Portsmouth's Budget-Friendly Day Trip Guide

Discover Portsmouth's charms without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Historic Portsmouth

  • Begin your day at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and check out the HMS Victory, the world's oldest commissioned warship.
  • Grab a quick bite from the Dockyard Cafe, which offers affordable options for breakfast and lunch.
  • Take a stroll down the cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth, stopping by the Portsmouth Cathedral for some photo ops.
  • Visit the Mary Rose Museum to see the remains of Henry VIII's flagship, and learn about life on board a Tudor warship.
  • Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at the quaint Pie and Vinyl, where you can indulge in savory pies and browse through vinyl records.
  • End your day by watching the sunset at the Southsea Beach, and reflect on your day's adventure.

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 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 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'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.

3 Days of Adventure in Portsmouth, UK

Portsmouth, located on the southern coast of England, is a vibrant city steeped in naval history. As a tourist, you can explore historical landmarks such as the HMS Victory or the Mary Rose Museum, and indulge in fresh seafood at the bustling waterfront. Additionally, you can take a stroll around the scenic Old Portsmouth neighborhood or visit the iconic Spinnaker Tower for breathtaking views of the city.