Explore the area
Portsmouth is the perfect base to explore the cities, villages, coast and countryside of the region.
To the north
Just north of the city you can enter the beautiful South Downs National Park, with amazing countryside trails, wildlife to discover and pretty, traditional villages to visit.
Visit Winchester - steeped in history, the city is the ancient capital of England and the former seat of King Alfred the Great. Highlights include Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall and nearby Jane Austen's House.
Or travel to London to see the capital's sights and visit its top attractions. Travel by road in around 2 hours or by rail - trains from Portsmouth to London take from 90 minutes, with regular services every day.
To the east
Chichester is a Roman Cathedral city. Admire the architecture in the city centre, home to a range of independent stores and eateries. Nearby is Goodwood, with a historic house to visit, plus regular horse racing and, for motor fans, the Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed.
Further east is Arundel, a historic town home to the magnificent Arundel Castle, situated in beautiful grounds. The castle was built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.
Continue to Brighton, home to the iconic Royal Pavillion, Palace Pier and i360 experience. Wander through The Lanes and find a special treat to purchase.
A train service links Portsmouth and Brighton with stops including Chichester and Arundel.
To the west
Take a trip west to Southampton and discover the medieval town walls and the Sea City Museum, telling the story of RMS Titanic.
Continue to Salisbury and Stonehenge. Salisbury Cathedral is a beacon that has attracted visitors for centuries. Gathered around the Cathedral is a modern medieval city, home to a range of events and activities.
At Stonehenge you can walk in the footsteps of Neolithic ancestors. It's one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.
For those travelling by public transport, regular bus services run from Salisbury to Stonehenge, which is located about 10 miles to the north.
Visit Bath, famous for its Roman history and genteel Georgian architecture - including the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. Experience the Roman Baths and the more modern Thermae Bath Spa, housing Britain's only natural thermal hot springs in which you can bathe.
Just 12 miles further, Bristol serves as the vibrant, bohemian cultural capital of the region. Known for its street art and maritime heritage, the city is home to Brunel's SS Great Britain.
A train service links Portsmouth and Bristol with stops on the way including Southampton, Salisbury and Bath.
To the south
Just across the stretch of sea known as the Solent lies the Isle of Wight. There are three options for travel – a Hovercraft from Southsea seafront, a passenger catamaran from Portsmouth Harbour train station, or a car ferry from Old Portsmouth. Along with a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the island has a wealth of attractions including the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House, the private family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
For those wanting to travel further south, Portsmouth International Port has regular sailings to Channel Islands, Brittany, Normandy and northern Spain - stop off for a day or two in Portsmouth before or after crossing the channel.
