University of Portsmouth Tours

Visit University of Portsmouth

Activities

The harbors of Portsmouth helped the city establish its importance in the world. Now this university continues innovating to deliver a global influence.

From a humble beginning in 1869, this academic center has grown in size and stature to be named the University of Portsmouth. Combine a stroll around the campus with your visit to the Historic Dockyard and other attractions near Old Portsmouth.

Starting as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art, the early scholarly ventures moved several times before reaching a permanent setting in 1908 in the Park building east of Gunwharf Quays. At that time the focus was on engineering and chemistry. After World War II, the school added arts and humanities curricula.

Decades of academic excellence were recognized in 1992, when the school was named the University of Portsmouth. Look for the Park building, which remains a distinctive presence in the central part of the campus. It now serves as home for European and international studies.

Today’s university continues to reinvent itself. The focus is on education, research and innovation, with a strategy to be transformational in the world. See elements of transformation on the campus itself, with new buildings surrounding the old. The Dennis Sciama Building houses the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation. See the Future Technology Centre, completed in 2018, and reaffirming the university’s commitment to engineering.

Arrive by train at the Portsmouth and Southsea Station, which is a 5-minute walk from the Park building. Just north of the Park building is Victoria Park and east is the Portsmouth Guildhall. Because the school grew as the city itself was growing, university buildings were built side by side with Portsmouth municipal structures. Download a campus map to look for specific buildings.

University of Portsmouth is an impressive academic institution in a lovely setting with extensive maritime history. Along with your campus visit, be sure to see the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and The Point, all within a 20-minute walk from the school.

Plan a trip to see University of Portsmouth

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Holiday Inn Farnborough by IHG

Rushmoor District

per person

Oct 20 - Oct 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Chicago (ORD) to Southampton (SOU)

8.4/10 Very Good! (588 reviews)

Property is under going a refurbishment however clean and presentable.

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Popular places to visit

Portsmouth Guildhall

Sing along to some of the world’s biggest names in music, laugh until you cry and join the celebrations in this central entertainment venue.

St. John's Cathedral

Step outside the lively center of town and into the tranquility of this beautiful cathedral to admire the stunning architecture and engage in peaceful reflection.

Gunwharf Quays

Stretching along the sea is one of Portsmouth's coolest areas, with plenty of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a contemporary art gallery.

Mary Rose Museum

Discover life onboard and the history of one of King Henry VIII’s favorite warships via displays of valuable artifacts and interactive activities.

Spinnaker Tower

Ascend to the viewing platform of Portsmouth's most iconic modern landmark for excellent views over the city and coast.

Royal Garrison Church

Still standing after taking a hit in World War II, this spectacular church tells its tumultuous and varied history through its impressive stained-glass windows.

Best Lodging Options Near University of Portsmouth

Check availability on hotels close to University of Portsmouth

ibis Portsmouth Centre

Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, England

Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG

The Plaza Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England

Royal Maritime Hotel

Queens Street, Portsmouth, England

Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

Pembroke Road, Portsmouth, England

Southsea Rocks Hotel

4 Florence Rd, Portsmouth, England

Duke of Buckingham

119 The High Street, Portsmouth, England

Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children

15 - 16 The Hard, Portsmouth, England

The Queens Hotel

Clarence Parade, Portsmouth, England

Portsmouth Budget Hotels

20b Landport Terrace, Portsmouth, England

See all 2,374 properties in University of Portsmouth

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of Portsmouth

While visiting the University of Portsmouth, you can enjoy various activities, including taking a ferry to explore the surrounding areas. Don't miss out on the Portsmouth guide for insights into new attractions and must-see spots nearby, ensuring you make the most of your trip. The vibrant local scene offers plenty of options for dining, entertainment, and shopping, making it a perfect destination for tourists.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Gunwharf Quays, just 0.6 miles from the University of Portsmouth, where you can enjoy a mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, House of Chilli is 11 miles away, while WestQuay Shopping Centre is 16 miles away, offering even more options.

Recreation

At Fratton Park, immerse yourself in the excitement of live sports events, just a mile from the university. Enjoy a round of golf at Great Salterns Golf Course, two miles away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. For tranquility, visit Staunton Park, seven miles away, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Explore the Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath, a scenic hiking trail 5 miles from the university, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For water sports, visit CBK Hayling Island, also 5 miles away, or head to Hayling Island Sailing Club, located 7 miles away, for thrilling sailing adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the University of Portsmouth is vibrant and diverse. Kings Theatre offers a cultural experience with family-friendly shows, while the nearby New Theatre Royal provides romantic entertainment. For a fun-filled adventure, Action Stations! is perfect for families looking to enjoy arcade games and activities.

Find the best attractions near University of Portsmouth

During your visit to the University of Portsmouth, you can explore a variety of attractions, including beautiful beaches, fascinating military museums, and vibrant event venues. The area offers a rich blend of culture and outdoor experiences, perfect for travelers seeking adventure or relaxation. Don't miss the top Portsmouth beach resorts and the historic charm of Old Portsmouth to enhance your trip.

HMS Victory: Step aboard the historic HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. This iconic warship, steeped in maritime history, offers a unique glimpse into naval life of the 18th century, complete with exhibits that bring its storied past to life.
Mary Rose Museum: Explore the fascinating Mary Rose Museum, dedicated to the Tudor warship that sank in 1545. The museum showcases thousands of artifacts recovered from the wreck, providing an immersive experience of maritime heritage and the daily lives of sailors in the Tudor era.
Spinnaker Tower: Experience breathtaking views from the Spinnaker Tower, a striking modern landmark. Rising 170 meters above Portsmouth Harbor, its viewing decks offer panoramic vistas of the city and the Solent, making it an unforgettable highlight of your visit.

Best time to go to University of Portsmouth

Visitor numbers around University of Portsmouth is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit University of Portsmouth is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
February	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	49.1°F (9.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	54.1°F (12.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Portsmouth

To save money on your visit to the University of Portsmouth, plan your trip between January and March when prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Consider using Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options by sorting prices low to high and booking package deals that include flights and activities. Join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore the area on foot to save on public transport costs while enjoying free activities.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Portsmouth are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Portsmouth is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Portsmouth is Saturday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the lowest prices and best deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the University of Portsmouth with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.
Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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