With a strong maritime history, the city of Portsmouth – on the south coast of England – was once a huge part of the world’s shipbuilding industry. Today the city’s connection to the sea is still very much present, with the historic dockyard a hugely popular destination for tourists. Planning on visiting this stunning city yourself? Here we will look at some of the best things to see and to do and how to properly plan your visit.

How Do I Get to Portsmouth?

Portsmouth is a well-connected city, making it relatively easy to reach via road, rail and ferry. Following the M27 and M275 motorways will take you towards Portsmouth; alternatively, there are trains from London Waterloo which will take you to Portsmouth and Southsea station in an hour and a half.

How Do I Get Around Portsmouth?

Portsmouth is a relatively compact city – and is, in fact, the only city whose population density is greater than that found in London. The city being compact means its relatively easy to get around, with it being only a 20-minute walk from the city centre to the Port Terminal. Also, many attractions are relatively close to one another, making it easy to explore the city on foot. However, should you wish, there also plenty of taxis and buses available to get about quickly.

What is the Weather Like in Portsmouth?

The weather in Portsmouth is relatively mild, with the city receiving more sunshine than much of the rest of the UK. Although the weather in winter does get cold, it’s rare for temperatures to drop below zero and rarer still for it to snow; being typical of the UK, it’s always best to prepare for rain no matter the season as the city receives 100 rainy days a year on average.

What are the Best Things to Do in Portsmouth?

The city of Portsmouth is packed with things to do and places for sightseeing; one of the main attractions in the city, in part because of just how noticeable it is, is the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. The tower is modelled on a sail as a nod to the city’s rich maritime past and stands at a huge 560ft tall. Visitors to the tower can climb to the top or test their nerve by taking a ride in the glass lift; at the top is the panoramic observation deck where you and take in the stunning sights out across the Solent and the rest of Portsmouth.

Another hugely popular visitor attraction is the Gunwharf Quays, an outlet on the waterfront with a huge variety of designer shops, cafes, bars and restaurants such as Brasserie Blanc and the seafood restaurant Loch Fyne.

Weather on your side? Canoe Lake, which opened in 1886, is a great place to go to enjoy the outdoors and experience some of Portsmouth’s green space. Here you will find the swan’s nursery as well as a beautiful boating lake.