Things to do in Portsmouth

This article is about the England’s second largest city (South coast) Portsmouth  and various things to do in Portsmouth. Portsmouth city is one of its kinds. The traveling experience you get here is quite different from the one you get in other cities. Here, you can witness a top-notch collection of maritime heritage which is more than just a day trip. You can explore here a remarkable huddle of museums, historic ships, and submarines. Other than that, you can go to city’s streets for ancient pubs, restaurants, and bars. Trying out local cuisines and traditional foods are always fun. Come here and enjoy the jaw-dropping views from Spinnaker Tower.

Top things to do in Portsmouth:

1.) Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

One of the best things to do in Portsmouth is visiting this historic dockyard. Located at a working Naval Base, it is home to a collection of incredible attractions. Here you will find so much to see and do. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the only place in the whole world to witness the Royal Navy’s past, present and future. It is a must see for every person who is visiting the south of England.

2.) Spinnaker Tower

Among other fun things to do in Portsmouth, one of them is visiting Spinnaker Tower. This landmark tower in Portsmouth is known for its wonderful photographic views. You will start loving it from the entrance only. You will be amazed to see the glass floor at the top. The view of the harbor from this height is fantastic. You can capture a romantic sunset view from here. Spend some time in the cafes present around the tower.

3.) Isles of Shoals

The Shoals is a miraculous destination to go to. This place is known for a long history of pirate ships and Indian forts. It also has a 400-year long history of fishing. You will love the gorgeous view when you cross through Portsmouth Harbour for Star Island. Spend a quality time with your partner, friends or family. Be a part of the ongoing activities on the island. Visiting this island is one of the nice things to do in Portsmouth.

4.) Port City Bike Tours

Other fun thing to do in Portsmouth is exploring the city with a bike tour. You will love every minute of this bike tour while visiting Portsmouth. A tour guide will be provided who will make you familiar with the place. Spend a day in bike riding as it is a great way to see the area and learn some fun facts in less time.

5.) Kayak Adventures in Portsmouth

If you are into water sports, add this adventurous kayak activity in your list of things to do in Portsmouth. You can find many spots to rent out kayaks and you can ask for a short tutorial about kayaking if you are new to it. After that, launch your kayak into the water and witness the natural beauty of the area. But do not forget to wear your life vest.

6.) Portsmouth Harbor Cruises

Here you will explore the heritage of Piscataqua on the Portsmouth’s original Harbor Cruise. Be a part of this heritage on an intimate cruise through the Seacosts’s full of picturesque waterways. It is one of the best places for photography and one among the rare places with a rich heritage and historic importance. Include this place in your bucket list of things to do in Portsmouth.

7.) Water Country

Water Country is a perfect destination for a family outing. You can have lots of fun, foods and adventurous rides. In this fun place, you can spend a lot of time on various great slides available here. Don’t worry about the safety and security, the staff present here is quite concerned about you and your kid’s safety. The huge crowd present there will tell you more about the popularity of this place. Try to avoid visiting this place during a weekend as you might have to spend more time in longer queues than on the rides.

8.) Gundalow Company Boat Tour

A great way to relax and spend an afternoon is to take up this boat tour. This beautiful cruise is most of the time gets booked up fast, so it is better to make a booking in advance before coming here. If you are visiting in summer, this is one of the fun things to do in Portsmouth. It is because of the fact that the weather in summer is more pleasant than the rest of the time in the year. You can learn a lot about the history of a merchant vessel.

9.) Harbor Tours

This tour is another fun thing to do in Portsmouth. This 45-minute tour offers a salt-sprayed views of HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, plus other modern battleships too. Other than this your ticket will also include the visit to Submarine Museum, and free waterbus to HMS Alliance and Explosion. It departs from the same pontoon. So, do not forget to visit these fun loaded places.

10.) Royal Marines Museum

For history lovers, it’s a great place to add to your list of things to do in Portsmouth. This museum represents the story of the navy’s best force along with full jungle-warfare displays. Furthermore, you can see live snakes and scorpions too.

11.) D-Day Museum

This D-Day Museum here exhibits the assault mounted by united D-Day forces in 1944. It also represents the Portsmouth’s key role in the operation at that time. This museum holds a significant importance in the history of Portsmouth.

12.) Charles Dickens’ Birthplace

Charles Dickens, who was a great English writer and social critic known for creating some of the world’s best fictional characters, was born in this place. You can see the house where he was born and grew up. You can also look for the couch, he died on. A unique way to remember the great Charles Dickens.

13.) Redhook Portsmouth Brewery and Cataqua Public House   

It is that pub and brewery which commenced the first wave of American microbreweries and is now a well-known name in the city. You can enjoy and spend a nice evening here along with Live music, tours, beer samples. The food served here will make your evening more pleasant. So, all in all, a great place to sneak in.

14.) King St Tavern

This British pub is very friendly and organized. The ambience of the pub gets elevated with Buffed wood along with the old mirrors, frame and long tables around which you can share a beer pint. You can also listen great jazz and folk sessions here.

15.) Still and West

This tranquil, old boozer hub has served many sailors and smugglers in the last 300 years. The riverside terrace is the perfect place to down a beer. Along with this, a backdrop of passing yachts and ferries makes the atmosphere more fanciful.