Open left menu Portsmouth. English city of Portsmouth Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a city with a rich historical past, one of the largest ports in Great Britain. Located on the English Channel coast, 160 km from the capital, in Hampshire. Portsmouth is home to a British naval base and naval harbour. It is in Portsmouth that one can once again be convinced that Great Britain is a great maritime power. Look at the sights.
Portsmouth is also a very famous resort, famous for its sandy beaches, inexhaustible opportunities for entertainment, shopping, sports and cultural leisure. And football fans will not miss the opportunity to visit the stadium and watch the game of the famous Portsmouth team - a magnificent and typically English spectacle. Where is .
How to get to Portsmouth
Since Portsmouth is the most important railway junction in the south of the country, it can be reached from anywhere in the UK. The best connection, which is quite natural, is with the capital - the train from London Waterloo takes about an hour and a half, the cheapest ticket costs about 20 pounds. It is possible to get to Portsmouth directly from Gatwick Airport, the journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes. Rail services connect Portsmouth to the south coast cities of Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, Brighton and Southampton.
The nearest airport is Southampton. You can also get to Portsmouth by bus. About fifteen express buses leave London every day, the ticket costs about 14 pounds, the travel time is two and a half hours. There are buses from Southampton (journey takes 50 minutes), Chichester (one hour) and Brighton (3.5 hours).
What to see in Portsmouth
The main attraction of Portsmouth is the Historic Shipyards, which cover an area of several hectares. Buildings from the 18th-19th centuries have been preserved here, including naval warehouses, docks, the Semaphore Bath, a rope warehouse, a police station, etc. Pearls of Historical Shipyards - 3 original ships: “Marie Rose” (16th century, Tudor era), “H.M.S. Warrior" (built 1860) and "HMS Victory" - the flagship of Admiral Nelson.
The Spinnaker Tower in the form of a triangular sail is a modern landmark of the city with a height of 170 meters. There are three observation platforms located on it at different heights, from where you can enjoy a dizzying panorama of the sea and Portsmouth.
Other attractions include Southsea Castle, built in the 16th century by Henry VIII and once part of the city fortifications, the Dickens House Museum, the Royal Navy Museum, the Anglican Cathedral of St. Thomas and the Catholic Cathedral of St. John, and the Blue Reef Aquarium. Tourists and city residents love to stroll on the 6-kilometer-long Southsea Promenade. Cultural lovers will be interested to know that Portsmouth has three concert halls and twelve museums.
Well, if you want to visit a music festival and have a blast in discos and nightclubs, then go to the Isle of Wight. Lately, this has been a hotspot for wild parties, famous all over the south coast. There is a ferry from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, the journey takes about one hour.
Prices for tourists in Portsmouth
Tourists do not have to worry about accommodation - there are about forty hostels, guest houses, boarding houses and hotels in Portsmouth. The vast majority of hotels are classified as 3 stars, however, this is true British service, comfortable and tidy. There are, although not so many, quite high-quality “fours” with a nightly fee of about 100 pounds, and a huge number of establishments “without stars”, with an English atmosphere and decent service. In addition, tourists can stay in lodges, cottages and boutique hotels (private mansions in which a number of rooms are reserved for rent).
The landscape in the city is quite flat, and the municipal transport network is extensive and convenient. Therefore, riding city buses is nothing but fun. Routes - both urban and outside of Portsmouth. A day ticket valid within the city costs approximately £4. To get around the whole of Hampshire, you can buy a travel pass for £5.
Eating in Portsmouth
In the city you can have a quick snack or a leisurely lunch without any problems. There are about a hundred establishments available to tourists; the choice depends on your preferences and financial capabilities. Since Portsmouth is located on the coast, the local specialty is all kinds of fish dishes. Traditional “fish and chips” are a kind of calling card of the city, turning the usual fish into a true delicacy.
Still&West is a snack bar and pub under one roof with a very affordable atmosphere and prices, where you can enjoy fish and chips. Custom House, a restaurant located in the building of the former Royal Naval Hospital (18th century), offers similar cuisine. There are many curry restaurants on Palmerston Road and Albert Road for a quick bite. But the place of the greatest concentration of food establishments is the Port Solent Marina area.
