Old Portsmouth Travel Guide

Portsmouth

Old Portsmouth
Old Portsmouth
Old Portsmouth
Old Portsmouth
Old Portsmouth

The fascinating landmarks of the former medieval town still stand firm today, helping to piece together the history of this powerful maritime giant.

Crumbling defensive ramparts reveal many of the city’s most historic structures in the Old Portsmouth district. Facing the water, the surviving medieval buildings and intriguing museums provide a glimpse of the city’s rich seafaring history and traditions. On a visit to Old Portsmouth, relax near the water and spot some of the country’s most iconic ships and submarines.

Go for a leisurely walk with your family along the Millennium Promenade on the waterfront. At night, its elegant and traditional lanterns glow to recall the harbor’s historic blue radiance. Stop to enjoy fish and chips at one of the long-standing pubs that have become part of the fabric of Portsmouth.

Overlooking the sea is the imposing Round Tower that was built in the 15th century to defend against French attacks. Climb to its roof, which is always open, for stunning vistas stretching as far as the Isle of Wight. Walk south beside the old ramparts linking the landmark to the nearby Square Tower, which is now a popular wedding venue. Watch a play, movie or concert in this renovated culture hub.

Continue south to reach the Horatio Nelson Statue that depicts the British war hero, alongside an inscription of a prayer. Across the street, you’ll find the Royal Garrison Church, which dates back to the 1200s. Its roof was destroyed in World War II, but a lower gabled closing covers the nave. Inside, admire the colorful stained glass depicting scenes from that war and marvel at the Romanesque and gothic touches of the nearby Portsmouth Cathedral.

The district of Old Portsmouth is at the southern end of Portsmouth Harbour, a little west of the Portsmouth City Centre. Travel by train to the railway station in the heart of the port or get a bus to one of the many stops here. You can also go on a ferry journey from the marina to Gosport or the Isle of Wight.

Old Portsmouth brings back to life military battles, seafaring voyages and medieval customs.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Portsmouth

Leonardo Hotel Southampton

Leonardo Hotel Southampton

4 out of 5
1 Charlotte Place, Southampton, England
The price is £63 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£63
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,188 reviews)
Good but potential to be excellent
"Good but they didn't clean my room during the normal cleaning routine in the morning. We had to request the bin to be emptied. Also they didn't charge one of my meals I ordered correctly which made it a bit of an annoyance to sort later in my stay."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Leonardo Hotel Southampton
The Langstone Quays

The Langstone Quays

4 out of 5
Northney Road, Hayling Island, England
The price is £107 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£107
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Hayling Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location and friendly, efficient staff"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

The Langstone Quays
ibis budget Southampton Centre

ibis budget Southampton Centre

2.5 out of 5
West Quay Road, Western Esplanade, Southampton, England
The price is £43 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£43
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,023 reviews)
"Staff were extremely helpful, was able to check knin slightly earlier as we were traveling!! Very friendly and welcoming"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

ibis budget Southampton Centre
Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7 by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7 by IHG

3 out of 5
Botley Road, West End, Southampton, England
The price is £59 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£59
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,122 reviews)
"Good fairly inexpensive accommodation. Breakfast was a bit chaotic. Great service at front desk"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7 by IHG
Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa

Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Grange Road, Botleigh Grange Hotel, Southampton, England
The price is £84 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£84
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (302 reviews)
"Staff where very friendly and pleasant, especially reception and dining room staff, breakfast staff particularly welcoming. Very disappointed with evening meal service, waited a while for food to arrive, soup was luke warm. The food we ordered as one of the meals was not correct, can’t remember what ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa
Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Southampton Road, Portsmouth, England
The price is £79 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£79
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Lovely stay, would recommend."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Portsmouth Marriott 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Portsmouth

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Portsmouth City Centre

4/5(67 area reviews)

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.

Portsmouth City Centre
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Buckland

While Buckland may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth Guildhall.

Buckland
Royal Marines Museum which includes heritage elements

Southsea

Southsea is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, lively bars and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Fratton Park or Kings Theatre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Southsea
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Cosham

4/5(110 area reviews)

Cosham is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out PlayZone Portsmouth, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Cosham


Old Portsmouth Travel Guide

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