Portsmouth is a lovely harbour city famous for its maritime heritage, architecture and shopping. There are plenty of things to do in Portsmouth in one day. I have visited Portsmouth on a cold day in February and tried to see as many things as possible before getting too cold. I enjoyed walking along the quiet streets of the old town, but also window shopping around the famous Gunwharf Quays.
How to get to Portsmouth
Getting to Portsmouth from London is very easy, with hourly direct trains from both Victoria and Waterloo stations. On an average day there are 271 trains connecting London to Portsmouth. The nearest airports are Southampton and Gatwick, both connected by trains and buses to the city. If you have a ferry connection, you can take a train from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport, London, the New Forest or Weymouth.
Things to do in Portsmouth in One Day:
Spinnaker Tower
As you approach Portsmouth either from the motorway or by train, you cannot not notice the Spinnaker Tower, the symbol of the city. The 170 meters high landmark is an observation tower with a 360 triple panoramic deck on the top and a café. Visitors can access the viewing and the sky garden deck (which is outdoors and exposed to the elements) only by buying a ticket which costs £11.50. For courageous souls, the first observation deck has a section of glass floor, from which you can admire the harbour below your feet.
Deck 2 is dedicated to the Clouds Café, which serves afternoon tea for £30 (includes the entrance fee to the tower).
HMS Victory Lord Nelson
Docked in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, HMS Victory Lord Nelson is the oldest naval ship still in commission, with 241 years of service. She was Lord Nelson’s flagship in the battle of Trafalgar, from 1805.
The 104-gun war ship is not preserved as a museum and can be visited. A full price ticket which includes access to all the ships run by The National Museum, a harbour tour, a visit to the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth and many more, costs £31.00 and it is valid for an entire year. For just one visit and access to the ship, the ticket costs £18.00.
The Royal Garrison Church
This Grade II listing building used to be the chapel of a medieval hospital, built sometimes in the 12th century. King Charles II married here in 1622. Renovated over the years, it lost its roof during the bombings from 1941. You can take a guided tour inside the church, but, as they are run by volunteers, they are available only in summer and not every day (usually between Tuesday and Sunday between 11:00 – 16:00, between April and October).
Southsea Castle
At the end of the Clarence Esplanade you will find Southsea Castle, which is free to visit. The museum sits inside a coastal fortress dating from 1545, built by Henry the VIII. For over 400 years, the castle was an active military base, being withdrawn from active service only in 1960.
Inside the castle gates visitors can observe the moat, the lighthouse, the keep, even an original Tudor wall. Free tours of the tunnels are taking place Wednesdays and Sundays at 11am and 11.15am during the castle’s summer season.
The D-Day Story Museum
The D-Day Museum in Portsmouth is a storytelling experience, which focuses on the personal stories gathered from people who lived through the Battle of Normandy. It has a collection of over 10,000 items including maps, uniforms, vehicles, medals, documents and recordings of veterans.
The Memorial Wall remembers those who lost their lives in the 1944, during the D-Day landings.
Gunwharf Quays
Most people who visit Portsmouth from the nearby cities, come here to shop at the famous Gunwharf Quays, the largest designer outlet on the South Coast. Shoppers can find at Gunwharf Quays over 90 famous brands which offer sales up to 60% the retail price every day. The outlet has many different shops, from clothing to beauty, from homeware to sportswear, from shoes to jewellery and watches.
If you are dedicating an entire day to shopping, you should know that Gunwharf Quays is also home to around 30 different restaurants, bars and coffee shops, so when you get hungry you don’t have to go too far away.
If you come to Portsmouth to renew your wardrobe, my advice would be to avoid the weekends and try doing it on a weekday. During weekends it can get very busy.
Have you been to Portsmouth before? Have you climbed up Spinnaker Tower? Have you been shopping to Gunwharf Quays before? I would love to read your opinions in the comment section below.
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What a wonderful visit! This looks like an excellent place for a family getaway.
It looks like a quaint city. One day we will make our way to other side of the pond and visit.
I have never been to England, but it is HIGH on my list of places to visit! I’m just going to have to add this to my list of cities to spend some time in!