A Romantic Day Getaway in Portsmouth

Fall in love with history and each other in romantic Portsmouth, UK.

22 April 2023

Portsmouth is a charming waterfront city located on the south coast of England. Couples can enjoy a romantic trip by visiting the iconic Spinnaker Tower, taking a stroll along Southsea Beach or exploring the historic Portsmouth Dockyard. This mix of modern and traditional attractions makes Portsmouth the perfect destination for a memorable romantic getaway.

Day trip plan

Getting latest place information
Day

A Stroll Through Portsmouth

  • Start the day with breakfast at Bread Addiction, a charming café serving the best croissants in town.
  • Take a romantic stroll along the waterfront, admiring the stunning views of Portsmouth Harbour and the Spinnaker Tower.
  • Visit the Historic Dockyard and explore HMS Victory, the world-famous ship that led Britain to victory in the Battle of Trafalgar.
  • For lunch, head to The Still & West, a cozy pub with a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the water, serving fresh seafood and traditional British fare.
  • Wander through the vibrant and eclectic streets of Southsea and browse the independent shops, galleries and vintage markets.
  • Finish off the day with a sunset cocktail at The Round Tower, a former artillery tower turned private residence with breathtaking panoramic views over Portsmouth and the Solent.
  • Note: This itinerary can be adjusted based on hours of operation and seasonal availability of attractions.

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 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.

Portsmouth Unwound: A Fun 3-Day Budget Trip

Portsmouth offers an incredible experience for budget travelers on a limited budget. Visitors can explore many of the city's historic landmarks for free, including the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose Museum. Additionally, there are plenty of affordable accommodations, restaurants, and public transportation options to make traveling budget-friendly.

Portsmouth's Maritime Marvels: A Fun-Filled Family Day!

A family friendly trip to Portsmouth, United Kingdom offers a unique blend of history, culture, and seaside fun. Explore the historic Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and step aboard the HMS Victory, the famous warship of Admiral Lord Nelson. Enjoy a day at the Blue Reef Aquarium, where kids can marvel at fascinating marine life, or take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Southsea Pier and enjoy panoramic views of the coast.

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.