Best Things To Do in Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Are you looking for what to do in Portsmouth?

THINGS TO SEE & DO

  • Old Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth is where the city of Portsmouthfirst laid its roots. The cobbled streets and the historical attractions here are worth a visit and throw light on the heritage of the city.
  • Fort Nelson: This Victorian fort displays artillery and weapons from historical times. The top of the fort affords amazing panoramas.
  • Spinnaker Tower: The Spinnaker Tower affords glorious views of the surrounding water and land. The tower is a very popular attraction because of its observation deck and glass floors.
  • Southsea Castle: The Southsea Castle is a fortification that dates back to 1544. It was made by Henry VIII to protect the nation from sea invaders.
  • Charles Dicken’s Birthplace: Explore the house the Charles Dickens called home. He was born in this house and the sofa that he died on is still displayed amongst his memorabilia. This site has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portsmouth.
  • Portsmouth Cathedral: Discover the devastating effects that the war had on the church and wander through the restored structure to find a church that is truly peaceful and deeply spiritual.
  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: The top rated attraction of the city, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a place full of historical importance and a number of things to do. It houses important naval vessels and memorabilia.

The main attractions at the dockyard are:

  • HMS Victory ship
  • HMS Warrior 1860
  • The Mary Rose Museum
  • National Museum of Royal Navy
  • The Historic Boat Workshop

Nightlife & Shopping

Portsmouth has some interesting options for shopping and nightlife. Gunwharf Quays is host to some exciting retail outlets and also houses a bowling alley and cinema hall. Port Solent also has a number of pubs and restaurants where you can sample cuisine from all over the world. Apart from this, Albert road also has some lovely pubs and clubs that are open till late.

Below we have a list of things to do in Portsmouth and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Portsmouth getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Portsmouth with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Portsmouth

Here is the list of things to do in Portsmouth and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

    Museum, History Museum, Landmark, Historical Site

    The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has a number of attractions in its compound that will keep you busy for the whole day and more. It has the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, HMS Alliance and the fascinating submarine of World war era. For navy enthusiasts, there is the Royal Navy Museum which is a treasure chest of information and education. You can easily spend a whole day at this...Read more
  2. The Mary Rose Museum

    4.8 (302 Votes)
    The Mary Rose Museum

    Museum, Specialty Museum

    Dedicated to the navy warship Mary Rose that was at her prime in 16th century, this museum showcases fascinating artifacts from the ship as well as the restored ship itself . The staff here is extremely friendly and happy to answer any of your queries. The museum tells in detail the story of Mary Rose and her journey and has preserved its original objects with much care. It also throws light on...Read more
  3. Hms Warrior 1860

    4.7 (345 Votes)
    Hms Warrior 1860

    Museum, Historical Site

    The pride of Queen Victoria’s naval fleet, the Warrior is the first iron hulled, armored warship that takes a place of pride at the Portsmouth dockyard. HMS Warrior was said to be the fastest and sleekest ship running on steam and sail. It is truly fascinating to see this huge vessel restored in all its glory. The ship also serves as a private venue for special occasions. Take time and ex...Read more
  4. Hms Victory

    4.7 (204 Votes)
    Hms Victory

    Museum, Specialty Museum

    HMS Victory is a brilliantly restored ship that first set sail in 1765. By 1922, the ship moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth and was converted to a museum ship for the sake of tourists. HMS victory is known for its heroic role in the Battle of Trafalgar. Helpful guides make your visit more pleasant and the displays give you an authentic feel of the time when the ship was at its full glory.The ex...Read more
  5. Gunwharf Quays

    Shopping Center, Specialty Shop

    Gunwharf Quays houses a host of retail outlets that offer visitors a variety of merchandise to shop. Home to high end brands like Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Karren Millen and also high street fashion that agrees with the tastes of the youth, Gunwharf Quays can be your one stop for all the retail therapy that you crave. There are a number of restaurants and cafes here too. Apart from this, there i...Read more
  6. Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson

    Landmark, Historical Site, Monument, Fort

    The only fortress of its kind, Fort Nelson is a beautifully restored monument that provides visitors with an authentic experience of the English Military from World War 2 times. This Victorian fortress has been restored to its original form and offers a number of things to see and do. Spread across 19 acres, there are tunnels, ramparts and artillery on display that transport you to times when t...Read more
  7. D- Day Museum

    Museum, Military Museum, Specialty Museum

    The D Day Museum is a one of a kind museum that covers the incidents leading upto the landings in Normandy. This event was a big turning point in the world war and is thus and important incident in the history of the war. Check out the Overlord Embroidery that is the biggest of its kind in the world and exquisitely made. It is dedicated to the heroic struggle and sacrifices of the men. There ar...Read more
  8. Royal Marines Museum