Portsmouth would not have the right to be called a port city with a rich history if it did not honor drinking traditions. In the shipyard area there are several dozen pubs, in each of which you can feel like a real “sea wolf”.
Shopping in Portsmouth
The main shopping area is located in the area of the old shipyards of Gunwharf Keys. Here you can find both expensive boutiques (Barbour, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren) and more affordable ones (Claire’s, Cadburys, M&S, GAP). However, tourists should not count on super-low prices, although during the off-season you can find some pretty decent discounts. Portsmouth City Center is a well-known city department store in the business center of Portsmouth.
As for various souvenirs, you can buy them near local attractions, and antiques can be found on Albert Road. Southsea Town Center is a shopping complex that sets the tone for the suburb of Southsea. Here, guests of the city can enjoy a huge number of boutiques, interior shops and art shops.
The state-of-the-art Marie-Rose Museum houses an exhibition of more than 19 thousand exhibits related to the ship and its crew.
On the flagship HMS Victory, tourists can visit the captain's cabin, from where the admiral led the Battle of Trafalgar, the living decks and the cabin in which Nelson died.
HMS Warrior, the world's first steel ship powered by sail and steam, is also permanently moored at the Portsmouth docks.
The historic city of Portsmouth, located on the south coast of Great Britain 160 km from London, deserves a visit for several reasons. Firstly, this is where you can see that England is a great maritime power, as evidenced by the extensive and superbly preserved historical docks, where the famous flagship of Admiral Nelson's fleet, HMS Victory, and the ancient Tudor ship Marie Rose are on display. Secondly, through the efforts of architects, the old, unpresentable port area has been transformed into a real shopping Mecca, where it’s so nice to buy things from famous brands. Thirdly, you can get a bird's eye view of Portsmouth by climbing one of the most modern buildings in Britain - the 170-meter Spinnaker Tower (which translated from English means “triangular sail” - there’s nowhere without the sea!). Finally, there are two cathedrals, twelve museums and three concert halls - so you definitely won’t get bored in Portsmouth.
How to get to Portsmouth
Portsmouth is one of the most important railway hubs in the south of the country, so getting here is easy from anywhere in the country. The connection with London is better than anything else - the train from Waterloo takes about an hour and a half, the cheapest ticket will cost about 20 GBP. You can also get here directly from Gatwick Airport, travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. Trains also connect Portsmouth with the south coast of Great Britain: Brighton, Cardiff, Bath, Bristol and Southampton. The closest airport to Portsmouth is located in Southampton.
Transport in the city
Portsmouth has flat terrain and an extensive and convenient public transport network, so traveling on municipal buses is a pleasure. The routes run both within the city itself and beyond its borders, so you can get to Southampton by regular bus. A day pass costs about 4 GBP (valid within city limits), and for 5 GBP you can purchase the right to an unlimited number of trips on transport throughout the entire county of Hampshire.
Portsmouth Hotels
There are no problems with accommodation in Portsmouth - tourists have about 40 hotels, boarding houses, guest houses and hostels at their disposal. Most hotels are three star, but are neat and comfortable in a British way. There are also several very high-quality “fours”, where a night will cost an average of 100 GBP, and a lot of starless establishments with a homely atmosphere and sincere service. And in Portsmouth you can stay in boutique hotels, cottages and lodges - as a rule, these are private mansions with several guest rooms.
Cuisine and restaurants of Portsmouth
Getting a quick bite, as well as a decent lunch in Portsmouth will not be difficult: the city has about a hundred catering establishments to suit every taste and budget. As in every coastal city, the highlight of the local menu is fish dishes. You should also definitely try traditional fish and chips here, since the freshest fish make this national snack in Portsmouth a real delicacy. In search of this dish, we recommend checking out the democratic Still&West - the establishment houses a diner and a pub under one roof. The Custom House offers similar cuisine, but the interiors are more interesting - the restaurant occupies an 18th-century building that once housed the Royal Naval Hospital. You can kill a worm during excursion races in Portsmouth in numerous curry restaurants, a high concentration of which is observed on Albert Road and Palmerston Road. In general, the largest selection of restaurants is in the Port Solent marina area (there is also a multiplex cinema here).
