Portsmouth

There’s so much on offer when you are in Portsmouth, Hampshire; shopping at Gunwharf Quays, the iconic Spinnaker Tower, HMS Warrior 1860 and the other ships in Portsmouth Historic Shipyard  - and of course the sea.

If you love shopping, you’ll love Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.  There are always bargains to be had in the outlet stores of Gunwharf Quays and no shortage of places to eat, most of them with views of the harbour.

Talking of views, on the edge of Gunwharf Quays is Spinnaker Tower.  Get the lift to the top and look down at the maritime scene in Portsmouth.  The Spinnaker Tower has become the city’s icon, you can see it for miles around, long before you arrive in Portsmouth.

Make time in Portsmouth to walk along the Old Walls that follow the sea shore.  Watch the ships come and go, see the creatures of the deep at the Blue Reef Aquarium or explore Southsea Castle.  Learn about the city’s war-time role in the D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery, as well as in the Royal Marines Museum.

In the shadow of the Spinnaker Tower near the entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is HMS Warrior 1860, a must to see when you are in Portsmouth. Go onboard Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory, see the remains of Henry VIII’s Mary Rose and marvel at all the fascinating items found on her.  Pop into the Royal Navy Museum then take a tour of the harbour and see the ships of today’s Navy.

It’s not all naval. In Portsmouth City Centre is the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum as well as the Natural History Museum that looks at the unexpected wildlife habitats that exist in Portsmouth.