Escape to Portsmouth

Escape to Portsmouth and enjoy a city break by the sea - direct by train from London.

Portsmouth is the ideal destination for a day trip or weekend away, with plenty of events, attractions and activities to keep everyone entertained.

Not only is Portsmouth the UK's only island city, it's also the home to numerous world-renowned attractions. It's where you can visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which houses some of the most famous ships from Britain's rich naval heritage. Here, with just one ticket, you can step aboard Nelson's HMS Victory, take a walk around the fearsome HMS Warrior 1860, or see the only surviving ship from the Gallipoli campaign, HMS M33. That's not all, as you can also take on a harbour tour, learn ship crafts or see if you have what it takes to be a Royal Marine.

Another must-visit attraction is The Mary Rose Museum, which is home to the remains of Henry VIII's beloved flagship - rescued from the bottom of the Solent where she lay for more than 400 years. The ship has undergone intense conservation work, and the museum now showcases this wonder of Tudor shipbuilding and maritime archaeology better than ever before. The ship is only one part of this immersive experience, because visitors can also enjoy seeing, holding and smelling fascinating items from the world's largest collection of Tudor objects and personal possessions - rescued along with the Mary Rose - providing an unrivalled window into sixteenth century life.

Less than 300 metres from the Dockyard entrance is waterfront outlet shopping centre, Gunwharf Quays. Here you can browse more than 90 outlet stores, offering up to 60% off RRP for many big-name designer brands - including Karl Lagerfeld, Joules, Michael Kors, Jack Wills and All Saints. What's more, Gunwharf Quays is also home to over 30 bars, restaurants and coffee shops, meaning visitors can take a rest mid-way through their shopping trip, or enjoy life at the water's edge long after the stores have closed. To complete the offer, Gunwharf Quays is also home to a bowling alley, 14-screen cinema and contemporary art gallery.

A visit to Portsmouth wouldn't be complete without a trip up the iconic Emirates Spinnaker Tower. Its 100-metre viewing platforms offer 350-degree views stretching out for 23 miles. You can take in city, sea and country from one of the three view decks, and even test your nerve on the Sky Walk, where only a glass floor separates you from the harbour below. For an even more white-knuckle experience, why not abseil down the tower at one of the organised events running throughout summer, or take on the brand new attraction - The Drop. Here, you'll be strapped into a harness before jumping off the 25-metre platform straddling the tower's legs. Alternatively, relax with a high tea (in every sense of the word) at The Clouds - where you can enjoy an afternoon treat 100-metres up. For something more celebratory, Sunset Sundays transforms the tower into a pop-up bar, with live music and plenty of fizz.

Getting to Portsmouth couldn't be easier, with direct rail links to London via South Western Railway. The journey takes less than 100 minutes and you can secure great deals on fares if you book online in advance, with savings of up to 50% off. See the website to plan your route.