Shopping and shops
Portsmouth's main shopping area is the old shipyard area of Gunwharf Keys. There are boutiques of expensive brands - Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Barbour - and affordable M&S, Cadburys, Claire's and GAP. You can't count on mega-low prices, although in the off-season the discounts here are very tempting. In the business center of the city, it is worth visiting the Portsmouth City Center department store. Souvenirs are sold in abundance at attractions, and Albert Road is home to some great antiques, curios and home decor. The southern suburb of Southsea is dominated by the Southsea Town Center shopping center - a lot of boutiques, art shops and interior design shops.
Entertainment and attractions in Portsmouth
Having arrived in Portsmouth, checked into a hotel and looked around, the first thing you should do is visit the main local attraction - the Historic Dockyards. On an area of several hectares there are dozens of buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including docks with original furnishings, naval warehouses, the Semaphore Tower, a historical police station, a porters' pavilion, a rope warehouse, etc. The real treasures of the Historic Shipyards are three original ships: “ Marie Rose" of the Tudor era (16th century), "HMS Warrior" built in 1860 and the handsome flagship of the fleet under the leadership of Admiral Nelson - "HMS Victory".
In the bowels of HMS Victory you can visit the captain's cabin, from where Nelson monitored the Battle of Trafalgar, the living decks where more than 800 sailors lived, and the cabin where the admiral died. Well, the world’s first steel ship powered by steam and sail, “HMS Warrior,” still stands on the water, at the berth of Portsmouth Docks.
Also worth visiting in Portsmouth are Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII in the 16th century as part of the city's fortifications, the Royal Navy Museum, the cathedrals of St. Thomas and St. John (the former Anglican, the latter Catholic) and the Blue Reef Aquarium. The Charles Dickens House Museum is located in the building where the future writer was once born. For some fresh air, head to the 6-kilometre Southsea Boardwalk.
Prices on the page are as of July 2016.
In the south of England in the county of Hampshire there is a small town and the famous seaport of Portsmouth. Most of the city is located on the island of Portsea, so Portsmouth is often identified as the only island city in Great Britain.
To the east of the city is Langstone Harbour, to the west is the beautiful Portsmouth Harbour. The northern part offers magnificent views of the city from Portsdown Hill. Due to the city's geographical location, Portsmouth has long been one of the most important bases for the British Navy. The rich history of the city of Portsmouth itself is connected with the history of British navigation.
City `s history
The history of the city dates back to the times of Roman settlements in England. Even before the shallowing of the English Channel, the port was located at Portchester, where the ruins of a Roman stone fortress remain.
Later (in the 11th-12th centuries), the feudal Portchester Castle with a one-story stone watchtower was built on the site of the fortress, the history of which is great and important for the city.
It was first used as a fortification, then as a prison: in the 17th century, prisoners captured during the Second Anglo-Saxon War were imprisoned here, later - captured during the War of the Spanish Succession, in the 19th century - French prisoners taken prisoner during the war with Napoleon.
The dead prisoners were buried right on the coast, which is currently under water during high tide. It is not uncommon for local residents and tourists to see the remains of deceased prisoners after severe storms.
In the middle of the 15th century, near the castle, a bishop was killed by sailors who did not pay them a salary, after which the city was anathematized. As legends say, for about 50 years after this, the city was haunted by troubles and misfortunes.
A city charter directly to Portsmouth was issued back in 1194 by Richard the Lionheart, who proposed holding a fair at this site. This charter was in force until 1627.
Portsmouth acquired great importance as a shipping port during the reign of the Tudors. A ship dock here was founded in 1496, which in 1698 expanded to an area of 120 hectares. Most of Portsmouth's residents worked at this dock.
