming as a lot as longer than I lived in London – shocker!
I’ve positively acquired to know city and area correctly in that time, what with your complete lockdown and each half. I do know exactly what to do in Portsmouth, so listed beneath are the most effective Portsmouth factors of curiosity to keep up you entertained whenever you’re proper right here.
From cool cafes and bookshops, to nationally renowned museums, and the entire pleasant of the seaside that’s what to plan into your Portsmouth itinerary for some good events ahead.
All the Biggest Points to Do in Portsmouth
1. Stroll alongside Southsea Promenade
Begin your relaxed journey by leisurely strolling alongside Southsea Promenade, a nice stretch overlooking the (typically) azure waters of the Solent. Actually really feel the sunshine sea breeze caress your face as you amble earlier vibrant seaside huts, inviting cafes, the odd meals stand, and charming gardens.
Take a second to pause on the nostalgic South Parade Pier, basking throughout the views and the sound of waves lapping in direction of the picket building. Seize a swirly ice cream from the Ice Cream Emporium and profit from the fashion as you wander across the pier, or simply uncover a serene spot to take a seat down and watch the world go by.
The promenade is no doubt one of many many causes I like dwelling in Southsea. For many who’re visiting Portsmouth, it is best to positively try it out!
There’s an excessive amount of parking on the seafront, or park spherical Canoe Lake for only a few hours of freebie.
2. Settle down on Southsea Seaside
Want to soak up some photo voltaic and seaside vibes? Look no extra than Southsea Seaside!
Take a dip throughout the bracing waters, convey one factor easy to lie on the shingles throughout the photo voltaic, or just park your self on the promenade to look at all of it unfurl. Southsea Seaside is actually among the many finest points to do in Portsmouth.
It’s a tremendous place to look at your sea paddle boarding skills – if the local weather and circumstances are correct!
Strive my Southsea Seaside Data for further on what to do should you get there. It’s a ought to do in Southsea.
journey in portsmouth
First Bus have simply recently spent over £28 million on a fleet of 62 zero emissions electrical buses. These buses indicate cleaner air and quieter streets for the locals, and supply passengers a smoother, further cosy journey. On board they’re fitted with USB charging components, on show and audio bulletins, and the most recent in accessibility design.
The buses are on route primary from Gunwharf to Southsea, and three from Fareham to Southsea, along with 9/9A, X4, X5 and the Eclipse quick transit bus too.
Chances are you’ll pay on board using the First Bus app. Take the bus in Portsmouth and it’s possible you’ll steer clear of the faff of driving in metropolis centre web site guests, and the parking.
3. Drink along Albert Road
I’ll take you for a stroll alongside Albert Road proper right here, to highlight the most effective places to eat, drink and see. Nevertheless briefly, Porters pub is a favourite for its Mexican selections, Offbeet for the veggie selections, and Southsea Spirit for a Spicy Magarita.
It’s considered one of many quirkiest streets throughout the UK, and full of independents – we now have to assist them!
4. Cling round at Southsea Citadel
Southsea Citadel, down by Southsea Seaside, belonged to Henry VIII, and is now open for a free looksee. Climb as a lot as the best and likewise you’ll get good views over to the Isle of Wight. Downstairs you’ll uncover a fab little cafe which makes for a great brunch spot on a sunny day.
5. Sit again on Clarence Pier
Clarence Pier’s iconic amusement park might very effectively be slightly little bit of a love or hate situation. There are only a few rides down there, a great deal of arcades and now, an the opposite approach up residence too. The Brewer’s Fayre presents good priced meals and drinks in a pub with a easy play – moreover, an all-you-can-eat breakfast!
6. Unwind in Victoria Park
Escape metropolis life and uncover tranquility throughout the serene oasis of Victoria Park. Nestled throughout the coronary coronary heart of Portsmouth, this fantastically landscaped park presents a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and weary souls alike.
Chances are you’ll take a leisurely stroll amidst flower-filled borders, relax on a shaded bench with e-book, or calm down on the expansive lawns whereas having enjoyable with a nice picnic.
