Out & About in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is situated on the South coast in the county of Hampshire and is an interesting mix of old and new. It was granted city status in 1926. With its heritage in naval history there is a great deal of evidence of its sea faring past. There are over 440,000 residents in the city, making it the 11th largest in the UK. The oldest dry dock is to be found in Portsmouth and is still in use today. The city is still a major base for the Royal Navy and the headquarters for the Royal Marine Commandos is situated here. The suburbs of the city stretch from Southampton to Havant and include Fareham, Gosport and Portchester. Portsmouth Cathedral, also known as Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, is one of two cathedrals, the other being the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Evangelist. There are two theatres here, including the New Theatre Royal in Guildhall Walk. Famous residents of Portsmouth include Charles Dickens, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Rudyard Kipling and Neville Shute.

Shopping

There are 95 designer shopping outlets to be found in Gunwharf Quays which lies close to Portsmouth Harbour. Cascades Shopping Centre has all the familiar high street retail names, in a covered mall with good parking facilities.

Food and Drink

The cultural mix of inhabitants in Portsmouth means that there is a considerable choice of international cuisine on offer. Southsea's Albert Road is a wonderful place to experience the cosmopolitan influence on food, with many excellent restaurants and cafes. There are some really good fish restaurants in Portsmouth, including Lemon Sole, Rosie's Vineyard and Waterfront Brasserie. If chocolate is your indulgence, a visit to Coco Chocolatiers is a must, where you can watch the hand-making process of producing the goodies. Along the waterfront you can pick up some cockles or fish and chips to eat as you go. Portsmouth boasts 2 real ale breweries, so you can not visit the city without experiencing a pint of local Frigate or Invinsible. Gunwharf Quays is home to a cosmopolitan mix of more than 20 bars. Here you can eat on the terrace of a restaurant and look out over the water.

Arts and Entertainment

Portsmouth has a varied range of attractions that will satisfy the different interests of its visitors. Its naval influence is documented at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can discover more about Henry VIII, Lord Nelson, World War Veterans and the dockyard workers, and you can learn about life aboard the 3 famous war ships, the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. Take a tour around the Portsmouth Harbour and see the modern Royal Navy fleet in port. Portsmouth boasts 12 museums which are well worth a visit. Alternatively, experience the modern Spinnaker Tower, with its 3 viewing platforms overlooking the harbour.

There is plenty to keep the kids amused in Portsmouth. Visit the Pyramids Centre with its amazing swimming pool, wave pool and exciting flumes, water slides and shoots. There is a good cafe here catering for children and overlooking the Solent. Kids will also enjoy the Blue Reef Aquarium where you can enjoy an underwater safari of the British waters and coral seas. There is also an otter holt and tropical tank with underwater walk through tunnel where you can view the stingrays and sharks.

Portsmouth has a lively night life and many of its nightclubs can be found in Gunwharf Quays, along with a multiplex cinema and 26 lane bowling complex. There is also a year round programme of street theatre, music and festivals which take place here. Further afield, the cities of Southampton and Winchester are close by, with many places of interest worth visiting. The beautiful Hampshire countryside surrounds Portsmouth, with its charming rural villages and picturesque castles and unspoilt beaches just waiting to be explored.

Hotel and Travel

There is a great deal of variety when it comes to accommodation in Portsmouth, from inexpensive hotels and Bed and Breakfasts to luxury 4 star and boutique hotels. There are guest houses and self catering accommodation in and around the city. Gunwharf Quays is home to the familiar Express By Holiday Inn, and is a great location for visiting the maritime sites. In the city centre is the Ibis Hotel Portsmouth, whilst close to the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays is the Royal Marine Club which offers free WiFi and swimming pool. Close to Port Solent are the Premier Inn, Portsmouth Marriott Hotel and Port Solent East Premier Inn.