Portsmouth is a small city in the English county of Hampshire. Proudly home to Portsmouth Football Club, the city is sporting mad! As the name would suggest, Portsmouth is a seaside city with an industrious and significant naval port. It is home to HMNB Portsmouth which is the British Navy’s official headquarters, home to two-thirds of the United Kingdom’s naval ships and equipment. The Spinnaker Tower looks down over Portsmouth as the city’s most prominent landmark. As Portsmouth is a university city, there is plenty of nightlife and fun activities that surround its staycation spots. Live music nights, pub crawls and exclusive parties in hotels with pools all happen on a weekly basis in this vibrant English city. To experience all the significant thrills during your visit, check out these best things to do in Portsmouth, England.
1. Portsmouth/Naval Memorial - contributed by Tour Guide, Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez
Nestled in Southsea is the Portsmouth/Naval Memorial, which honors the sacrifices made by soldiers during the world wars. It started with the obelisk meant to honor local soldiers who fought in World War I. The base now commemorates the heroes of World War II. Today, Portsmouth, which has forwarded naval warfare, continues to be a significant location for the Royal Navy. Among its most known operations are Operation Overlord and D-Day.
2. Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum
Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum offers visitors an exciting and immersive journey into the life and works of one of England’s most celebrated literary figures. The museum is located in the house where Charles Dickens was born, adding historical significance to the experience. Inside, you can explore the rooms, furniture, and artifacts that offer a glimpse into Dickens’ early life and the settings that influenced his timeless tales. Interactive exhibits, audio-visual presentations, and informative displays bring his literary masterpieces to life, engaging visitors of all ages.
The museum also hosts special events, talks, and workshops, providing opportunities to delve deeper into Dickens’ world and the Victorian era. Whether you’re a devoted Dickens enthusiast or simply interested in literature and history, the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum promises an exciting and enriching visit in the heart of Portsmouth.
Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum
Address: 393 Old Commercial Rd, Portsmouth PO1 4QL, United Kingdom
Website: Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum
3. Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl is a modern and popular entertainment venue offering a range of activities in Portsmouth such as bowling, arcade games, and other recreation for visitors of all ages. It provides a fun and lively atmosphere where friends and families can enjoy bowling, compete, and have a great time together.
The venue typically has modern amenities, including comfortable seating, food and beverage options, and electronic scoring systems to enhance the bowling experience. Alongside the bowling alleys, you will also have access to an arcade area with a selection of games for more fun.
Hollywood Bowl
Address: Portsmouth PO1 3TN, United Kingdom
Website: Hollywood Bowl
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 9am - 11pm
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4. Treasure Island Adventure Golf
Treasure Island Adventure Golf offers a thrilling and family-friendly experience with its pirate-themed miniature golf courses. As you step into the adventure, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an immersive world of pirates, treasure chests, shipwrecks, waterfalls, and caves, enhancing the excitement of the game. The creatively designed courses present fun and challenging holes suitable for all ages, making it a perfect activity for families, friends, and groups.
Whether you’re a skilled golfer or a first-timer, you’ll enjoy navigating through imaginative obstacles and lush landscapes. With the promise of a relaxing atmosphere, group event packages, and the possibility of competitive tournaments, Treasure Island Adventure Golf offers a memorable outing for anyone seeking an enjoyable and pirate-themed mini-golf experience in Portsmouth.
Treasure Island Adventure Golf
Address: Long Curtain Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3AA, United Kingdom
Website: Treasure Island Adventure Golf
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
5. Groundlings Theatre
Groundlings Theatre in Portsmouth is a historic and vibrant venue that has been a cornerstone of the city’s arts and culture scene for many years. Housed in a beautiful 18th-century building, the theatre provides an intimate and atmospheric setting for a wide range of performances. With a diverse program that includes plays, musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and more, Groundlings Theatre offers something for every taste and age group.
The theater is known for its commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting emerging artists, often hosting workshops, drama classes, and community engagement initiatives. Its rich history and dedication to the arts have made it a beloved institution in Portsmouth, drawing both locals and visitors to experience the magic of live performances and immerse themselves in the world of theater.
Groundlings Theatre
Address: 42 Kent St, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3BS, United Kingdom
Website: Groundlings Theatre
6. HMNB Portsmouth
HMNB Portsmouth stands for Her Majesty’s Naval Base and HMNB Portsmouth is the official head quarters for the British Navy. The HMNB Portsmouth is also known as Portsmouth Royal Dockyard. HMNB Clyde and HMNB Devonport are the other two of the three naval bases in the UK.
