Portsmouth City Guide 🇬🇧
Hello Portsmouth!
Portsmouth is the Great Waterfront City – offering miles of coastline, centuries of history, world-class attractions and a year-round programme of events. Whether you want to enjoy outlet shopping by the water’s edge, stand on the spots where history was made, or just enjoy some fresh sea air and the great outdoors, Portsmouth is the place to go.

This city guide was created in collaboration with Visit Portsmouth. Visit their website for more great tips on exploring the city.
Southsea Seafront
Jump on a Voi and head down the three mile stretch along Southsea Beach. You can enjoy the wind in your hair, great views out across the Solent and a huge selection of attractions to visit or places to eat or drink along the way.
VIEW NOWSouth Parade Pier
The historic South Parade Pier is your one-stop shop for all the classic seaside attractions. There are arcade games, fish and chip restaurants and often a fairground at the end of the pier to enjoy during summer months.
VIEW NOWSouthsea Castle
Put yourself in Henry VIII’s shoes at Southsea Castle – which he reportedly helped design. Park up your scooter outside then head in across the moat to enjoy the free museum or views out from the ramparts.
VIEW NOWThe D-Day Story
How do you get an army across the English Channel when your enemy is well-armed, well-trained and expecting you? Find out at The D-Day Story, with personal testimonies from those involved in the Normandy Landings.
VIEW NOWSouthsea Common
Get away from it all with a ride around Southsea Common. Whether using it as a picturesque way of getting from A to B or enjoying the surroundings, it’s a great place to head for picnics, ball games or enjoying the great outdoors.
VIEW NOWClarence Pier
What’s that? Another pier?! Yes, Portsmouth is blessed with two piers – this one running alongside the coast rather than out to sea. Park up your VOI and try out the arcade games or take a ride on the Clarence Pier funfair.
VIEW NOWOld Portsmouth
Enjoy the historic old town, with its cobbled streets, Victorian pubs and lamplit walkways. Popular day and night, this area has great places to eat and is also home to the majestic Portsmouth Cathedral.
VIEW NOWGunwharf Quays
Bag a bargain at Gunwharf Quays, where there are more than 90 designer outlets offering up to 60% off RRP. That’s not all, as the site is also home to 30 bars and restaurants, plus a cinema, bowling alley, casino and art gallery.
VIEW NOWSpinnaker Tower
Take in the best view on the south coast with a trip up the Spinnaker Tower. From its 100-metre vantage point you can see out across the whole city, as well as across to the Isle of Wight and out to the Solent.
VIEW NOWPortsmouth Historic Dockyard
Centuries of naval history can be explored at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Here you can do more than just see some of the world’s most famous ships, but climb on board as well – to stand on the exact spots where history was made.
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