Things to do in Portsmouth

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Portsmouth Travel Guide

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Portsmouth must see attractions

1. Gunwharf Quays

Beneath the shadow of the famous Spinnaker Tower is the stylish shopping and leisure center of Gunwharf Quays, where you can easily spend a day browsing the many shops and enjoying the entertainment. The site's history as an ordnance yard is marked only by the cannons that line the waterfront. Today, the area is a modern, buzzing destination, popular with both local residents and visitors. Spoil yourself with a day of shopping and eating here.

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Gunwharf Quays showing modern architecture and a river or creek

2. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard featuring a marina

3. Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port is a gateway to the rest of Europe, as well as the nearby Channel Islands. Considered Britain’s best-connected port, it operates ferries, cruises and cargo ships. Access it easily just north of Portsmouth’s center. Start here for a great opportunity to visit the historical seaside town of Portsmouth.

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4. HMS Victory

The pride of the British fleet, HMS Victory, served in the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary War. It earned its name at the Battle of Trafalgar, where Nelson led the fleet to success. Today view the ship in dry dock. It is still the flagship of the Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord after over 200 years in service and also serves as a museum dedicated to the Georgian Navy. Step aboard to find out more.

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HMS Victory which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

5. University of Portsmouth

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.

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6. Portsmouth Guildhall

The Portsmouth Guildhall is a majestic building and multi-use entertainment venue in the center of Portsmouth. Attend an event from its array of concerts, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and festivals.

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7. Mary Rose Museum

Experience what life was like for sailors on a Tudor-era warship at the Mary Rose Museum. With some 19,000 period objects and audio-visual displays, a visit to the Mary Rose Museum is a great day out for all ages. Come to the museum to be part of living British naval history.

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8. Southsea Castle

Once an important defensive structure, the beautifully preserved Southsea Castle is now a popular tourist attraction. Walk around the battlements, discover its captivating history and admire the sea views.

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Southsea Castle which includes a lighthouse, a castle and heritage elements

Recommended things to do in Portsmouth

Number of things to do	18
Things to do from	$9
Cheapest thing to do	Portsmouth: Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours
Top 5 things to do	The Mary Rose: Day Admission Ticket HMS Victory: Day Admission Ticket Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower Ticket Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Portsmouth Portsmouth Naval History Private Guided Walking Tour
Under $25	Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower Ticket Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Portsmouth Portsmouth: The D-Day Story Entry Ticket Portsmouth: Ghost Walk Tour with a Guide Portsmouth: Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours
With kids	The Mary Rose: Day Admission Ticket HMS Victory: Day Admission Ticket Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower Ticket Portsmouth Naval History Private Guided Walking Tour Portsmouth: The D-Day Story Entry Ticket

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Portsmouth

Gunwharf Quays

4.5/5(50 reviews)

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.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

4.5/5(63 reviews)

Find heroic ships, triumphant naval vessels and World War I frigates at this dockyard, a tribute to the city’s maritime might.

Portsmouth International Port

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Embark on a trip to Europe or enter the lovely town of Portsmouth, England, through the comfort and ease of this modern port.

HMS Victory

4.5/5(31 reviews)

Lord Nelson's triumphant warship is one of the best-preserved vessels from the Napoleonic wars and one of Portsmouth's most impressive attractions.

University of Portsmouth

4.5/5(6 reviews)

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

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.

Mary Rose Museum

5/5(10 reviews)

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

Southsea Castle

5/5(4 reviews)

Located in a dramatic waterfront setting, this historic fort was once the first line of English defense and is now a fascinating museum.

Kings Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Kings Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Southsea. Amble around this relaxing area's waterfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Centre

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Victorian architecture lines the modern avenues of this port city, which has a thriving shopping boulevard and concert venues in historic buildings.

From the top of Portsdown hill you can see Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower. Beyond the Solent separates the Isle of Wight from the British mainland.

Cosham

3.5/5(9 area reviews)

Cosham is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out PlayZone Portsmouth, a top attraction in the neighborhood.

Old Portsmouth

The fascinating landmarks of the former medieval town still stand firm today, helping to piece together the history of this powerful maritime giant.

Buckland

Though Buckland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth Guildhall.

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