There’s a tremendous playground in there for over 4s, and remaining time I was wandering by way of it appeared like they’ve been establishing some type of playground for toddlers too. The model new aviary throughout the centre have to be accomplished any day now.
There’s moreover a tremendous little cafe in there, and all earnings go to homeless of us in Portsmouth. Lovely muffins!
7. Eat your method spherical Palmerston Road, Southsea
Southsea leisure is a third seaside (coated that), a third Southsea Widespread (go picnic on it) and a third the nice indie shops, espresso shops and consuming locations. There are some good places to hold round with a brew proper right here.
My current faves embrace The Clubhouse and Meat and Barrel, nonetheless you will discover the most effective consuming locations in Southsea proper right here.
8. Eat and retailer at Gunwharf Quays
For a leisurely lunch or dinner, head to Gunwharf Quays. This vibrant waterfront trip spot presents all sorts of feasts for foodies, with the entire chain consuming locations you possibly can ever want. The most recent additions embrace Faucet&Tandoor and Banana Tree.
It’s a discount shopping for outlet so anticipate a combination of high-end and high-street shops with their prices slashed. Non-public favourites embrace French Connection and the Vans retailer. Oh and the pik n mix throughout the Lindt retailer is pretty specific 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 city beneath. While you’re up there the Sky Yard Cafe presents muffins, espresso and afternoon tea suspended 100 metres above sea stage.
It is also doable to strive the glass flooring and verify your nerves making an attempt to walk all through it. It makes my stomach flip, significantly when Reggie does it!
9. Uncover Portsmouth’s hidden historic previous
Portsmouth is steeped in rich maritime historic previous, and its hidden gems current a fascinating glimpse into the earlier.
– Dive deep into historic previous on the D-Day Story museum, the place taking part reveals transport you once more to the dramatic events of World Warfare II.
– Delve into the life and works of acclaimed creator Charles Dickens on the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum, tucked away throughout the charming Outdated Portsmouth.
– Go to Portsmouth Museum and Art work Gallery for the most recent exhibitions displaying off the most effective of city.
“No Place Like Pompey explores what’s specific regarding the UK’s solely island metropolis, whereas Portsmouth at Play celebrates the myriad strategies whereby leisure habits have modified by the years. There’s moreover Soccer throughout the Metropolis, masking 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 Art work Gallery
These hidden historic gems present a soothing different to immerse your self throughout the tales and legends that fashioned Portsmouth.
10. Go to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Get capable of set sail on historic seas as you step foot throughout the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Immerse your self in fascinating tales of naval battles, uncover 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 uncover the unimaginable inside.
It is also doable to unleash your inside pirate with a go to to the interactive Pirate Ship Experience, the place you probably can search for hidden treasure and stroll the plank in mannequin.
There’s moreover a tremendous little cafe in proper right here serving a wide range of lunch time snacks, alongside a weird museum. Moreover, basic arcade video video games to be amazed by aplenty. And as soon as I say amazed, I indicate, how tech and leisure has come alongside lots!
11. Sunset Splendor at Portsdown Hill
Make your resolution to Portsdown Hill, a tranquil spot that offers panoramic views over Portsmouth and its surroundings.
Uncover a comfortable perch and watch in awe as a result of the photo voltaic slowly dips beneath the horizon. For many who’re lucky you’ll see the sky change with vibrant hues of orange and pink. I’ve seen some epic images of the sunsets proper right here, although in no way been lucky ample to witness one myself.
Chances are you’ll each stroll up proper right here (mission, nonetheless pleasant) or just drive to the auto park. See should you’ll discover Mick’s Monster Burgers – he’s slightly little bit of a legend spherical these elements. It’s going to get very busy up proper right here when there’s any type of fireworks on, nevertheless it absolutely’s a tremendous surroundings.
What to do in Portsmouth
Has that enlightened your ideas to quite a lot of the great points to do in Portsmouth? With its coastal enchantment, relaxed vibes, and hidden treasures I truly do assume Portsmouth is no doubt one of the underrated cities throughout the UK.
I hope you’ll come and go to us for a night or 4. On a sunny day there’s nowhere greater.
I wouldn’t have stayed proper right here for SEVEN years if I didn’t think about it!