How to Travel Around Portsmouth UK?

If you’re visiting Portsmouth in the UK, you’ll want to know all the best ways to get around and visit the local attractions. From the historic city centre to the picturesque seafront, there are plenty of reasons to explore this cosmopolitan city.

Whether you prefer to drive, catch a bus, cycle or hop on a ferry, Portsmouth has multiple transport options that allow you to get around with ease. In this guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about getting around in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.

Driving

One of the easiest and quickest ways to get around Portsmouth is by car. Driving gives you the freedom to come and go when you please and see places further afield.

Portsmouth has plenty of parking, although some areas are limited on parking spots at peak times and some roads may become congested, so allow extra time to your journey plan. You’ll find several multi-storey car parks around the city centre, including one at Gunwharf Quays, which is conveniently located close to the seafront and the ferry port. For a longer stay, there are many park and ride options available around the city.

Buses and Coaches

Portsmouth has an efficient bus service that runs throughout the city and further afield. You can take a bus to popular attractions, such as Portsmouth Harbour and Southsea seafront, as well as nearby towns and cities like Southampton, Brighton and London.

Coach services are also available from Portsmouth Airport and The Hard Interchange, with National Express offering regular services to many places throughout the country.

On Foot

Walking and cycling are ideal ways to see the sights in Portsmouth. With its coastal setting, picturesque harbour and proximity to Southsea beach, the city provides spectacular views which can best be appreciated by exploring on foot. The historical old town is also an enjoyable place to wander through.

There are lots of well-signed walking routes within the city or further out into the local area, if you fancy a longer stroll or bike ride.

Boats

Portsmouth is renowned for its maritime history and for being home to the Royal Navy. Seeing the city from a boat is a great way to appreciate its grand harbour and marina from a different perspective. There are many ferry services operating around the harbour, offering regular crossings between Portsmouth, Gosport and Southsea. You can also take boat trips from Gunwharf Quays out into the Solent Sea for whale and dolphin safaris, or enjoy a leisurely cruise down Southampton Water.

Overall

Overall Portsmouth is a great place to explore with plenty of ways to get around no matter what your preferred method of transport is. Whether you choose to walk, cycle or take one of the many buses or boats available, there’s plenty to see and do throughout the city. If you’d like help planning your trip around Portsmouth, check out Visit Portsmouth for up-to-date information on attractions and transport links.

Insider’s Guide: Exploring Portsmouth, UK

Located on the south coast of England, Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city that offers plenty of attractions, cultural experiences, and dining options for tourists. Known for its maritime history and naval heritage, the city also boasts stunning natural scenery and off-beat corners worth discovering. Here’s a guide to help you explore this charming coastal destination.

Local Attractions

Portsmouth is home to a range of popular attractions that offer insights into the city’s rich history and cultural significance. Here are some of the must-visit spots:

– Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: This iconic waterfront attraction is home to several museums, exhibits, and historic ships, including HMS Victory, which was Lord Nelson’s flagship during the battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Warrior, considered to be the world’s first modern battleship.
– Spinnaker Tower: Located in the heart of the city, the 170-meter-tall Spinnaker Tower is an iconic landmark that offers stunning 360-degree views of Portsmouth harbour and beyond.
– Southsea Beach: A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, Southsea Beach is a long stretch of golden sand that provides ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, and leisurely walks.
– D-Day Museum: This museum located in Southsea is dedicated to the pivotal role played by Portsmouth during the Normandy landings of World War II.
– Gunwharf Quays: Perfect for shopping and dining, Gunwharf Quays is a premium retail outlet situated on the waterfront and offers designer brands and boutiques.

Dining Spots

Portsmouth is home to a diverse culinary scene, which is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the top dining spots to consider:

– Restaurant 27: A popular fine-dining establishment in the city that offers a contemporary British menu and an extensive wine list.
– Pie & Vinyl: A quirky café that serves up savoury and sweet pies along with a range of vinyl records that you can browse through as you eat.
– Spice Island Inn: Considered to be one of the oldest pubs in the city, the Spice Island Inn offers traditional pub food and a great selection of local ales, all while affording fantastic views of the harbour.
– The Garage Lounge: A cosy café that offers excellent coffee, pastries, and light bites, The Garage Lounge is a great place to relax and catch up with friends.
– Restaurant 69: This bistro-style eatery serves up exquisite French cuisine with a seasonal twist and some great cocktails.

Cultural Experiences

In addition to its many attractions and dining spots, Portsmouth also offers plenty of cultural experiences that are well worth discovering. Here are some that you should add to your itinerary:

– New Theatre Royal: One of the city’s premier cultural venues, the New Theatre Royal hosts a range of theatre, dance, and comedy productions throughout the year.
– The Kings Theatre: Another well-known cultural destination in the city, this is a beautifully restored Edwardian theatre that hosts a diverse range of shows, from drama to musicals.
– Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum: This museum is home to a collection of manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings of the famous English author who was born in Portsmouth.
– Emirates Spinnaker Tower: In addition to the stunning views from the top of the tower, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower also offers a virtual reality experience that takes visitors on an unforgettable journey of the city’s history.
– Aspex Gallery: This contemporary art gallery showcases works by local and international artists and offers a range of educational programs and community initiatives.

Local History

As a city that boasts a rich history and heritage, Portsmouth is home to several historic landmarks and museums that offer a glimpse into its past. Here are some key spots to check out:

– Portsmouth Cathedral: One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Portsmouth Cathedral is a historic place of worship that dates back to the 12th century.
– The Royal Garrison Church: This historic church that has been at the centre of Portsmouth’s military history is now a museum that tells the story of its role through the centuries.
– Mary Rose Museum: This museum encapsulates the story of the famous Tudor ship that was salvaged from the Solent after being submerged for more than 400 years and is considered one of the city’s must-visit attractions.

Off the Beaten Path

If you’re looking to go beyond the usual tourist spots, Portsmouth has many hidden gems that you can discover. Here are a few suggestions:

– Cumberland House Natural History Museum: Located within a beautiful park, the Cumberland House Natural History Museum offers interactive exhibits, rare animal specimens, and lush tropical plants.
– Fratton Park Stadium: Portsmouth is a city with a proud sporting history, and Fratton Park is a historic stadium that has been home to Portsmouth FC since 1898.
– The Round Tower: A historic fort that offers fantastic views of the city and harbour.
– Portsmouth Watersports Centre: This centre offers a range of water activities, from kayaking and paddle boarding to windsurfing and kitesurfing.
– Kings Theatre tour: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Kings Theatre outside of regular shows to learn about the history of the theatre, its restoration, and backstage experiences.

Portsmouth is a charming city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and an array of attractions, from historic landmarks and museums to scenic beaches and water sports. By following this insider’s guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this picturesque coastal destination.