Nowadays, ships known to many tourists interested in history are displayed in the dry dock. One of them is the English carrack "Mary Rose", built in 1510. The ship is famous for the fact that it sank during the war with the French. They tried unsuccessfully to raise him to the surface, but at first technology did not allow this.
Later they managed to lift the ship from the bottom literally in parts, which are now on display in the museum. Another famous historical vessel located in Portsmouth is the Royal Navy ship HMS Victory. This ship took part in significant historical battles of the English fleet, including the famous Battle of Trafalgar.
It was on board this ship that Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded. Since 1922, the ship has been permanently in the port of Portsmouth. It has now been converted into a museum and looks exactly as it did during the Battle of Trafalgar.
In World War II, Portsmouth suffered greatly due to constant bombing. Both residential buildings and historical public buildings were damaged. After the war, the city was restored by Brutalist architects.
Modern Portsmouth
Currently, Portsmouth is of great importance for the country's economy. Some historical monuments are still preserved in Portsmouth, many buildings attract tourists with their architecture, and new interesting attractions are appearing.
Many attractions are associated with the sea and reflect the city's history as an important seaport. Thus, most often people begin their acquaintance with the city from the Spinnaker Tower, 170 meters high, which is made in the shape of a sail. The observation deck at the top of the tower offers views of the entire surrounding area and the city of Portsmouth itself.
The historic ships Mary Rose and HMS Victory described above are moored in the dockyard close to the tower. The first ship whose hull is made entirely of iron is also on display here, HMS Warrior 1860. Vintage ships can be seen at the Gosport Submarine Museum, where you can also visit the submarine.
Some other interesting maritime museums include the Royal Marines Museum, the Dockyard History Museum and the Royal Navy Museum.
Among the architectural structures that attract the attention of tourists, Wentworth-Gardner House stands out, as well as houses built in the 18th-19th centuries. Some houses are open to visitors and are interesting not only for their external appearance, but also for their interior decoration, where you can see antiques and works of art.
Among the religious sites, the most attractive for tourists are the Cathedral of St. Thomas and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Portsmouth is famous for being the home of the famous English writer Charles Dickens. The house where he lived has been converted into a museum and is considered a landmark of the city. Now the atmosphere that was during the writer’s lifetime has been recreated there; his huge library and Dickens’s manuscripts are also stored here.
Those who like to enjoy nature should definitely visit the local Staunton Park, which is suitable for the whole family: there are a huge number of playgrounds for children, as well as a zoo, adults can relax in a cafe or while walking along the numerous walking or cycling paths in park.
There is also the Blue Reef Aquarium, where you can watch the inhabitants of the underwater world and feed the friendly fish.
For lovers of extreme recreation and attractions, the Leisure Island amusement park is suitable. You can learn the game of golf, beloved by aristocrats, at the local golf club.
Portsmouth is the southern city where Charles Dickens was born and where Arthur Conan Doyle worked. If you haven't found a good enough reason to head here yet, we've rounded up seven fun things to do to inspire your trip to Portsmouth!
Climb Spinnaker Tower
Spinnaker Tower reaches a height of 170 meters and is the tallest building in the UK outside London. It is made in the shape of a sail, which reflects the maritime theme of the city, and is considered the most popular attraction of the city. Climbing up to the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings.
Photo: sport.gentside.com 2 See The HMS Victory
In 1805, Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded on this ship during the Battle of Trafalgar, and today the 104-gun ship of the line is moored in Portsmouth and converted into a museum. If you want to learn a lot of interesting things about the Royal Navy of Great Britain, this excursion cannot be ignored.
Photo: aerialwaters.com Visit Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle was built in the mid-16th century to defend Portsmouth and was one of the most heavily fortified in Britain. Today, travelers can visit here on excursions and see tunnels, cannons and many other artifacts of that time.
Photo: aerocam.org.uk 4 Get to know the city's literary heritage
Portsmouth is the city where Charles Dickens was born and Arthur Conan Doyle lived. Even the most ordinary walk along it will allow you to get a little closer to the most famous writers in Great Britain, because at one time they spent time in these parts and walked along these very streets. On the Old Commercial Road in Portsmouth is Charles Dickens's childhood home. The museum’s walls contain the writer’s personal belongings, which will help you not only mentally transport yourself to the Victorian era, but also feel the presence of the famous novelist.
