Top 5 Things To Do In Portsmouth

The glorious waterfront city of Portsmouth is jam-packed with an array of different things to do and places to explore. Portsmouth, (known to locals as “Pompey”), is home to hundreds of years of rich Naval history, whilst being well-known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Whether you like to explore famous and historic ships, shop till you drop or relax on the beach, Portsmouth has something to offer everyone.

If you are planning to spend this summer at our centre in Portsmouth, then take a look at our guide of the top five things to do here.

Head to the top of the Spinnaker Tower

Hard to miss, the Spinnaker Tower takes centre stage in Portsmouth. This amazing, must-see structure is situated on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, and soars 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent. Take the lift to the top of the tower, (or climb the stairs if you’re brave enough), to see the breath-taking, 360° panoramic views of the city, Southsea beach, Gosport and the Isle of Wight. There are three view decks to explore at the top of the tower, all providing you with outstanding long-distance views. Head to the Sky Deck for the highest and best views of Portsmouth, and to feel the wind in your hair as it is open to the elements. At View Deck 1 don’t forget to take a brave stroll on the Sky Walk – a glass floor which will make you feel as if you are walking on air. After all that excitement, you can relax in the “Café in the Clouds” on View Deck 2.

Discover the Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth’s Naval history put this amazing seaside city on the map, so a trip here would not be complete without a visit to the Historic Dockyard. Being home to the fascinating Tudor ship the Mary Rose and the Royal Navy’s most-famous ship HMS Victory, the Historic Dockyard is full with plenty of interesting things to see and do. Being situated within a working Naval Base, this great attraction is the only place in the world where you learn about the Royal Navy’s past, present and future. The Historic Dockyard has recently completed an exciting, new £27 million Mary Rose Museum, where you can see this amazing preserved ship and discover the comprehensive collection of Tudor artefacts. At the Historic Dockyard you will also be able to explore the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet, HMS Warrior, and the only remaining submarine from World War Two, the HMS Alliance.

Relax on the Southsea Common

During the summer months the Southsea Common becomes a buzzing hub of social events and festivals. The Common is opposite Southsea’s popular promenade and pebble beach, and is perfect for barbeques, kite flying, ball games and lazy afternoons relaxing with a book. There are plenty of famous festivals that take place on the Southsea Common during the summer, including the Victorious music festival in August, Southsea Fest alternative music festival in September and Portsmouth’s International Kite Festival in August. After relaxing on the luscious green grass, you can head over to the Southsea promenade and grab an ice cream or fish and chips, and be entertained at the arcades. The Common is also home to a variety of sports facilities, including a skate park, tennis courts, crazy golf, beach volley ball and a boating lake, which is the perfect place to hire a pedalo.

Shop till you drop at Gunwharf Quays

Perfect for all shopaholics, Gunwharf Quays is a famous shopping outlet situated on Portsmouth’s waterfront. The outlet is in a gorgeous central location, next to the Historic Dockyard and Portsmouth’s busy harbour, and is close to the start of the picturesque pebble beach. Gunwharf Quays is a great place for shopping, as being an outlet, you can get discounted prices off top designer brands, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike and Superdry. However Gunwharf Quays is more than just shopping, it is also an entertainment hub packed to the brim with restaurants, cafes, bars and night clubs, and a cinema and bowling alley.

Explore Southsea Castle

Located on the picturesque sea-front, Southsea Castle has hundreds of years of interesting seaside history to tell. The castle was built in 1544 for King Henry VIII, and was used as a coastal defence and military base for about 400 years. Today, this castle is free for visitors to explore, and is the perfect place to learn about Portsmouth’s rich history and culture. There is plenty to discover at this fascinating castle, including the Keep, where the living quarters and stores are, the Tudor Wall and the Lighthouse. From the walls of this castle, you will also have spectacular views of the Solent and Southsea’s sea-front.

These are just five top things to do in Portsmouth...Can you think of any other great attractions or things to see? Get in contact with us on Facebook and Twitter, (find the links in the bar to the right)!

Written by Alissa Johnson