Portsmouth, England is an important port city in the UK, but along with this importance comes a seaside destination that is becoming one of Britain’s most famous tourist attractions. Portsmouth is famous for quite a few things that many travel enthusiasts may not be aware of. Historical attractions, seaside amusement, and entertainment, cuisine and shopping complement a city that is also considered to be the home of the Royal Navy. Here are five attractions that make Portsmouth not just an attractive destination, but also famous.
Royal Navy
Her Majesty’s Naval Base, Portsmouth is one of three destinations within the UK of the Royal Navy and the Portsmouth base is certainly the most well-known. Two-thirds of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet is contained at this base, which makes Portsmouth a famous site for some of the nation’s most famous ships and vessels. The Portsmouth base is the oldest base of the Royal Navy and is the site of some of the most infamous defence manoeuvres of this military military branch in British history.
Mary Rose Museum
Portsmouth contains one of the most fascinating historical relics in the entirety of the British Isles as the destination of the Mary Rose, a surviving ship from King Henry VIII’s fleet in the sixteenth century. Featuring four ancient decks and 91 bronze cannons, the Mary Rose is a history lover’s dream come true. Walk-in time with the Tudor Era and marvel at how the history of British sea power has stretched back over the centuries.
Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower
Rising nearly six-hundred feet above the Solent, the Spinnaker Tower rivals the London Eye as one of the UK’s most innovative and popular modern structures. This offers one of the best views in Britain and sees hundreds of tourists and locals alike, flocking to the observation tower on a daily basis. This attraction is incredibly popular for any visitor to Portsmouth and offers some of Britain’s best aerial views. Seeing the tower at night is also a must.
Round and Square Towers
Portsmouth is a destination of choice for fans of English and British history and the Round and Square Towers represent a still-standing link to England’s maritime past. The Round Tower was originally a wooden structure built on the orders of King Henry V in the fifteenth century, before being converted to the current stone structure during the reign of King Henry VIII. This attraction offers a view of how the harbour was guarded centuries ago.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
In addition to the Mary Rose, the wider Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is part of the Portsmouth naval base that is open to the public. This site contains the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, two more modern famous ships of the Royal Navy’s past. In addition to these historic relics, the dockyard is also the site of the official National Museum of the Royal Navy, where visitors can tour artefacts and primary historical sources and relics related to the navy’s storied and famous past.
Portsmouth is not only a popular seaside tourist destination, but it is also a city that is famous for its historical attractions and importance to the Royal Navy. These five sites represent important components of English and British history that are sure to leave any visitor enriched and fascinated by how the defence of the British Isles is tied so closely to Portsmouth. Most of these attractions can be experienced in only a few short hours and are certainly some of the nation’s most popular coastal attractions. Be sure and take in some of the city’s popular eateries and shopping destinations during your visit.
Portsmouth was voted the coolest place to live outside of London
Portsmouth, a small seaside city on the south coast of England, has been named the second coolest place to live in the UK by Nomads Nation. The city has undergone regeneration projects that have brought trendiness and vibrancy to the area.
It is known for its lively student scene, with many people coming from across the country to study at the University of Portsmouth. The city has a variety of nightlife options including clubs, bars, cafes, and pubs. According to Portsmouth University, the city has more pubs per square mile than any other city in the UK.
Portsmouth also has a rich history, including a historic cathedral, medieval sea defences, and rows of heritage houses. The area also features the famous Spinnaker Tower, a 170-meter observation tower with stunning views of the sea.
Gunwharf Quays, located on the sea at the southern end of Portsea Island, is a popular area with designer shops and new restaurants. The area has been subject to mass regeneration projects over the years and now has a variety of hip and happening establishments.
The city also has good transport links, including a ferry to the Isle of Wight and a train to London. The cost of living in Portsmouth is estimated to be around £1,500 per month, with average monthly rents at £775, which is lower than the cost of living in London.
Thinking of moving to or within Portsmouth?
Like the look of Portsmouth and considering buying a house or property in the area? If you’re in the process of moving house, there are a number of people you will need to contact about your move. First on your list will be your mortgage broker in Portsmouth, but another person you should consult with is a conveyancing solicitor in Portsmouth.
