A Romantic 5-Day Escape: Portsmouth, UK

Discover love in every corner of Portsmouth, UK.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Portsmouth

  • Check-in at the fabulous Old Rectory in Southsea.
  • Take a leisurely stroll on the Southsea Beach, enjoy the calming waves and gentle sea breeze.
  • Enjoy a sumptuous meal of fresh seafood at the Fisherman's Kitchen, only a short walk from the hotel.
  • Explore the historic seafront, including the Southsea Castle, that was originally built by Henry VIII to protect against French invasion.
  • Catch a movie or concert at the Independent cinema, showcasing the best of world cinema and live musical events.
Day 2

A day at the Spinnaker Tower

  • Take in the stunning view of Portsmouth's rich naval history from the 170-meter tall Spinnaker Tower.
  • Enjoy a romantic picnic at the nearby Victoria Park, surrounded by meticulously curated gardens.
  • Explore the historic shipyard, where the iconic HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's flagship, is located.
  • Visit the Mary Rose Museum, dedicated to Henry VIII's warship which sank in the Solent in 1545, before being recovered in 1982.
  • Dinner reservation at The Florence Arms, a charming pub that offers exquisite modern British cuisine paired with local craft beers.
Day 3

Island Hop to the Isle of Wight

  • Take a short ferry ride from Portsmouth to the beautiful Isle of Wight.
  • Enjoy a scenic bike ride with Island Riding Centre, exploring the tranquil countryside and picturesque seaside towns.
  • Visit the stunning Osborne House, Queen Victoria's holiday retreat in Cowes.
  • Sample the delicious local produce at the Garlic Farm, known for their garlic-infused products and pick your own vegetables.
  • Return to Portsmouth and have a romantic evening wine tasting at the stylish Coastguard Studio.
Day 4

A maritime history tour

  • Explore the Portsmouth Dockyard, home to some of the world's most famous ships, including the HMS Warrior and HMS M33.
  • Visit the Royal Navy Museum showcasing the country's maritime history and the personal stories of sailors.
  • Take a boat trip around the harbor, witnessing the Navy vessels, past and present, in all their glory.
  • Show off your bowling skills at the popular boutique Bowlplex entertainment center.
  • Complete the day with an intimate dinner at the stunning Bombay Bay, tucking into delicious Indian street food and cocktails.
Day 5

Farewell Portsmouth

  • Visit the historic Portsmouth Cathedral, a grand old building with beautiful architecture.
  • Shop at Gunwharf Quays, the designer outlet, offers everything from high street brands to high-end luxury items.
  • Take in the quirky street art at the 'Hotwalls Studios, showcasing local artist crafts and artwork.
  • Defy gravity at the popular Flip Out Trampoline Park, and jump your stresses away.
  • Complete your trip with a delightful, intimate afternoon tea at the Royal Tea Rooms.

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 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 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.

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.

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.