    4.4 (38 Votes)
    Royal Marines Museum

    Museum, Military Museum

    Situated at 4.2 miles from the center of Portsmouth, the Royal Marines Museum is set in a historic building and displays fantastic marine related exhibits and documents. The museum is a whole lot of fun for kids as well because it has a number of activities for the little ones. An assault course and a zipline are part of the fun. It sheds light on how the navy has been trained over the years ri...Read more
  9. Portsdown Hill

    Landmark, Walking Area, Historical Site, Hill

    Portsdown Hill is a ridge that provides spectacular views of the surroundings and gives you a chance to explore nature’s bounty at its very best. The hill is extremely popular amongst the locals for its gorgeous flower laden surroundings and panoramas that simply leave you speechless. Whether it’s at daytime or at night, the views here are beautiful. There is a coffee and ice cream ...Read more
  10. Staunton Park

    4.5 (30 Votes)
    Staunton Park

    Park, Nature

    Stauton Park is a fairytale park that is beautifully maintained and is a great place to connect with nature. The farm within the park has domestic animals like pig, chickens, horses, llamas, owl, alpacas and longhorn cattle. They are shy but harmless and love to be fed. The children’s play barn is an indoor play area that is full of active games and equipment to keep your little ones busy...Read more
  11. Clarence Pier Amusement Park

    Amusement Park, Park, Entertainment, Picnic Spot

    The Clarence Pier is an amusement pier that houses a number of fun attractions for adults and kids. Historically too, the pier has been hosting funfairs and entertainment programs. The amusement park with the same name has become very popular amongst the locals and provides a good reason to spend quality time with friends and family. There is a sky trail and a number of games in the arcades to ...Read more
  12. The Bridge Tavern

    Food And Drinks, Pubs, Fine Dining

    This traditional English pub is all you need to feel like you have stepped back in history. The whole place is wood paneled and gives the vibes of an old tavern that existed long time ago. A great place for lunch, dinner or just a refreshing drink, The Bridge Tavern is quite popular with the locals. The staff here is friendly and will go to great lengths to make you feel special. Their selectio...Read more
  13. Canoe Lake

    4.2 (74 Votes)
    Canoe Lake

    Lake, Boating, Picnic Spot

    Canoe Lake is a becoming reservoir that packs in a host of activities and a day of fun for you and your family. From a children’s play area to a swan boats for hire, the activities here will keep both adults and kids happy. Bring along a picnic and have a barbecue afternoon by this picturesque lake. There is no better way to spend a lazy day. If you visit in winter, you can even enjoy the...Read more
  14. Southsea Rose Garden

    Garden, Park, Nature

    Tucked inside the fortified walls of Lumps Fort is the Southsea Rose Garden that is simply a gorgeous sight at any time of the year. Lumps fort, which no longer exists was used for training in the Operation Frankton against Germany. The garden now exists where the fort once stood and is absolutely a stunning sight when the 40 varieties of roses that it houses are in full bloom. There is also a ...Read more
  15. Charles Dicken's Birthplace
    Charles Dickens was not just a celebrated author, he also lived a regency lifestyle. And this is evident at the recreation at his birthplace. The objects on display may not have originally belonged to him but the house is decorated in keeping with the tastes of his family. You can take a tour of the house where he was born and imagine the early childhood of this genius. There is a small collect...Read more

Portsmouth
Ask question in category
  • I am traveling to Portsmouth, NH the weekend of November 15-18th. Christmas Shopping Weekend. Are there any Christmas Events going on, and also are there any Malls in that area to check out. thanks for the information.

    Answer Report Abuse
    • A few Christmas events taking place in Portsmouth between 15th and 18th November are Christmas Tree Lighting, Open Studios & Traders Keep Market at The Hotwalls Studio, Corporate Christmas Party Nights at Mountbatten Center, and Portsmouth Christmas Market 2019 at 220 Commercial Rd, Portsmouth, UK. 

      Gunwharf Quays, Cascades Shopping Centre, and Port Solent - The Boardwalk Shopping Centre are a few shopping malls in Portsmouth. 

      Report Abuse
  • What is most important to see in Portland?

    Answer Report Abuse
    • The above-listed places in Portsmouth are some of the must-see attractions in the city. You can go through the extensive list and decide to visit the ones that hold your interest. 

      Report Abuse
  • Is the Wentworth open in October 5 or 6

    Answer Report Abuse
    • I think you will need to provide more details about this place to know the exact timings and other information. 

      Report Abuse