4 Perfect Pastimes in Portsmouth, UK
Posted by tasha | Business, Hampshire, Places To Visit, Shopping, South of England | Posted on July 24th, 2011
Sometimes there is no need to travel very far to have a great day out. If you live in England, there is a perfect getaway location on the South East coast called Portsmouth, which is in Hampshire. Not only is there plenty of fashionable, modern entertainment to enjoy, but there is a wealth of history underneath the surface and plenty of stuff for the younger ones. And of course, the Isle of White is just a short ferry ride away if you feel like adventuring a little bit further.
1. Historic Dockyard
Whether you have a family to entertain, or you are, rightly, just quite interested in how Britannia used to rule the waves, this is a great day out. Highlights include the mysterious Mary Rose Museum. Who were the people aboard at the time? Why did she sink? Or why not check out HMS Victory, the famous war ship, and see where Nelson commanded and eventually died on board. The main attraction of Historic Dockyard is that the ships are brought to life by experts and actors in full dress and visitors can explore the ships themselves.
2. Spinnaker Tower
This spectacular building stands at 170 metres above the Portsmouth harbour, mimicking the shape of a sail blown in the wind. The tower was opened in 2005 and attracted nearly half a million visits in the first year alone. It is not hard to see why, with beautiful 360 degree views of Portsmouth and the sparkling Solent Sea. At the top of the tower, visitors can dare to walk across the largest glass floor in Europe, or brace the elements in the open air top deck.
3. Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays is where the old and new Portsmouth is brought together. This large complex encompasses restaurants with cuisines from around the world, fashion outlet stores for retail therapy, bars and nightclubs, a bowling alley and a cinema. The best thing about this location is that there are so many ways to enjoy it, whether you choose to sip a strawberry daiquiri before a fine meal, looking out across the sea, or have a madcap dash to the bowling alley with children in tow.
4. The Isle of White Festival
Technically, this is on the Isle of White, and therefore not central to Portsmouth. However, it is a top destination for music lovers throughout the year and so close to Portsmouth that it is definitely worth a mention. In June, there is the Isle of Wight Festival, which is a popular destination for pop and rock lovers, with 2011 headliners including Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters and Kasabian. Bestival is a much more alternative affair, which is very family friendly. The Cure are headlining this year. Every year there is a fancy dress competition which all festival goers are encouraged to take part in.
This post only really scratches the surface when it comes to things to do in Portsmouth. Why not find out for yourself this summer?
UK Travel bug writes for a number of hotels and leisure destinations in the UK, and recommends finding a great Portsmouth hotel, or a hotel near Spinnaker Tower to get the best out of your stay in the area.