Portsmouth in 2 Days: History, Art & Seafood
Discover the charm of Portsmouth – where history meets modernity.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Portsmouth offers a rich history to explore, from the historic dockyard that houses the HMS Victory, the flagship of Lord Nelson, to the 800-year-old naval port. Additionally, the city offers a variety of museums, art galleries, and lively shopping districts, such as Gunwharf Quays. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the dynamic atmosphere of Southsea, with its restaurants, cafes and parks, as well as the stunning views of the harbor and the Isle of Wight.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into No Man's Fort in the Solent, a former sea fortress turned luxury hotel
- Take a stroll along the charming cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth, lined with historic buildings and cosy pubs
- Visit the iconic Spinnaker Tower for panoramic views of the city and beyond
- Stop for a bite at Pie & Vinyl, a quirky record store and cafe serving up delicious savoury pies
- Explore Portsmouth Cathedral, a stunning medieval church with ornate architecture
- End the day with a drink at The Dolphin, a traditional pub dating back to 1716
- Take a tour of the historic HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar
- Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to other famous vessels such as the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior
- Have lunch at The Still and West, a pub with spectacular views of the Solent and Isle of Wight
- Head to the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing works by contemporary artists as well as local history
- Take a stroll through Southsea Common and along the promenade, enjoying views of the sea and Portsmouth's seaside charm
- Finish the day with dinner at The Ship Anson, a traditional pub serving up seafood and local dishes in a cosy setting.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.