Portsmouth, Hampshire is an exciting city with beautiful sea views, historic landmarks and shopping, food and entertainment all provided by the waters edge. Whether you are arriving from within the UK by road or train or coming from abroad on one of the many ferry crossings, Portsmouth has great travel links and has lots on offer to suit everybody.

Portsmouth was founded in 1180 by a wealthy Norman merchant who saw the great potential the harbour had for providing a safe place to moor ships as well as it being an ideal location for trade with Normandy. It was here that the world’s earliest known dry dock was built during the reign of King Henry 8th. During this period the Dockyard went through remarkable expansions to help provide some of the city’s defences.

The history and coastal location of Portsmouth has given the city its diversity which in turn has attracted the number of visitors and amenities to grow year on year. Unfortunately, many of Portsmouth’s greatest buildings were destroyed or damaged during World War 2 as the Germans were looking to weaken the renowned and important naval base. There were three large raids with many smaller attacks (reaching up to 67 attacks in four years). The Guildhall was severely damaged by fire after it was hit by incendiary devices and many historic items were lost. A lot of people believe that because the city needed a fast recovery, redevelopment took place that was not in keeping with the surroundings and architecture leaving the city with a mismatch of structural design.

It is clear that this water-side city has remarkable historic features with key historical landmarks situated in varying locations. Much of it is still accessible through the twelve museums as well as the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where the famous HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and Henry the 8th’s Mary Rose can be found. But if you are looking for culture mixed with history deriving from an artistic vision, then perhaps the eye-catching Victorian Theatres – Kings Theatre and New Theatre Royal - are sites worth visiting or perhaps getting one step closer by booking tickets for an evening of entertainment where you will find varied and diverse programmes.

For those in pursuit of physical activity, Portsmouth offers some great cycle routes including a 15 mile circular ride around Langstone Harbour. If you prefer to walk on flat ground, there are many routes guiding you around the city. For those looking for some retail therapy with refreshments close to hand, visit the award winning conversion “ Gunwharf Quay” shopping centre. A myriad of popular shops which include typical water-sports clothing shops, boutiques, and highstreet chain stores, restaurants, coffee shops and a cinema and bowling complex.

Or how about a wander along the seafront near Portsmouth’s newest landmark; the Spinnaker Tower, boasting Europe’s largest glass floored tower.

For those with the sea in the blood, the Solent has much to offer with sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. For those who prefer to spectate, there is beach volleyball on during the Summer and football once the Summer comes to a close.

Children won’t be bored either with Portsmouth offering Pyramids Fun Pools, Blue Reef Aquarium, Action Stations interactive museum and Playzone, the indoor soft play centre. Live music is a big theme with pop, rock or orchestral concerts throughout the year taking place at the Guildhall.

Other attractions to Portsmouth are:
• Portsmouth Football Club – Fratton Park
• Aspex Gallery
• The Royal Naval Museum
• Portsmouth Greyhound stadium
• Southsea Common
• Portsmouth City Museum

To view Portsmouth's calendar, Visit Portsmouth ...