What to do in Portsmouth

Activities, attractions and tours

Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Royal Marines Museum which includes interior views and art
Gunwharf Quays

Portsmouth Tourist Attractions & Activities

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Top places to visit

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 featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

2. 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.

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 which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

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. 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 showing a lighthouse, a castle and heritage elements

What to do in Portsmouth

Discover the most popular places to visit in Portsmouth

Gunwharf Quays featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Gunwharf Quays

4.5/5(18 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.

Gunwharf Quays
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
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard featuring a marina

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

4.5/5(20 reviews)

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 which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

HMS Victory

5/5(14 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.

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
Southsea Castle showing a lighthouse, a castle and heritage elements

Southsea Castle

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

Southsea Castle
Kings Theatre

Kings Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Kings Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Portsmouth. Amble around this relaxing area's waterfront and enjoy its lively bars.

Kings Theatre

Explore areas of Portsmouth

Royal Marines Museum which includes heritage elements

Southsea

Southsea is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, lively bars and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Fratton Park or Kings Theatre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Southsea
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Portsmouth City Centre

4/5(1 area review)

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

Portsmouth City Centre
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Cosham

4/5(1 area review)

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

Cosham
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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.

Old Portsmouth
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Buckland

While Buckland may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth Guildhall.

Buckland

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Portsmouth

Fareham

Fareham

Hayling Island

Hayling Island

Photo by Andreea Lupea

Waterlooville

South Hayling

South Hayling

Port Solent featuring a bay or harbour

Port Solent

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or try unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Portsmouth.
How do I spend a day in Portsmouth?
When you've checked off leading attractions like West Wittering Beach and Mary Rose Museum, spend some time exploring Portsmouth's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth?
You can't go home without checking out West Wittering Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth.
Is three days enough to stay in Portsmouth?
Three days in Portsmouth is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Mary Rose Museum, Clarence Pier and Southsea Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Southampton.
Is Portsmouth a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Portsmouth, like Mary Rose Museum and Clarence Pier, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Portsmouth is Southsea and Portsmouth City Centre is 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Portsmouth with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Portsmouth with kids.

What to do in Portsmouth for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Forelands Beach or Sally Port.
Are there free things to do in Portsmouth?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Portsmouth is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Southsea Beach is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.