There is also an Arthur Conan Doyle Museum in the city, where memorabilia, photographs and documents of the writer are stored.
Photo: a3traveller.com 5 Visit the Cathedral
Portsmouth Cathedral is located in the heart of Old Portsmouth and serves as the seat of the bishop. The first stone of the structure was laid in the 12th century, and reconstruction was carried out in the 17th and 20th centuries. Stop by the cathedral to see its beautiful architecture and learn about its history.
Photo: en.wikipedia.org Go to the Isle of Wight
Combine a weekend in Portsmouth with a trip to the beautiful island, which is the largest off the coast of England. A hovercraft will take you across the Solent to the Isle of Wight in less than 10 minutes.
Photo: fatmousemedia.com 7 Visit D-Day Museum
This is the only museum in the UK that details the Normandy landings during the Second World War. Those interested in military topics will be interested in visiting the museum and seeing military uniforms, maps, dioramas and many other artifacts preserved from those days.
Photo: dday-experiencebedandbreakfast.com
Useful information for tourists about Portsmouth in the UK - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Portsmouth is a large city and port in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Its entire history is the history of the seaport, the history of navigation and shipbuilding. The advantages of this harbor were appreciated by the Romans - it was here that the Roman British fleet was based. The founding date of the city of Portsmouth is considered to be 1180, and its founder is Jean de Gisors. He donated a plot of land to the Augustinian monks so that they could build a chapel there in honor of Thomas Becket. The site of this chapel now stands as the Portsmouth Cathedral of St. Thomas.
In 1194, Richard the Lionheart, returning from captivity to England, chooses Portsmouth as a base for building a fleet and gathering an army. The Royal Charter grants the city the right to hold an annual two-week fair, organize a market every week, have its own for solving minor matters and not pay an annual tax to the royal treasury, but spend this money on the needs of the city. In 1200, King John the Landless confirmed these rights and privileges. John dreams of conquering Normandy, and the first docks are built in Portsmouth, and St. Nicholas Hospital for the poor appears. Throughout the Middle Ages, English kings used Portsmouth as a permanent naval base, the port grew, and shipyards grew. In the 15th century, the world's first dry dock appeared here. It is not surprising that the city is constantly subject to raids by French troops, who see it as a threat to their security. In response, increasingly powerful and modern coastal fortifications and defense structures are being built in Portsmouth. In 1527, King Henry VIII proclaimed the creation of a royal navy, and declared Portsmouth as its base.
In 1628, in Portsmouth, in the Greyhound pub, John Felton, a former army officer, kills George Wheelers, the first Duke of Buckingham. The building that housed the pub survives to this day, called Buckingham House, and has a plaque on it.
On May 13, 1787, the first European expedition to colonize Australia set off from Portsmouth. In 1805, from Portsmouth, Admiral Nelson leads his fleet to the Battle of Trafalgar.
Portsmouth has long been not only a military port, but also the most important civilian port in Britain - a significant part of cargo and passenger sea traffic passes through it. The city was heavily damaged by bombing during World War II and most of the city had to be rebuilt.
A significant part of Portsmouth's attractions is associated with the history of the British Navy, and above all this is the British Navy Museum. Fort Nelson houses a branch of the Royal Armories, where a collection of artillery is exhibited. Portsmouth has a museum dedicated to the Allied landings, which houses the Operation Overlord embroidered canvas - the largest embroidery in the world, 34 panels with a total length of 83 meters. Visitors to Portsmouth must visit the Historical Dockyards, where you can see the famous ships - Victory, Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, Mary Rose, flagship of King Henry VIII, and Warrior, the first British ship with an iron armored hull. Portsmouth Harbor features the Spinnaker Tower, which resembles a sail and celebrates Portsmouth's maritime history. The height of the tower is 170 meters, and it is visible from almost everywhere in the city and its surroundings.
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