Get Active

Portsmouth is fanatical about sport and offers plenty of options for the more active visitor. From beach volleyball to golf, there’s an activity for everyone.

When in Portsmouth, the home of ocean racing, who could resist a spot of sailing? The Solent offers some of the best and most challenging sailing in the world. Companies such as Sunsail and Synergy Sailing offer yacht charters, whilst Tall Ships Adventures offer voyages out of Portsmouth too. Portsmouth Outdoor Centre offers short recreational sailing sessions, perfect for visitors wanting to practice their skills. Or why not book a fishing trip? There are a range of companies offering fishing charters for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Passion fills Portsmouth’s streets when loyal football supporters turn the city blue on match days. The atmosphere at a Pompey game is simply electric and a great experience for the whole family. Portsmouth Football Club is well worth a visit even when there’s not a game on. Enjoy a Portsmouth FC Stadium Tour for your own 90 minutes at Fratton Park. One of the oldest grounds in the league, you can look behind the scenes and walk in the footsteps of legends past and present.

Southsea’s seafront is home to three beach volleyball courts which are free of charge to use. Even if you don’t fancy a game, why not pop along and see one of the many tournaments taking place. Close by you’ll also find Southsea Skatepark, an outdoor facility ideal for skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX bikers.

The newly revamped Mountbatten Leisure Centre has been accredited by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a pre-games training camp for the 2012 Olympics. One of the UK’s top sporting facilities, the Mountbatten Centre offers swimming, fitness classes, squash, athletics, a health suite, a state-of-the-art gym and a cycling velodrome.

The Great South Run is Europe’s leading ten-mile road race and it comes to Portsmouth every October. This fast, flat race attracts elite athletes, celebrities and novices alike. The picturesque course takes runners though the city past its most famous attractions; Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth Cathedral, Gunwharf Quays, South Parade Pier and the Royal Marines Museum. Join in the fun by taking part as a runner or a spectator.

Portsmouth boasts two 18-hole golf courses, both of which offer a friendly welcome to visitors. The beautiful parkland course at Portsmouth Golf Centre features two holes playing across the magnificent Great Salterns Lake. Portsmouth Golf Club is set on the outskirts of the city, with fantastic views of the city and harbour. Lessons are available at both sites.