Portsmouth Guide
With plenty of harbour history and modern landmarks alike, Portsmouth teems with lively students and the odd dockyard ghost. Follow in the footsteps of Dickens and Henry VIII, take in the views from the Spinnaker Tower and roam Nelson's HMS Victory.
Queen Victoria's HMS Warrior 1860 and Nelson's HMS Victory stand proud in the Historic Dockyard beneath the giant spike of the Spinnaker Tower. Further along the coast, Southsea Castle oversees the esplanade fun and Portsmouth's sea creatures frolic in the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Break the bank on a spree in the designer outlet stores in Gunwharf Quays, catch the monthly farmers' market and ferret out unusual collectables, sparkling jewels and antiques in the quirky shops in Southsea. Snap up bargains in the City Centre Market and high-street stores on Commercial Road.
Kite-flyers, skaters and promenaders make the most of Southsea Common. Along the coast, the Canoe Lake fills with pedalos in the summer and Mute Swan cygnets in winter. Hilsea Lines is a tranquil getaway for forest walks, while central Victoria Park shelters an aviary and its own pets' corner where children can feed the rabbits and guinea pigs.
The New Theatre Royal beckons dance, theatre and music-lovers through its doors and, close by, The Guildhall throbs with its fair share of lively comedy shows, festivals and touring pop acts. Southsea's majestic Edwardian playhouse, 100-year-old Kings Theatre, continues to draw in the crowds.
The smart waterfront restaurants at Gunwharf Quays buzz with harbour diners tucking into cuisine from around the world. The independent eateries on Albert Road in Southsea are less flashy but no less popular. Enjoy a pint and a substantial pub lunch in the traditional Spice Island pubs of Old Portsmouth.
Book ahead for Sunday lunch or an evening of DJs, music and dancing on Spitbank Fort in the middle of the Solent. Soak up the spectacular view of Portsmouth from out at sea.