A visit to HMNB Portsmouth will see you learn all about the successful naval history of the UK. Walking around the dockyards, you will get to understand the important role that the Navy plays in protecting the UK’s borders and international interests. Looking at old ships and new is always good fun too!
HMNB Portsmouth
Address: Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, PO1 3LJ Portsmouth, UK
Website:
7. HMS Warrior
If you’re in Portsmouth you simply must go and visit the HMS Warrior. Although, you may not even need to make a special trip. The sail poles of the HMS Warrior tower high in the sky and as it is 128 meters (420 feet) in length, you certainly can’t miss it!
The HMS Warrior is a 40-gun stream powered shop that was first launched in December 1860. The HMS Warrior, along with her sister ship named the HMS Black Price, were iron-hulled warships, the first of their kind. The HMS Warrior was both a war ship and served the royal family too. During your visit, you’ll learn all about its impressive history.
HMS Warrior
Address: Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, PO1 3QX Portsmouth, UK
Website: HMS Warrior
8. Blue Reef Aquarium
Those who are wondering what is there to do in Portsmouth that involves a sweet encounter wit marine life need not to look further than The Blue Reef Aquarium. It is a great place to visit, especially if the weather isn’t great outside.
Home to sharks, puffer fish, and rays, the Blue Reef Aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life and conservation. The Blue Reef Aquarium is home to other water-bound animals too, like otters, turtles and frilled dragons.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Address: Rock-A-Nore Rd, TN34 3DW Hastings, UK
Website: Blue Reef Aquarium
9. D-Day Museum
If you’re interested in history then you must visit the D-Day Museum when in Portsmouth. The D-Day Museum exhibits artifacts and documents surrounding Operations Overlord that was conducted during the D-Day landings in Normandy. Around 156,000 allied troops landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944. The museum offers you the chance to read first-hand reports and analysis of the military operation.
D-Day Museum
Address: Clarence Esplanade, PO5 3NT Portsmouth, Southsea, UK
Website: D-Day Museum
10. Southsea Castle
If you like modern architecture, head to the Spinnaker Tower but if you like classic architecture be sure to visit Southsea Castle when you’re in Portsmouth. Southsea Castle is also known as Chaderton Castle and is an artillery fort that was commissioned by Henry VIII in 1544. A great day out for all the family, Southsea Castle offers free entry to all between March and October.
Southsea Castle
Address: Clarence Esplanade, PO5 3PA Portsmouth, UK
Website: Southsea Castle
11. Staunton Park
If you’re looking to spend a wonderful day out in Portsmouth, head over to Staunton Park, a regency park set just outside the city centre. Boasting lush green grassy parklands, Staunton Park is an impressive 1,000 acres (404 hectares) and is home to follies, an ornamental farm, and wonderful glass houses too. Entrance to Staunton Park is free, but the visitors centre incurs a small entrance fee.
The park is a lovely place to spend a summer’s afternoon but looks particularly lovely in the autumn months. The trees turn red, orange and yellow and on a bright day, the park looks perfectly photogenic. There are lots of little features around the park to explore, like the Shell House and the Gothic library.
Staunton Park
Address: Middle Park Way, PO9 5HB Havant, UK
Website: Staunton Park
12. National Museum of the Royal Navy
Portsmouth is proud of its naval heritage and this culminates in the National Museum of the Royal Navy. The National Museum of the Royal Navy celebrates everything that the British navy has accomplished since its creation. At the museum, you get the chance to see the HMS Victory and the HMS Warrior too.
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Address: HM Naval Base (PP66), PO1 3NH Portsmouth, UK
Website: National Museum of the Royal Navy
13. Spinnaker Tower (from USD 17.0)
The Spinnaker Tower is Portsmouth’s most iconic landmark. Standing at an impressive 170 meters (560 feet) high, the Spinnaker Tower was opened in 2005. Built to reflect the city’s maritime history, the Spinnaker Tower looks like a ship’s sail.
The Spinnaker Tower has an onsite cafe for you to enjoy on your visit. From the observation deck, you can see impressive views of the cityscape below. The Spinnaker Tower lights up at night and shines brightly across the city.
Emirates Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth Admission Ticket
Duration 1 hour
Perfectly Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a great place to visit if you’re interested in naval history and yearning for coastal ambience. With the above-listed fun things to do in Portsmouth, you’ll find it hard to leave!