4-Day Cultural Adventure in Portsmouth, UK

Discover history, culture, and coastline in Portsmouth, UK.

22 April 2023

Portsmouth is a historic city located on the south coast of England, known for its maritime heritage and impressive naval history. Visitors can explore the famous HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, or take a leisurely stroll along the historic harbor front. With a variety of museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops, Portsmouth is the perfect destination for a cultural and relaxing vacation.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Portsmouth Harbour and Historic Dockyard

Check into the quirky and comfortable Duke of Buckingham hotel.
Catch a glimpse of modern Navy ships while walking around Portsmouth Harbour.
Embark on a journey back in time at the Historic Dockyard and explore HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Get your adrenaline pumping at the Action Stations interactive exhibit.
Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner at The Harbour Lights restaurant while watching boats come and go.

Day 2

Southsea and Spinnaker Tower

Take a stroll along the promenade and soak up the sun at Southsea Beach.
Visit the D-Day Museum and learn about the pivotal World War II operation.
Admire the panoramic views from the Spinnaker Tower observation deck.
Catch a matinee at the Kings Theatre, a beautifully restored Edwardian playhouse.
Have a pint and classic pub grub at The Florence Arms.

Day 3

Fort Nelson and Gunwharf Quays

Visit Fort Nelson, a Victorian fort that houses one of the largest collections of artillery in the world.
Take a guided tour of Portsmouth Cathedral and discover its rich history.
Grab a bite to eat at Pie & Vinyl, a cozy record store and cafe.
Shop ‘til you drop at Gunwharf Quays, a vibrant waterfront retail center.
Try a fusion dinner at Deep Blue, a restaurant that mixes Portuguese and Indian flavors.

Day 4

Gosport and Farewell

Take a short ferry ride to Gosport and visit the Submarine Museum to see the first British submarine.
Embark on a picturesque stroll along the Gosport waterfront.
Experience a magical afternoon tea at The Spinnaker Cafe.
Say farewell to Portsmouth with a seafood feast at Samphire or the Fisherman’s Kitchen.
Indulge in a nightcap at The Still & West, a charming pub overlooking Portsmouth Harbour.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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