What to do in Portsmouth

Activities, attractions and tours

A wooden deck with people walking, a large ship's mast, and buildings in the background.
A stone fortification by a river with a sunset in the background.
A statue of St. John the Evangelist in front of a large red brick church with two towers.
A grand staircase with ornate railings and red walls adorned with framed portraits.
A city street with modern buildings, a café, and people walking.

Portsmouth Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Portsmouth has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Portsmouth is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Portsmouth to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Portsmouth Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Portsmouth.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Portsmouth attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

CA $44
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100% of travellers recommend
Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket
Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Portsmouth

Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Portsmouth

CA $19
per adult
Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Portsmouth
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Top places to visit

1. Gunwharf Quays

Beneath the shadow of the famous Spinnaker Tower is the stylish shopping and leisure center of Gunwharf Quays, where you can easily spend a day browsing the many shops and enjoying the entertainment. The site's history as an ordnance yard is marked only by the cannons that line the waterfront. Today, the area is a modern, buzzing destination, popular with both local residents and visitors. Spoil yourself with a day of shopping and eating here.
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A modern urban waterfront with a tall glass building, a canal, and surrounding commercial buildings.

2. Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port is a gateway to the rest of Europe, as well as the nearby Channel Islands. Considered Britain’s best-connected port, it operates ferries, cruises and cargo ships. Access it easily just north of Portsmouth’s center. Start here for a great opportunity to visit the historical seaside town of Portsmouth.
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A modern building with a sign reading "Portsmouth International Port".

3. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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A historic building labeled "ACTION STATIONS" with a dock and boats.

4. University of Portsmouth

From a humble beginning in 1869, this academic center has grown in size and stature to be named the University of Portsmouth. Combine a stroll around the campus with your visit to the Historic Dockyard and other attractions near Old Portsmouth.
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A building with a sign reading "University of Portsmouth" and a tree in front.

5. Portsmouth Guildhall

The Portsmouth Guildhall is a majestic building and multi-use entertainment venue in the center of Portsmouth. Attend an event from its array of concerts, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and festivals.
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A historic building with a clock tower, surrounded by trees and a paved plaza.

6. HMS Victory

The pride of the British fleet, HMS Victory, served in the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary War. It earned its name at the Battle of Trafalgar, where Nelson led the fleet to success. Today view the ship in dry dock. It is still the flagship of the Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord after over 200 years in service and also serves as a museum dedicated to the Georgian Navy. Step aboard to find out more.
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A historic ship docked at a waterfront, with a large modern structure in the foreground.

7. Southsea Castle

Once an important defensive structure, the beautifully preserved Southsea Castle is now a popular tourist attraction. Walk around the battlements, discover its captivating history and admire the sea views.
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A historic fort entrance with cannons, a wooden archway, and a sign about Southsea Castle.

8. Mary Rose Museum

Experience what life was like for sailors on a Tudor-era warship at the Mary Rose Museum. With some 19,000 period objects and audio-visual displays, a visit to the Mary Rose Museum is a great day out for all ages. Come to the museum to be part of living British naval history.
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An indoor museum exhibit with glass display cases containing historical artifacts and information panels.

Recommended things to do in Portsmouth

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
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Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Portsmouth

Stay near popular Portsmouth attractions

A modern urban waterfront with a tall glass building, a canal, and surrounding commercial buildings.

Gunwharf Quays

9.0/5 (947 reviews)
Stretching along the sea is one of Portsmouth's coolest areas, with plenty of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a contemporary art gallery.
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Where to stay in Portsmouth

Find the best Portsmouth areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Portsmouth
Learn more about Portsmouth
A building with a sign reading "Golden Horseshoe."

Southsea

Southsea is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, lively bars, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Kings Theatre or Southsea Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.
A historic clock tower with intricate architectural details and a flag on top.

Portsmouth City Centre

Portsmouth City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Portsmouth Guildhall and New Theatre Royal while in the area.
The Spice Island Inn with outdoor seating and hanging flower baskets.

Old Portsmouth

You'll enjoy the monuments and historic sites in Old Portsmouth. You might want to make time for a stop at Square Tower or The Point.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent tall tower, a harbor, and surrounding hills.
Photo by C J West
Open Photo by C J West

Cosham

Cosham is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out PlayZone Portsmouth, a top attraction in the neighborhood.
A cobblestone street lined with trees and brick houses.

Buckland

Though Buckland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth Guildhall.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or try unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Portsmouth.
How do I spend a day in Portsmouth?
When you've checked off leading attractions like West Wittering Beach and Mary Rose Museum, spend some time exploring Portsmouth's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth?
You can't go home without checking out West Wittering Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth.
Is three days enough to stay in Portsmouth?
Three days in Portsmouth is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Mary Rose Museum, Clarence Pier and Southsea Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Southampton.
Is Portsmouth a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Portsmouth, like Mary Rose Museum and Clarence Pier, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Portsmouth is Southsea and Portsmouth City Centre is 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Portsmouth with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Portsmouth with kids.
What to do in Portsmouth for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Forelands Beach or Sally Port.
Are there free things to do in Portsmouth?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Portsmouth is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Southsea Beach is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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