A Romantic Long Weekend in Portsmouth UK

Fall in love with history and romance in Portsmouth, UK.

22 April 2023

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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historic Charm of Portsmouth

  • Check into your romantic stay at the stylish No Man's Fort Hotel, a stunning sea fortress turned luxury hotel.
  • Head to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can admire the HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and more iconic ships.
  • Step back in time at the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.
  • Grab lunch at Pie & Vinyl, a quirky spot that combines cool vinyl records with delicious pies.
  • Take a stroll along the Southsea seafront, with its colorful beach huts and views of the Isle of Wight.
  • Enjoy dinner with a sea view at the stylish and contemporary Southsea Beach Cafe.
Day 2

Discovering the Creative Side of Portsmouth

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Southsea Village, a rustic pub with a great atmosphere.
  • Head to the stunning Portsmouth Cathedral, a beautiful gothic building filled with history and charm.
  • Explore the quirky independent stores and vintage shops of Albert Road.
  • Learn about contemporary art at the Aspex Gallery, a dynamic space with a focus on emerging artists.
  • Have lunch at The Parade Tearooms, a charming spot serving delicious homemade cakes and scones.
  • Walk along the picturesque waterfront and enjoy views of the Spinnaker Tower.
Day 3

Fun and Adventure in Portsmouth

  • Start the day off with a scrumptious breakfast at the Farm Kitchen, a cozy and picturesque cafe.
  • Head to the Blue Reef Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with marine life.
  • Take a ferry over to the beautiful Isle of Wight for a day trip.
  • Enjoy lunch at the famous contemporary restaurant The Shed, located right on the harbor with stunning views.
  • Head back to Portsmouth in time for a thrilling high-speed RIB boat tour of the Solent, and see the city from a whole new perspective.
  • Dine at the popular Italian restaurant Trattoria Alberti, which has a great atmosphere and fantastic food.

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.

More travel plans

Portsmouth's Budget-Friendly Day Trip Guide

Portsmouth, dubbed as the birthplace of Charles Dickens, is a delightful coastal town well-suited for on a limited budget travel. Notable landmarks include the iconic HMS Victory and the historic Portsmouth Dockyard set on the picturesque coastline. Foodies can enjoy a range of fish and chips shops and cafes, while free activities such as visiting museums and strolling along the white cliffs provide a memorable experience.

Portsmouth in 2 Days: History, Art & Seafood

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.

A Romantic 5-Day Escape: Portsmouth, UK

Portsmouth is a charming coastal city in the UK that offers a romantic getaway for couples. With its picturesque harbor and historic landmarks like the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll. Additionally, couples can indulge in the city's culinary delights and enjoy a relaxing stay in one of its luxurious hotels.

Island Hopping and Historic Delights in Portsmouth

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.