University of Portsmouth Tours and Activities

University of Portsmouth
University of Portsmouth
University of Portsmouth
University of Portsmouth
University of Portsmouth


The harbors of Portsmouth helped the city establish its importance in the world. Now this university continues innovating to deliver a global influence.

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.

Starting as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art, the early scholarly ventures moved several times before reaching a permanent setting in 1908 in the Park building east of Gunwharf Quays. At that time the focus was on engineering and chemistry. After World War II, the school added arts and humanities curricula.

Decades of academic excellence were recognized in 1992, when the school was named the University of Portsmouth. Look for the Park building, which remains a distinctive presence in the central part of the campus. It now serves as home for European and international studies.

Today’s university continues to reinvent itself. The focus is on education, research and innovation, with a strategy to be transformational in the world. See elements of transformation on the campus itself, with new buildings surrounding the old. The Dennis Sciama Building houses the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation. See the Future Technology Centre, completed in 2018, and reaffirming the university’s commitment to engineering.

Arrive by train at the Portsmouth and Southsea Station, which is a 5-minute walk from the Park building. Just north of the Park building is Victoria Park and east is the Portsmouth Guildhall. Because the school grew as the city itself was growing, university buildings were built side by side with Portsmouth municipal structures. Download a campus map to look for specific buildings.

University of Portsmouth is an impressive academic institution in a lovely setting with extensive maritime history. Along with your campus visit, be sure to see the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and The Point, all within a 20-minute walk from the school.

Plan a trip to see University of Portsmouth

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
 Marwell Hotel Winchester South
Enchanted Manor
The George

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near University of Portsmouth

ibis Portsmouth Centre

ibis Portsmouth Centre

3.5 out of 5
Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, England
ibis Portsmouth Centre
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

4 out of 5
Pembroke Road, Portsmouth, England
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG
Royal Maritime Hotel

Royal Maritime Hotel

3 out of 5
Queens Street, Portsmouth, England
Royal Maritime Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG

3 out of 5
The Plaza Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England
Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG
Southsea Rocks Hotel

Southsea Rocks Hotel

2 out of 5
4 Florence Rd, Portsmouth, England
Southsea Rocks Hotel
Duke of Buckingham

Duke of Buckingham

3 out of 5
119 The High Street, Portsmouth, England
Duke of Buckingham
ibis budget Portsmouth

ibis budget Portsmouth

3 out of 5
Fratton Way, Portsmouth, England
ibis budget Portsmouth
Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children

Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children

3 out of 5
15 - 16 The Hard, Portsmouth, England
Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children
The Queens Hotel

The Queens Hotel

3 out of 5
Clarence Parade, Portsmouth, England
The Queens Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of Portsmouth

While visiting the University of Portsmouth, immerse yourself in exciting activities such as campus tours that showcase the vibrant student life. Don't miss the thrill of yacht racing at nearby locations, and indulge in retail therapy at local shopping destinations. Additionally, take advantage of the scenic ferry rides to explore the beautiful coastline and nearby attractions, making your trip both enjoyable and memorable.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience near the University of Portsmouth, visit Gunwharf Quays, located 966m away, featuring a variety of stores and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore House of Chilli, 17.7km away, or WestQuay Shopping Centre, 25.7km away, with more shopping options.

Recreation

At Wickham Park Golf Club, enjoy a peaceful round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes, only 14.5km from the university. Fratton Park offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located just 1.6km away. For family fun, the Pyramids Centre Portsmouth features aquatic activities, also 1.6km from campus.

Adventure

The Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath, located 8.0km from the university, offers stunning outdoor scenery and invigorating hiking trails. For water sports enthusiasts, Nomad Sailing, only 1.6km away, provides thrilling sailing experiences, while Hayling Island Sailing Club, 11.3km away, is perfect for adventurous sailing and water activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the University of Portsmouth is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating show at the New Theatre Royal or the Kings Theatre, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a fun-filled evening, head to Leisure Island's arcadeAdventureZone, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.

Find the best attractions near University of Portsmouth

While visiting the University of Portsmouth, you can explore a diverse range of attractions including the stunning beach, the fascinating military museum, and various event venues. The area offers rich cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and historical sites like Old Portsmouth, the university itself, and Portsmouth Harbour. Whether you're looking to relax by the sea or immerse yourself in local history, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant coastal city.

  • Spinnaker Tower: Standing at 170 metres, Spinnaker Tower offers breathtaking views of Portsmouth and beyond. Its modern design and glass viewing platform provide a unique perspective of the city, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate stunning urban landscapes.
  • Southsea Castle: Built in 1544, Southsea Castle is steeped in history and romance. Wander through its charming grounds, explore the museum, and enjoy picturesque views of the Solent, all while soaking in the rich cultural heritage of the area.
  • Chichester Harbour: A serene escape, Chichester Harbour boasts stunning scenery and beautiful beaches. Explore its tranquil waters, take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, or enjoy a picnic while soaking in the natural beauty of this coastal gem.

Best time to go to University of Portsmouth

Visitor numbers around University of Portsmouth is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit University of Portsmouth is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.1°F (12.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Portsmouth

For a budget-friendly visit to the University of Portsmouth, consider exploring free attractions like Gunwharf Quays, Southsea Castle, and West Wittering Beach. Travel during the low season from January to March for the best hotel rates, especially on Mondays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to search for eco-certified hotels and sort results by price to find the best deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can lead to additional savings. Keep an eye out for special hotel offers and cheap travel deals to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Portsmouth are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Portsmouth is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Portsmouth is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your search according to your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available at this moment. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the University of Portsmouth with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.