Welcome to Portsmouth! The English metropolis I now name dwelling. It’s a vibrant place to be, bursting with energetic sights, historic wonders, and that pleasant seaside attraction. From naval museums to an exquisite waterfront wander, this coastal gem has a lot to entertain you. Let me take you thru the most effective issues to do in Portsmouth, and the place to seek out them.
I’ve lived in Portsmouth since 2017 – can’t truly imagine it’s been that lengthy. Coming as much as longer than I lived in London – shocker!
I’ve undoubtedly received to know the town and space properly in that point, what with the entire lockdown and the whole lot. I do know precisely what to do in Portsmouth, so listed here are the most effective 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 instances forward.
All of the Finest 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 (often) azure waters of the Solent. Really feel the mild 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 take a seat and watch the world go by.
The promenade is likely one of the many causes I really like residing in Southsea. In case you’re visiting Portsmouth, it’s best to 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. Loosen up on Southsea Seaside
Need to absorb some solar and seaside vibes? Look no additional than Southsea Seaside!
Take a dip within the bracing waters, deliver 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 Seaside is certainly probably the greatest issues to do in Portsmouth.
It’s an awesome place to apply your sea paddle boarding abilities – if the climate and situations are proper!
Look, this video I made will take you thru the whole lot you have to learn about Southsea Seaside…
Take a look at my Southsea Seaside Information for extra on what to do while 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 provide passengers a smoother, extra snug trip. 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 number one from Gunwharf to Southsea, and three from Fareham to Southsea, in addition to 9/9A, X4, X5 and the Eclipse fast transit bus too.
You’ll be able to 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 Highway
I’ll take you for a stroll alongside Albert Highway right here, to spotlight the most effective 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 have now to help them!
4. Hang around at Southsea Citadel
Southsea Citadel, 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 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 gives 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 gives a peaceable retreat for nature lovers and weary souls alike.
You’ll be able to take a leisurely stroll amidst flower-filled borders, calm down on a shaded bench with e-book, or relax on the expansive lawns whereas having fun with a pleasant picnic.
There’s an awesome playground in there for over 4s, and final time I used to be wandering by way of it regarded like they had been constructing some kind of playground for toddlers too. The brand new aviary within the centre needs to be completed any day now.
There’s additionally an awesome little cafe in there, and all earnings go to homeless individuals in Portsmouth. Beautiful desserts!
7. Eat your manner round Palmerston Highway, Southsea
Southsea leisure is a 3rd seaside (coated that), a 3rd Southsea Frequent (go picnic on it) and a 3rd the good indie outlets, espresso outlets and eating places. There are some nice locations to hang around with a brew right here.
My present faves embrace The Clubhouse and Meat and Barrel, however you’ll be able to discover the most effective 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 gives all types of feasts for foodies, with all of the chain eating places you may ever need. The most recent additions embrace Faucet&Tandoor and Banana Tree.
It’s a reduction purchasing outlet so anticipate a mixture of high-end and high-street outlets with their costs slashed. Private favourites embrace 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 under. When you’re up there the Sky Backyard Cafe gives desserts, espresso and afternoon tea suspended 100 metres above sea stage.
You can too 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 enchanting glimpse into the previous.
– Dive deep into historical past on the D-Day Story museum, the place participating displays transport you again to the dramatic occasions of World Battle II.
– Delve into the life and works of acclaimed creator Charles Dickens on the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum, tucked away within the charming Outdated Portsmouth.
– Go to Portsmouth Museum and Artwork Gallery for the newest exhibitions displaying off the most effective of the 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 over time. There’s additionally Soccer within the Metropolis, protecting Portsmouth FC’s significance to many metropolis residents, and The Story of Portsmouth – which gives 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 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 unbelievable inside.
You can too unleash your inside 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 an awesome 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 method 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. In case you’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’ll be able to both stroll up right here (mission, however enjoyable) or simply drive to the automotive park. See if you’ll find 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 kind of fireworks on, but it surely’s an awesome environment.
What to do in Portsmouth
Has that enlightened your thoughts to among the nice issues to do in Portsmouth? With its coastal attraction, relaxed vibes, and hidden treasures I actually do suppose Portsmouth is likely 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 imagine it!
