Welcome to Portsmouth! The English metropolis I now name dwelling. It’s a vibrant place to be, bursting with vigorous sights, historic wonders, and that pleasant seaside appeal. From naval museums to an exquisite waterfront wander, this coastal gem has lots to entertain you. Let me take you thru one of the best issues to do in Portsmouth, and the place to search 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 positively acquired to know the town and space properly in that point, what with the entire lockdown and every thing. I do know precisely what to do in Portsmouth, so listed here are one of the best Portsmouth sights to maintain you entertained when 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 instances 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 seaside 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 towards the picket 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 sit down and watch the world go by.
The promenade is without doubt one of the many causes I really like residing in Southsea. If you happen to’re visiting Portsmouth, you must positively 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. Loosen up on Southsea Seaside
Need to take in some solar and seaside vibes? Look no additional than Southsea Seaside!
Take a dip within the bracing waters, carry one thing mushy to lie on the shingles within the solar, or simply park your self on the promenade to look at all of it unfurl. Southsea Seaside is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Portsmouth.
It’s a fantastic place to apply your sea paddle boarding expertise – if the climate and situations are proper!
Look, this video I made will take you thru every thing you must learn about Southsea Seaside…
Take a look at my Southsea Seaside Information for extra on what to do whenever you get there. It’s a should do in Southsea.
journey in portsmouth
Getting round Portsmouth
First Bus have not too long ago 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 provide passengers a smoother, extra comfy journey. On board they’re fitted with USB charging factors, on display and audio bulletins, and the newest 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 possibly can pay on board utilizing the First Bus app. Take the bus in Portsmouth and you’ll keep away from the faff of driving in metropolis centre visitors, and the parking.
3. Drink alongside Albert Street
I’ll take you for a stroll alongside Albert Street right here, to focus on one of the best locations to eat, drink and see. However in brief, 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’ve to assist them!
4. Hang around at Southsea Fortress
Southsea Fortress, down by Southsea Seaside, 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 might be a little bit of a love or hate scenario. There are a number of rides down there, loads of arcades and now, an the wrong way up home too. The Brewer’s Fayre presents nice priced food 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 possibly can take a leisurely stroll amidst flower-filled borders, chill out on a shaded bench with a great guide, or chill on the expansive lawns whereas having fun with a pleasant picnic.
There’s a fantastic playground in there for over 4s, and final time I used to be wandering by way of it appeared like they have been constructing some form of playground for toddlers too. The brand new aviary within the centre must be completed any day now.
There’s additionally a fantastic little cafe in there, and all earnings go to homeless folks in Portsmouth. Beautiful truffles!
7. Eat your approach round Palmerston Street, Southsea
Southsea leisure is a 3rd seaside (lined that), a 3rd Southsea Widespread (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’ll be able to discover one of the 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 every kind of feasts for foodies, with all of the chain eating places you might ever need. The most recent additions embody Faucet&Tandoor and Banana Tree.
It’s a reduction buying outlet so count on 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 long-lasting Spinnaker Tower and brace your self for panoramic vistas overlooking the Solent, the Isle of Wight, and the town beneath. When you’re up there the Sky Backyard Cafe presents truffles, espresso and afternoon tea suspended 100 metres above sea stage.
You too can take a look at the glass ground and check your nerves making an attempt 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 an interesting 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 Warfare II.
– Delve into the life and works of acclaimed writer Charles Dickens on the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum, tucked away within the charming Previous Portsmouth.
– Go to Portsmouth Museum and Artwork Gallery for the newest exhibitions displaying off one of the best of the town.
“No Place Like Pompey explores what’s particular in regards to the UK’s solely island metropolis, while Portsmouth at Play celebrates the myriad methods through which leisure habits have modified through the years. There’s additionally Soccer within 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 Artwork Gallery
These hidden historic gems provide 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 fascinating 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 too can unleash your internal pirate with a go to to the interactive Pirate Ship Expertise, the place you’ll be able to seek for hidden treasure and stroll the plank in model.
There’s additionally a fantastic little cafe in right here serving a spread of lunch time snacks, alongside a unusual museum. Additionally, classic arcade video games to be amazed by aplenty. And once I say amazed, I imply, how tech and leisure has come alongside a lot!
12. Sundown Splendor at Portsdown Hill
Make your approach 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 beneath the horizon. If you happen to’re fortunate you’ll see the sky change with vibrant hues of orange and pink. I’ve seen some epic images of the sunsets right here, though by no means been fortunate sufficient to witness one myself.
You possibly can both stroll up right here (mission, however enjoyable) or simply drive to the automobile park. See if you could find Mick’s Monster Burgers – he’s a little bit of a legend round these components. It will get very busy up right here when there’s any form of fireworks on, however it’s a fantastic ambiance.
What to do in Portsmouth
Has that enlightened your thoughts to among the nice issues to do in Portsmouth? With its coastal appeal, relaxed vibes, and hidden treasures I actually do suppose Portsmouth is without doubt one of 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!
