Things to do in Portsmouth

Activities, attractions and tours
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Royal Marines Museum which includes art and interior views
Gunwharf Quays

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Top places to visit

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

2. 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 featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

3. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard featuring a marina

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

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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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.

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

8. Clarence Pier

The oceanfront Clarence Pier Amusement Park is one of the biggest funfairs on England’s south coast and a local Southsea institution. Play the penny slot machines and step aboard the spinning carnival rides. A dizzying high ropes course offers even more thrills for those who dare to climb it.
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Clarence Pier featuring interior views and a casino

What to do in Portsmouth

Popular places to visit

Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port

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

Portsmouth International Port
Gunwharf Quays featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

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.

Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard featuring a marina

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
HMS Victory featuring a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

HMS Victory

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

HMS Victory
University of Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth

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

University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth Guildhall

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.

Portsmouth Guildhall
Mary Rose Museum

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.

Mary Rose Museum
Kings Theatre

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 lively bars.

Kings Theatre
Clarence Pier featuring interior views and a casino

Clarence Pier

Families flock to Portsmouth's waterside amusement park, where exhilarating activities include a high ropes course, roller coasters and a huge indoor play area.

Clarence Pier

Areas of Portsmouth

St. John\'s Cathedral

Portsmouth City Centre

Portsmouth City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Portsmouth Guildhall and New Theatre Royal while in the area.

Portsmouth City Centre
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

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

Cosham
The Point featuring a bay or harbor and cuddly or friendly animals as well as an individual male

Old Portsmouth

You'll enjoy the monuments and historic sites in Old Portsmouth. You might want to make time for a stop at Square Tower or Cathedral of St. Thomas.

Old Portsmouth
Charles Dickens Birthplace

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.

Buckland
Hayling Island

Hayling Island

Photo by C J West

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