Portsmouth in 2 Days: History, Art & Seafood

Discover the charm of Portsmouth – where history meets modernity.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Old Portsmouth

  • 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
Day 2

Maritime History and Modern Art

  • 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

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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.

Portsmouth Pirates: A 3-Day Family Adventure!

A family friendly trip to Portsmouth, United Kingdom offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the iconic Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the historic warship HMS Victory and the family-friendly interactive museum, HMS Warrior 1860. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Southsea Beach or visit the kid-friendly attractions such as Blue Reef Aquarium or D-Day Story Museum for an educational and entertaining experience.

Portsmouth Passport: A 4-Day Adventure for All!

Portsmouth, located on the south coast of England, is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. There are numerous attractions for all ages, including the famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where families can explore iconic ships like HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. Kids will also love visiting the interactive SeaCity Museum and enjoying a day at the Blue Reef Aquarium.

A Romantic Long Weekend in Portsmouth UK

A romantic trip to Portsmouth, one of the UK's most historic ports provides travellers with an ideal opportunity to indulge in England's coastal beauty. The city is replete with historical sites and museums, including the famous HMS Victory. With a plethora of dining and drinking options, the Portsmouth Harbour is an ideal location for a romantic getaway filled with sunsets and scenic views.