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If you have done the things to do in Caribbeans, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.
Its streets are a canvas of rich history, vibrant culture and quaint charm, offering visitors a plethora of things to do, see and experience.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Portsmouth:
1. Historic Dockyard Portsmouth
The Historic Dockyard Portsmouth is a collection of historic naval ships, museums, and exhibitions that provide insight into the naval history of the UK.
What to see or do: – Explore HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar.
Don’t miss: – The Harbour Tour that takes visitors on a boat trip to see the historic ships of the Dockyard from a different perspective.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend a full day at the Dockyard to experience everything it has to offer.
2. Spinnaker Tower
The Spinnaker Tower is a 170-metre observation tower located in Portsmouth, UK. It is visible from miles around and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.
What to see or do: Visitors can ride the high-speed lift to the viewing platforms on the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight.
The tower also houses a café, a gift shop, and an exhibition, while adrenaline seekers can try abseiling and climbing experiences.
Don’t miss: The glass floor section on the first viewing level where visitors can lie down and look directly down to the ground, 100 metres below.
It’s not for the faint-hearted but provides a unique experience.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the tower early in the morning or during the week rather than on weekends.
If you have a head for heights, bring a camera and take lots of photographs of the stunning views.
3. Portsmouth Cathedral
A stunning cathedral in the historic city of Portsmouth, England.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful interior of the cathedral, which features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and ornate chapels. The cathedral also hosts a range of events, including musical performances and exhibitions.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at the cathedral’s intricate ceiling, which features stunning paintings and carvings. Visitors should also make a point of visiting the historic crypt, which dates back to the 11th century.
Insider travel tips: Admission to the cathedral is free, but donations are welcome.
Visitors may want to consider joining one of the guided tours, which offer an in-depth look at the history and architecture of this beautiful building.
The cathedral is located in Portsmouth’s Old Town, which is also well worth exploring, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings.
4. Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle is a historic fortification located in Portsmouth, England. Built in 1544, the castle played a vital role in the naval defense of England.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s history through exhibits and artifacts.
Take a guided tour to learn about the castle’s important role during World War II and the development of submarine detection.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of the Solent and Spitbank Fort from the castle. Check out the castle’s ramparts and cannons which played a significant role in the English Civil War.
Insider travel tips: Visit during summer months for live entertainment, food stalls, and an open-air cinema. The castle is also a popular spot for watching the annual Cowes Week sailing regatta.
5. D-Day Museum
The D-Day Museum in Portsmouth is a military museum focused on the events leading up to the D-Day landings in Normandy, France during World War II.
What to see or do: View displays of authentic uniforms, vehicles, and weapons from the Allied forces, as well as personal accounts, diaries, and family stories from those who took part in the landings.
The museum also features impressive life-sized exhibits and interactive displays that allow visitors to experience the invasion firsthand.
Don’t miss: The Operation Overlord embroidery, a stunning 272ft long masterpiece stitched by volunteers that tells the story of the D-Day landings in intricate detail.
Also, don’t forget to head up to the roof terrace for panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbor and the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: The museum is busiest during school holidays and weekends, so plan to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
Additionally, visitors can also purchase a combined ticket for the museum and a harbour tour to make the most out of their visit.
6. Portsmouth City Museum
Portsmouth City Museum is a local history museum located in Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.
What to see or do: The museum has a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Portsmouth’s history, including art, photographs, and military and maritime history.
Visitors can explore the city’s past, from the Roman era to the present day.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the impressive collection of items related to Admiral Lord Nelson, including his famous coat and hat worn at the time of his death in the Battle of Trafalgar.
Visitors can also see the famous Pompey Football Club trophy.
Insider travel tips: Admission to the museum is free, although donations are welcome. The museum is located in the city center, with easy access to public transportation.
Guided tours are available, and visitors should check the museum’s website for additional information, including opening hours.
7. HMS Warrior 1860
HMS Warrior 1860 is a Victorian-era naval warship, now open to the public as a museum in Portsmouth, UK.
What to see or do: Explore the restored ship, including the captain’s cabin, gun deck, and the engine room. Learn about the history of the Royal Navy and how the ship played a significant role during the Victorian era.
Don’t miss: Witness the firing of the ship’s mighty guns and take a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff to gain a deeper insight into the ship’s history.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer season to take advantage of extended opening hours. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and expect low ceilings and narrow passageways on board the ship.
8. Emirates Spinnaker Tower
The Emirates Spinnaker Tower is a 170-metre tall icon in Portsmouth that offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline.
What to see or do: Visitors can ascend up to the three observation decks and indulge in the breathtaking vistas of Portsmouth Harbour, the city skyline, and the Solent.
For the more daring, the tower boasts a thrilling glass floor, giving visitors a unique perspective of the bustling harbor below.
