Portsmouth

A city surrounded by the sea, Portsmouth's history is strongly linked with the Royal Navy. The city houses some superb military and maritime museums including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery,and the Royal Marines Museum. And for some of the best views of Portsmouth, don't miss the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson on Portsdown Hill near Fareham.

During the summer, the Portsmouth Harbour Waterbus links the four major attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Explosion!, Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Gunwharf Quays.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The Historic Dockyard is the jewel in Portsmouth's crown, home to the world famous historic ships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860, and the Mary Rose Collection. Together with interactive Action Stations, The National Museum of the Royal Naval and Harbour Tours, plus a fun-packed annual events programme, there truly is something for all ages.

Gunwharf Quays

A short walk away from the Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays is a buzzy hotspot and premier waterfront destination, open night and day, with over 95 designer shopping outlets, art gallery, cinema, casino, nightclubs and restaurants with al fresco dining.

Spinnaker Tower

You can find Portsmouth's newest attraction here, the 170m Spinnaker Tower, which has stunning views over the Solent. On a clear day you can see up to 23 miles over to the Isle of Wight, Chichester and the South Downs. Walk on air on the glass floor if you dare!

Southsea

The Victorian seafront at Southsea has a funfair and swimming complex, and the large open green spaces are perfect for lazy picnics, gentle strolls and kite flying. The underground passages at Southsea Castle are well worth exploring, or discover local and tropical marine life at the Blue Reef Aquarium, a great day out whatever the weather.

Portsmouth's Old Town

Or step back in time and discover the charms of the Old Town with cobbled streets and hidden secrets such as Portsmouth's Anglican Cathedral dating back to 1185.

Entertainment

The choice of entertainment in Portsmouth is a vibrant mixture of pubs, bars and clubs, an exciting theatre and film culture, as well as a live music and comedy scene.

Theatres in Portsmouth offer a wide selection of performances to cater for all tastes. The New Theatre Royal boasts a year round programme of drama, comedy, dance, workshops and children’s shows. There is also the Kings Theatre in the heart of Southsea which hosts a range of shows, including circus, rock & roll, workshops and comedy.

Portsmouth’s live music scene includes regular sessions, day and night, at many of the pubs and bars featuring a range of music where you will be spoilt for choice. The Wedgewood Rooms is a renowned live entertainment venue, playing host to many national and international live acts in the world of music and comedy.