Culture & Heritage

Step back in time aboard historic ships, learn about our literary greats and discover the artists of tomorrow. Portsmouth’s cultural heritage is unrivalled.

A recent visitor to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard said “I never thought I'd enjoy myself clambering about old ships as much as I did” and we think you’ll agree. Home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, the Mary Rose Museum, The Royal Naval Museum, Action Stations and Harbour Tours, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a great value day out.  Discover more about Admiral Lord Nelson, Henry VIII, World War veterans and Portsmouth dockyard workers then learn about life on board some of the most famous warships ever built.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is now linked with Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport. A new waterbus service links the sites along with Gunwharf Quays. 

Based in the former Officers’ Mess of Eastney Barracks, the Royal Marines Museum celebrates the famous fighting spirit and long history of the Royal Marines. Immerse yourself in the interactive displays and see how the Royal Marines have developed into the world-renowned elite fighting force of today.

D-Day was a crucial moment in World War II, in fact, the world’s largest seaborne invasion which led to the liberation of Europe. At the D-Day Museum, key events are shown on film whilst reconstructions, military vehicles and personal accounts demonstrate how D-Day was co-ordinated. At the heart of the museum is the Overlord Embroidery, a work of art and the modern equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Portsmouth’s City Museum & Records Office hosts regularly changing exhibitions alongside permanent displays such as The Story of Portsmouth and Portsmouth at Play. Look out for ‘The Birth of British Rock’ and ‘Alien Invasion’ coming this year. Lancelyn Green amassed one of the finest Arthur Conan Doyle collections in the world and on his death he bequeathed his prize possessions to the city of Portsmouth. A Study in Sherlock, the exhibition at the City Museum, displays many extraordinary items from the collection and features interactive displays and films. Learn more about one of Portsmouth’s other literary giants at the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum. Born here in 1812, the museum gives a fascinating insight into the great author’s humble beginnings.

Portsmouth is home to two inspiring cathedrals. Visit Portsmouth Cathedral (St Thomas’s) in Old Portsmouth to discover a seamless portrayal of the city’s history and the cathedral’s understated beauty. Portsmouth’s Catholic Cathedral (St John’s) offers a quiet space in the heart of the city and is a stunning example of 19th century French-gothic style architecture.

The past really comes alive in Portsmouth; just wandering around the city itself can be an education. History is evident on every corner, from our humble beginnings in 1180 to the present day. Join one of our regular guided walks and let the experts lead the way.

aspex presents an outstanding exhibition programme featuring works by contemporary artists from around the world. Showcasing the latest in contemporary art, aspex is also a great place to see Portsmouth’s freshest artistic talent. Soak up the atmosphere in this former naval storehouse and make time for a coffee or organic bite to eat in the café.

The New Theatre Royal is a majestic venue in the heart of the city, home to cutting-edge dance, theatre, drama, music and comedy. The Kings Theatre is one of the most complete Matcham theatres in the country. Make sure you join one of their monthly guided tours for a chance to see behind the scenes of this Grade 2 listed building.

Theatre isn’t just confined to four walls, look out for open-air Shakespeare performances in the summer; your chance to see The Bard’s plays under the night sky. Don’t miss Opera in the Park in the summer, in the magical setting of Victoria Park. Pack a rug and a picnic (candelabra optional!) and relax to the sounds of Britain’s best opera companies.

After dark, discover a spookier side of Portsmouth with a Dark Encounters Ghost Walk or Paranormal Investigation. Hailed as the most haunted city on the South Coast, Portsmouth has a dark ancient history of murder and mayhem. Stick around to catch a glimpse of a spectre or two, if you dare…

Enjoy an evening of live music at the legendary Wedgewood Rooms in Southsea. Playing host to festival warm-ups plus national and international live acts on tour, the Wedgewood Rooms has seen its fair share of legends but is also a great place to spot the latest Portsmouth talent. The Cellars at Eastney has an international reputation for hosting a diverse range of artists for all ages. With room for just 120 people, the venue hosts gigs with a magical intimate quality. Household names such as Nik Kershaw, The Zombies, Hazel O’Connor and Howard Jones have featured, as well as emerging talents like Vagabond and Hockey. Catch some of the top names in comedy here too.

Portsmouth is also home to independent cinemas, such as No. 6, showing world film and new releases together with cult and classic movies. Look out for themed screenings and festival pieces throughout 2010 by checking our website.