Visit Portsmouth to see all things nautical. Big boats dating back to Nelson and Tudor times are moored up for all to see at the historic naval dockyards. Portsmouth’s museums are very much in keeping with its maritime theme, covering Royal Marine history, D-Day, and sealife. Trace Henry VIII’s steps to Southsea Castle where he watched his beloved Mary Rose sink beneath the waves, little did he know she would be home and dry for all to see today. This Hampshire city has a few surprises too. With its two cathedrals, strange nickname (Pompey) and its location being perched on an island, Portsmouth is a great place to be.
Places to visit in Portsmouth
Enjoy free, live music at Southsea Bandstand
Is there a better summer afternoon than a fantastic free programme of music and dance in a beautiful natural amphitheatre looking out to sea?
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum
Discover more about the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Take a step back in time in Southsea
From the Tudor ramparts of Henry VIII's Southsea Castle, to The D-Day Story, there's plenty of Portsmouth’s heritage for you to explore in the seaside town of Southsea.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Picnic within the walls of Portchester Castle
Surround yourself with thousands of years of history as you enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Portchester Castle.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Have a frightful Halloween with Dark Encounters
Discover a spookier side of Portsmouth on a ghost walk around some of the most haunted spots in the city.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Meet Normandy veterans at The D-Day Story
Visit The D-Day Story in Portsmouth and you may be able to meet some of the men and women who took part in the Normandy Landings.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Experience the life of a Royal Marine
Train yourself to the peak of physical fitness at an outdoor assault course and see if you've got what it takes, at the Royal Marines Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Rainy Day Activities: Treat the kids at Portsmouth's Action Stations
Let your kids loose on this indoor playground, packed with exciting activities including a ninja course and the UK's tallest indoor climbing tower.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Walk the Plank at Clarence Pier
Are you brave enough to tackle high wire bridges and navigate rope ladders whilst hovering 10 metres above the sea at Clarence Pier?
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Sample oysters at Portsmouth Fish Market
Visit Viviers Fish Market located in the picturesque Camber Dock fishing marina and try some of the freshest seafood on the south coast.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Strap on your sea legs on a Harbour tour
Get closer than ever to the Royal Navy's ships on a 45 minute guided boat tour of Portsmouth Harbour.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
July events: Portsmouth International Kite Festival
Take a kite to Southsea Common and get involved in one of the world's biggest and best kite festivals.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Celebrate Portsmouth's literary heritage at BookFest
Meet some of the UK's most beloved authors in an annual literary festival for the whole family.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Uncover 900 years of horrible history on the Spice Island Ghost Walk
When things go bump in the night, do you investigate rather than hide under the covers? If that’s the case then you’ll love the hair-raising thrills of a paranormal walk around Portsmouth’s old city.
Location: Portsmouth , Hampshire
Enjoy really high tea at the Spinnaker Tower
Visit the Café in the Clouds for a high tea with a difference.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Enjoy a seafaring adventure at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
With maritime attractions that span 800 years, there's plenty to pack into a short break to this historic waterfront city.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Step on board HMS M.33, a small ship with a big history
Visit Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard this summer and you'll find a new addition to its amazing maritime collection.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Enjoy an exciting family adventure in Southsea
Discover historic ramparts and tunnels at Southsea Castle, an undersea safari at Blue Reef Aquarium and dinosaurs and butterflies at Cumberland House.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Enjoy a summer of waterfront events and festivals in Portsmouth
Enjoy a summer of waterfront events and festivals in Portsmouth.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Mix heritage with designer chic by the sea in Portsmouth
Treat yourself to a waterfront break where you can delve into history while still enjoying a spot of designer retail therapy.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find fabulous free fun by the sea in Portsmouth
If you're looking for a great break that won’t break the bank this summer then Portsmouth is the place to be.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
