Welcome to Portsmouth!

Portsmouth is gearing up for the coming national lockdown, which will see attractions, shops, hotels and pubs close their doors. Though you won't be able to pay us a visit in the immediate term, we've still got all the information on the great things to see and do across Portsmouth - so you can get planning your next visit. In the meantime, keep up to date with closures on our Covid-19 information page, or head to Virtual Portsmouth for a whole host of fun craft activities, behind-the-scenes films and loads more, for a trip to the Great Waterfront City that you can take without even having to leave home.

Portsmouth is a dynamic and vibrant waterfront city packed with great reasons to visit.

From the pomp and ceremony of our proud naval and maritime heritage, to towering world-class visitor attractions; museums and galleries; unique shopping destinations; great food and drink; and miles of beautiful waterfront, Portsmouth offers something for absolutely everyone.

Ideally situated on the south coast of England, the UK’s only island city is ideal for a short break by the sea. There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, with magnificent museums, live music venues, contemporary art galleries, two cathedrals, a diverse literary heritage, nightlife, festivals and countless events throughout the year.

Portsmouth was the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and has also been home to Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling during their lifetimes. These literary greats are celebrated at museums throughout the city and with frequent events.

If there are big, outdoor events in Portsmouth, chances are they'll be hosted on Southsea Common, a 50-acre open space right on the seafront. It's a popular location for sports, picnics and dog walks. Recently, the Common has also hosted a number of high-profile events, including the America's Cup World Series and Victorious music festival.

Also situated on the Common is Southsea Castle, one of King Henry VIII's most famous fortifications. It's from the castle's vantage point that Henry is said to have watched the sinking of his flagship vessel, the Mary Rose.

The ship was to remain at the sea bed for 437 years, until it was raised and put on an intensive conservation programme. Now, the ship takes pride of place at the centre of its very own museum, where visitors can now see the ship in all her glory - even going through an air lock to breathe the same air.

There's also Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the UK's premier destination for Naval History. Inside you'll find 11 attractions including Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. You can also get out onto the water on the Harbour Tour excursions, or take the waterbus to Gosport to see the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Explosion Museum.

Not forgetting, of course, what is fast becoming the modern emblem of Portsmouth - the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. This imposing structure stretches 170 metres above Gunwharf Quays - making it taller than Big Ben, the London Eye and Blackpool Tower. On a good day, visitors can see 350 degree panoramas stretching up to 23 miles.

With all this and more on offer in one small island, Portsmouth certainly is the Great Waterfront City.

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If you're looking for ideas of what to see or where to go, take a look at our Inspire Me section, where some of the best attractions and events have been arranged around specific types of break. You can also check out our Accommodation listings to see the vast array on offer, from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments.

If after all that you still have questions, take a look at the Visitor Information pages, which provide all the extra details, as well as contact details if you want to ask us a question.