Why You Should Visit Portsmouth

Portsmouth waterfront at night with famous Spinnaker Tower

 Portsmouth is one of Britain’s oldest seaside cities. Traditional and trendy come together to create a treasured place.

Whether you want to soak in the sights or explore the city, you won’t run short of things to do there. We’ve created a list to help you get started planning your trip. 

Mary Rose 

Let’s dive into the maritime history of Portsmouth, which is a big pull for plenty of visitors. The Mary Rose and Portsmouth’s historic dockyard is the city’s top attraction.

The Mary Rose Portsmouth
The Mary Rose Portsmouth Image Via Wikimedia

Mary Rose was a ship in Henry VIII’s navy. Thousands of objects have been recovered to create a museum and give you an insight into Tudor life. It’s an incredibly impressive collection and you should see it for yourself. It’s super easy to get to Portsmouth thanks to its transport links. For instance, you can get the train from Southampton to Portsmouth and it only takes half an hour.

Canoe Lake

It wouldn’t be a trip to the seaside without taking part in some British traditions. You should definitely check out Canoe Lake.

Canoe Lake portsmouth UK
Canoe Lake portsmouth UK

Hop on a swan pedalo, picnic by the rose gardens, or tuck into a portion of chips. It’s an idyllic spot to spend a sunny day. 

Albert Road 

Once you’ve got your fill of your past, it’s time to step back into the present. Albert Road is a buzzing street which you can take your time browsing. It hosts a bunch of bric-a-brac and is packed full of pubs. Whether you want to taste some craft beer or check out some live music, you’ll easily find the perfect spot for you. 

Emirates Spinnaker Tower 

The Emirates Spinnaker Tower is at the heart of Portsmouth redeveloped harbour and has become an iconic landmark in the city.

Harbour of Portsmouth England with famous Spinnaker Tower
Spinnaker Tower Harbour of Portsmouth England UK

It offers you some incredible sights. The tower offers unrivalled views of the sun setting over the harbour. Over the summer, there are sunset Sundays. There is live music and a pop-up bar, so you can really make the most of your evening. 

Isle of Wight 

During your visit to Portsmouth, you could also have a day trip to the Isle of Wight. The ferry takes 40 minutes if you’re travelling by car, and 22 if you’re a foot passenger. Either way, you’ll have plenty of time to get exploring.

Freshwater Bay and Tennyson Down on the Isle of Wight, UK
Freshwater Bay and Tennyson Down. Isle of Wight UK

There’s plenty for you to see and do. From its wide array of historic architecture to its spectacular coastal walks, the Isle of Wight is certainly a worthy day trip destination. 

Please note before travelling to check in with government guidelines to make sure it’s safe to do so. Do you have a favourite spot in Portsmouth or a place you’d like to see there? If so get in touch and let us know.

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