The Local Area
Portsmouth is the Great Waterfront City – packed with fantastic things to do all year-round.
It’s the UK's only island city, with miles of coastline and centuries of history to explore.
Shingle beaches and shopping
Blow away your cobwebs on the shingle beach a few steps away at the Hot Walls or a trip to Southsea beach. Go crabbing off Spice Island. Everyone will love the Emirates Spinnaker Tower, if you dare look down 550ft through the glass Sky Walk. Find Nemo at the Blue Reef Aquarium. For shopping, have a rummage down the quirky shops and pubs of Albert Road or the outlet stores at Gunwharf Quays.
Enjoy the history
Stroll to the Historic Dockyard to admire the ships that changed the world and see the working naval base with a harbour tour. Move on to the Mary Rose Museum and see amazing objects recovered from the seabed or hear the story of Operation Overlord at the D-Day Museum. Walk along the seafront to Southsea Castle, Henry VIII’s own fortification.
Old Portsmouth and the Cathedral
Enjoy wandering the historic streets of Old Portsmouth from the moment you step outside. The Cathedral of the Sea is open every day for visits, whether for prayer and worship, or a trip to their gift shop.
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