Welcome to Portsmouth! The English metropolis I now name house. 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 loads 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 really imagine 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 effectively 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 one of the 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 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 (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 likely one of the many causes I really like dwelling 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 just a few hours of freebie.
2. Loosen up 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, carry one thing delicate 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 finest issues to do in Portsmouth.
It’s an ideal place to follow 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 might want to find out about Southsea Seashore…
Take a look at my Southsea Seashore 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 just 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 journey. On board they’re fitted with USB charging factors, on display and audio bulletins, and the most recent in accessibility design.
The buses are on route no 1 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 site visitors, and the parking.
3. Drink alongside Albert Street
I’ll take you for a stroll alongside Albert Street right here, to spotlight one of the 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 stuffed with independents – now we have to assist them!
4. Hang around at Southsea Fortress
Southsea Fortress, 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. Relax on Clarence Pier
Clarence Pier’s iconic amusement park might be a little bit of a love or hate state of affairs. There are just a few rides down there, loads of arcades and now, an the other way up home too. The Brewer’s Fayre provides nice priced foods and drinks in a pub with a delicate 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 superbly landscaped park provides a peaceable retreat for nature lovers and weary souls alike.
You’ll be able to take a leisurely stroll amidst flower-filled borders, chill out on a shaded bench with a superb e-book, or sit back 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 it appeared like they have been constructing some type 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 method round Palmerston Street, Southsea
Southsea leisure is a 3rd seaside (coated that), a 3rd Southsea Widespread (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 embody The Clubhouse and Meat and Barrel, however you will 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 provides all types of feasts for foodies, with all of the chain eating places you could possibly ever need. The most recent additions embody Faucet&Tandoor and Banana Tree.
It’s a reduction buying outlet so anticipate a mixture of high-end and high-street outlets 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 town beneath. When you’re up there the Sky Backyard Cafe provides muffins, espresso and afternoon tea suspended 100 metres above sea stage.
You can too take a look at the glass flooring and take a look at 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 partaking reveals transport you again to the dramatic occasions of World Struggle 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 most recent exhibitions displaying off one of the 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 wherein leisure habits have modified through the years. There’s additionally Soccer within the Metropolis, protecting Portsmouth FC’s significance to many metropolis residents, and The Story of Portsmouth – which provides a glimpse into house lives by the ages.”
– Portsmouth Museum and Artwork Gallery
These hidden historic gems supply a soothing 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 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 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 beneath 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 photographs 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 automobile 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 type of fireworks on, however it’s an ideal ambiance.
What to do in Portsmouth
Has that enlightened your thoughts to a number of 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!