One of the observation decks also has a 25-metre high open-air sky deck, providing an unobstructed view of the coastlines.
Don’t miss: Take a relaxed picnic with you, and indulge in the beautiful views from the top of the tower. The top deck also has a glass sky walk, which gives visitors a 360 view of the region.
Insider travel tips: It is advisable to book tickets in advance to skip the queues and ensure a hassle-free experience.
A guided tour of the tower is also available and allows visitors to learn about the history of the tower and how it was designed and built.
The Tower is lit up at night, creating a spectacular visual experience.
9. Blue Reef Aquarium
Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth is a popular family-friendly aquarium showcasing a diverse collection of marine life.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe various species of fish, sharks, turtles, seahorses, rays, and other marine creatures up close in different themed zones.
There are also interactive displays, daily talks and feeding sessions, a glass tunnel where you can walk through a tank filled with fish and a touch pool where you can stroke a starfish.
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch the underwater feeding displays of the aquarium’s inhabitants.
Check out the Giant Pacific Octopus, which is unique to Blue Reef Aquarium or head to the outdoor terrace which offers panoramic sea views.
Insider travel tips: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
10. Royal Marines Museum
The Royal Marines Museum tells the history of the Royal Marines from their formation in 1664 to the modern day, through artifacts, archives, and interactive exhibits.
What to see or do: Explore the galleries to learn about the role of the Royal Marines in conflicts around the world, including the Napoleonic Wars, World War I and II, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
See military vehicles, weapons, medals, and uniforms up close. Test your skills on the Commando Assault Course and experience a simulated landing craft ride.
Don’t miss: The Medal Room, which houses more than 8,000 medals and decorations awarded to Royal Marines. The museum’s extensive archives, which include personal letters, photographs, and diaries from serving and retired Royal Marines.
The recreated Suez Canal Zone street scene, which depicts the Royal Marines’ peacekeeping efforts in Egypt in the 1950s.
Insider travel tips: – Allow at least two hours to fully explore the museum.
11. Mary Rose Museum
The Mary Rose Museum is a historical museum in Portsmouth, UK, dedicated to the story of the Mary Rose warship, which sank off the coast of Portsmouth in 1545 and was raised from the seabed in 1982.
What to see or do: – Explore the five decks of the 16th-century warship and learn about the lives of the men who sailed on it.
Don’t miss: – The viewing gallery, which offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of the ship and displays the ship’s bell and anchor.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which also houses other attractions such as HMS Victory and the National Museum of the Royal Navy, so consider purchasing a combined ticket for multiple attractions.
12. Brickwoods Brewery
A historic brewery located in Portsmouth, England that has been producing beer since 1812.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the brewery to learn about the history of beer production in Portsmouth and see the traditional brewing methods used by Brickwoods Brewery.
Don’t miss: Tasting the award-winning beers produced on site, including the popular Brickwoods Bitter and the refreshing Summer Ale.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to book your tour in advance as availability can be limited.
If you’re a fan of beer, be sure to check out the brewery’s shop where you can purchase a variety of Brickwoods beers to take home with you.
13. Portsmouth Harbour
A bustling commercial and naval port located on the southern coast of England.
What to see or do: – Take a boat tour of the harbor and enjoy spectacular views of Portsmouth’s waterfront.
Don’t miss: – Watching the sunset over the harbor with the stunning backdrop of the Portsmouth skyline.
Insider travel tips: – Visit on a Sunday to experience the popular Gunwharf Quays Market, which offers a wide variety of products and food stalls.
14. Clarence Pier Amusement Park
Clarence Pier Amusement Park is a popular seaside attraction located in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
What to see or do: The amusement park has something for everyone, with over 20 rides including adrenaline-inducing roller coasters, dodgems, and a sky-high Ferris wheel.
There are also amusement arcades, a pirate-themed mini-golf course, and plenty of carnival-style games to try your hand at.
Don’t miss: Be sure not to miss the Skyways ride, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and coastline. The Big Apple Coaster is also a must-ride, with its corkscrews and drops providing an unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and be aware that the park can get busy during peak season. Purchase a wristband for unlimited rides, as this usually works out more cost-effective than paying per ride.
Don’t forget to pick up some classic seaside treats like fish and chips or an ice cream cone from one of the vendors along the pier.
15. Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum
The birthplace of famous Victorian-era author Charles Dickens turned museum in Portsmouth, UK.
What to see or do: Learn about the life of Charles Dickens, his works, and the era which inspired him. Exhibits include original manuscripts, personal items, and a reconstruction of Dickens’ childhood bedroom.
Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including a special one for kids.
Don’t miss: The museum’s garden, which features a bronze statue of young Charles Dickens and a cafe serving Dickens-inspired food and drinks.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in the heart of Old Portsmouth, a charming historic district, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Take time to explore the area on foot.