Things to Do in Portsmouth
Portsmouth sits on an island, with a naval harbour at one end and a long seafront at the other. A day here moves between old stone walls, shingle beach and working docks.
Old Portsmouth at the harbour mouth
At the entrance to the harbour, Old Portsmouth is a small district of older streets, stone walls and a walkway where you can watch boats and ships pass through the narrow gap. Take it slowly, since the interest is in the detail. There are benches along the water and a few spots to pause for a drink. It is also a good spot at the end of the day when the light drops.
At the entrance to the harbour, Old Portsmouth is a small district of older streets, stone walls and a walkway where you can watch boats and ships pass through the narrow gap.
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Southsea and the seafront
Southsea, on the southern side of the island, is the city's seaside district. It has a long shingle beach, wide lawns behind the shore and streets of independent shops and cafes. It suits a lazy afternoon followed by an evening stroll along the front.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Portsmouth itself.
Real events in Portsmouth, from onthedoor.uk.
Naval heritage, by type
Ships and the sea are the main theme of the city's museums and visitor sites, with naval, military and local history all well represented. These are indoor and outdoor in roughly equal measure, so they work in most weather. Check each organiser for current opening arrangements.
Ships and the sea are the main theme of the city's museums and visitor sites, with naval, military and local history all well represented.
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Ferries and the water beyond
Portsmouth Harbour station sits beside the ferry terminals, which makes a crossing to the Isle of Wight a simple day trip. Closer to home, the tidal inlet of Langstone Harbour, to the east, is a quiet spot for walking and watching birds.
Portsmouth Harbour station sits beside the ferry terminals, which makes a crossing to the Isle of Wight a simple day trip.
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Showers and spare hours
When the sea wind brings rain, move indoors to a museum, a long lunch or the shops near the harbour. Southsea has plenty of small cafes where an hour disappears easily. Cinemas and indoor leisure sites in the wider city are another dry choice if the forecast is poor.
When the sea wind brings rain, move indoors to a museum, a long lunch or the shops near the harbour.
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Getting around the island
Two stations sit close to the middle: Portsmouth and Southsea, and Portsmouth Harbour at the water. Buses link both with the seafront, and a licensed cab is simple to book for the evening. The island is flat, so cycling and walking are realistic too, though the sea wind can be stiff in the open.
Two stations sit close to the middle: Portsmouth and Southsea, and Portsmouth Harbour at the water.
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Age notice
The whole of TheDirectory is meant for adult readers, which means eighteen and over, and this page keeps to that.
The whole of TheDirectory is meant for adult readers, which means eighteen and over, and this page keeps to that.
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Portsmouth places by area
- Old PortsmouthStone walls and a view of the harbour entrance
- SouthseaThe seaside district with a shingle beach and lawns
- Portsmouth HarbourThe station beside the ferry terminals
- Langstone HarbourA quiet tidal inlet to the east
Frequently asked questions
Passenger and vehicle ferries leave from near Portsmouth Harbour station. Check timetables with the operator before you plan a return time.
The seafront is livelier in warm weather, but the museums and old streets make a good day at any time of year.
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