What to do in Portsmouth

Activities, attractions and tours

Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth

Portsmouth Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Portsmouth has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Portsmouth, 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 to Portsmouth 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.

Places of interest in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Portsmouth, and make it a breeze to explore Portsmouth and 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 holiday 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 to Portsmouth, 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 in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth attractions

Portsmouth 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 in Portsmouth to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Portsmouth.

Looking for things to do in Portsmouth 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 of Portsmouth or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Portsmouth attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Portsmouth

Number of things to do
11
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour: £10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Portsmouth

Popular places to visit

Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays

4.5/5(385 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.

Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port

4/5(18 reviews)

Embark on a trip to Europe or enter the lovely town of Portsmouth, England, through the comfort and ease of this modern port.

Portsmouth International Port
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

4.5/5(290 reviews)

Find heroic ships, triumphant naval vessels and World War I frigates at this dockyard, a tribute to the city’s maritime might.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth Guildhall

Portsmouth Guildhall

4/5(12 reviews)

Sing along to some of the world’s biggest names in music, laugh until you cry and join the celebrations in this central entertainment venue.

Portsmouth Guildhall
HMS Victory

HMS Victory

4.5/5(160 reviews)

Lord Nelson's triumphant warship is one of the best-preserved vessels from the Napoleonic wars and one of Portsmouth's most impressive attractions.

HMS Victory
University of Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth

4/5(52 reviews)

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

University of Portsmouth
Mary Rose Museum

Mary Rose Museum

5/5(31 reviews)

Discover life onboard and the history of one of King Henry VIII’s favorite warships via displays of valuable artifacts and interactive activities.

Mary Rose Museum
Southsea Castle

Southsea Castle

4/5(31 reviews)

Located in a dramatic waterfront setting, this historic fort was once the first line of English defense and is now a fascinating museum.

Southsea Castle
The D-Day Story

The D-Day Story

This insightful and interactive museum commemorates the heroism of the Allied forces, many of whom set off from Portsmouth to storm the beaches of Normandy in 1944.

The D-Day Story

Explore areas of Portsmouth

Southsea

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
Portsmouth City Centre

Portsmouth City Centre

4/5(68 area reviews)

Victorian architecture lines the modern avenues of this port city, which has a thriving shopping boulevard and concert venues in historic buildings.

Portsmouth City Centre
Cosham

Cosham

4/5(112 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

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.

Old Portsmouth
Buckland

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

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Portsmouth

Panorama of Mallets Mortar in the front of Fort Nelson - a Royal Armouries museum - near Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

Fareham

View from Hayling Island to Langstone, Hampshire, England, UK

Havant

Hayling Island

Hayling Island

Panorama of Marina in Gosport from a drone, Portsmouth, Gosport, England

Gosport

Waterlooville
Photo by Taliswolf (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Waterlooville

South Hayling

South Hayling

Port Solent

Port Solent

Nettlestone

Nettlestone

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 kms (1 mile) from the city centre of Portsmouth is Southsea and Portsmouth City Centre is 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) 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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