Don't-Miss Attractions

When we say Portsmouth has world-class attractions, we really mean it!

From The Mary Rose museum and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, to the Spinnaker Tower and Gunwharf Quays, we have a whole host of exciting things to see and do.

Take The Mary Rose, for example. With the most intense period of conservation work now complete, visitors can get a much better view of the ship than ever before - long gone are the big tubes and water jets! There's also the largest collection of Tudor artefacts ever recovered from one site, which give an insight not just into the ship, but to the lives of her crew members.

In Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, one ticket gets you entry to 11 attractions, to see all the world-famous ships contained therein. You can take a walk along HMS Warrior 1860 (at one point the strongest, fastest and most fearsome ship on the planet, but one which never fired a shot in anger), or stand on the spot aboard HMS Victory where Nelson was fatally wounded during the Battle of Trafalgar. You can also take a harbour tour to see today's warships alongside their forebears.

A short walk away is Gunwharf Quays, where you can pick up a bargain at one of the 90+ designer outlets offering 60% off RRP. It's not all about the shopping, however, as Gunwharf Quays is also home to many bars and restaurants, coffee shops, a bowling alley, cinema and art gallery - all situated at the waterfront.

Also within Gunwharf Quays is the iconic Spinnaker Tower. Head up to the 100-metre high view decks for outstanding views of the city, Solent and Isle of Wight. That's not all, as a virtual reality experience, freefall ride or abseil opportunity mean there's more to do than just admire the surroundings. Also keep an eye out for events, including high teas, silent discos and much more.

Portsmouth is also home to a number of museums, in honour of our famous residents or the world-changing events that took place here. The D-Day Story, for example, tells of the heroism of those who took part in Operation Overlord. Using personal artefacts and testimony, visitors can get a clearer insight than ever before into what went on in the minds of those setting off for France.

Don't miss Southsea Castle just a few steps from The D-Day Story. Here you can discover the history of this fortification and stand where King Henry VIII himself watched his beloved ship The Mary Rose sink during the Battle of the Solent.

Elsewhere, the Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum holds a number of artefacts related to the great author, in the house in which he was born. It's a similarly literary affair over at Portsmouth Museum, which houses the world's largest collection pertaining to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his creation - Sherlock Holmes - who he first wrote about in Southsea.

Portsmouth has a host of great attractions, but see the list below for further information on some of the biggest and best. See here for all the others.

Also, don't miss any updates on city attractions by keeping an eye on our Waterfront Blog.