Island Hopping and Historic Delights in Portsmouth

Discover family fun in Portsmouth, the perfect destination for a memorable adventure!

19 July 2023

Portsmouth, United Kingdom, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its rich history and array of kid-friendly attractions. Visit the iconic HMS Victory and dive into the fascinating world of naval warfare at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The D-Day Story Museum and the Blue Reef Aquarium are also must-visit places that will keep the entire family entertained and engaged.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Historic Portsmouth

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Tenth Hole, a quirky café with mouthwatering homemade cakes and a mini-golf course.
  • Explore the historic Portsmouth Dockyards, immerse yourself in naval history, and climb aboard the HMS Victory or HMS Warrior.
  • Take a leisurely walk along Southsea Beach, with its colorful beach huts and stunning views of the Solent.
  • Lunch at Pie & Vinyl, a unique record store and café offering scrumptious pies with a side of vinyl tunes. Delicious food for the senses!
  • Visit the atmospheric Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's Explosion Museum, dedicated to the city's explosive past.
  • End your day with a relaxing dinner at The Still & West, a charming pub by the harbor, serving fresh seafood and stunning sunset views.
Day 2

Maritime Marvels and Island Exploration

  • Hop on the quirky Gosport Ferry to Portsmouth's sister town, Gosport, and explore the fascinating Royal Navy Submarine Museum.
  • Grab a quick bite at The Pie Factory, a local favorite serving delectable savory and sweet pies.
  • Rent bikes and cycle along the scenic Hayling Billy Coastal Path, an old railway track with stunning views of Langstone Harbour.
  • Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Deck Cafe on Hayling Island, famous for their seafood platters and indulgent ice cream sundaes.
  • Take a leisurely boat trip to the picturesque Isle of Wight and explore the quaint town of Yarmouth with its charming harbor and boutique shops.
  • Treat yourself to a mouthwatering dinner at Montparnasse, a family-friendly French bistro known for its delicious crepes and cozy atmosphere.
  • After dinner, catch a show or film at the New Theatre Royal, a vibrant venue hosting a range of entertainment to suit all tastes.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Portsmouth by plane is to fly into either Southampton Airport or Gatwick Airport, and take a train or bus to Portsmouth. From Southampton Airport, you can take a train to Portsmouth and Southsea Station, which takes about 30 minutes. From Gatwick Airport, you can take a train to Portsmouth and Southsea Station or a National Express bus to Portsmouth, which takes about 2 hours.

Car

The best way to get to Portsmouth by car is to take the A3(M) or M27, depending on where you are coming from. From London, take the M25, then the M3, and then the A3(M). From Southampton, take the M27 and then the A27 towards Portsmouth.

Train

The best way to get to Portsmouth by train is to take a direct train to Portsmouth and Southsea Station. You can catch a direct train from London Waterloo, which takes about 90 minutes. There are also direct trains from Southampton, Brighton, and Bristol.

Boat

The best way to get to Portsmouth by boat is to take a ferry from either Jersey, Guernsey, or St. Malo. There are also cruises that stop in Portsmouth, such as P&O Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Bus

The best way to get to Portsmouth by bus is to take a National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station, which takes about 2 hours. There are also coaches from Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Destination

Portsmouth

If you're looking for a coastal city with all the charm of a seaside postcard but with drastically less seagull poop, look no further than Portsmouth. It may just be the best place to experience both British history and fish and chips in equal measure.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Romantic Day Getaway in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a charming waterfront city located on the south coast of England. Couples can enjoy a romantic trip by visiting the iconic Spinnaker Tower, taking a stroll along Southsea Beach or exploring the historic Portsmouth Dockyard. This mix of modern and traditional attractions makes Portsmouth the perfect destination for a memorable romantic getaway.

Portsmouth on a Budget: A 4-Day Adventure

Spend a weekend exploring the historic naval city of Portsmouth on a limited budget. Wander along the seafront promenade, take in breathtaking views of the harbour and visit iconic landmarks such as the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Victory. Enjoy delicious food and drink at affordable prices in the city's vibrant pubs and eateries.

Portsmouth in Two Days: A Seaside Adventure

Experience the charm of Portsmouth without breaking the bank. A stroll along Southsea beach is an affordable and enjoyable way to soak up the maritime ambiance of this coastal city. Tour the historic dockyards and enjoy the stunning views of the Solent from the top of the Spinnaker Tower for free.

5 Days of Adventure in Portsmouth, UK

Visiting Portsmouth, tourists can expect a range of activities and attractions to explore. History enthusiasts can explore the city's naval heritage at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and The Mary Rose Museum. Experience the modern attractions such as Gunwharf Quays, the Spinnaker Tower, and the bustling Southsea beach.