Tel: 0118 971 4700
Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum
393 Old Commercial Road
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 4QL
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9282 7261
Although he only spent the first three years of his life in Portsmouth, it should come as no surpise that the city is proud to boast that Dickens is one of its famous sons. Dickens did return to the city three times over the course of his life, to conduct background research for “Nicholas Nickleby” and to give public readings.
The house has been preserved in the style of a typical lower-middle class house of 1809, featuring displays that provide a taste of life in the early 19th century. The museum also houses a small exhibition room containing displays chronicling Dickens' life and works.
393 Old Commercial Road
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 4QL
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9282 7261
Although he only spent the first three years of his life in Portsmouth, it should come as no surpise that the city is proud to boast that Dickens is one of its famous sons. Dickens did return to the city three times over the course of his life, to conduct background research for “Nicholas Nickleby” and to give public readings.
The house has been preserved in the style of a typical lower-middle class house of 1809, featuring displays that provide a taste of life in the early 19th century. The museum also houses a small exhibition room containing displays chronicling Dickens' life and works.
D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea
Hampshire
PO5 3NT
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9229 6905
Founded in 1984 on Southsea seafront, The D-Day Museum is the only museum in Britain dedicated to the pivotal Allied landings in Normandy of 6th June 1944. Exhibits vividly create the sights and sounds of life in war-ravaged Britain, starkly bringing to life the triumphs and terrors of that dark period of history.
The museum is also the home for the Overlord Embroidery, commissioned in 1968 by Lord Dulverton. Across 34 panels it depicts a story spanning the early stages of the war to shortly after D-Day itself. An impressive 83m in length, the Overlord Embroidery is the longest work of its type, measuring 10m longer than its more famous counterpart dedicated to the events of 1066, The Bayeux Tapestry.
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea
Hampshire
PO5 3NT
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9229 6905
Founded in 1984 on Southsea seafront, The D-Day Museum is the only museum in Britain dedicated to the pivotal Allied landings in Normandy of 6th June 1944. Exhibits vividly create the sights and sounds of life in war-ravaged Britain, starkly bringing to life the triumphs and terrors of that dark period of history.
The museum is also the home for the Overlord Embroidery, commissioned in 1968 by Lord Dulverton. Across 34 panels it depicts a story spanning the early stages of the war to shortly after D-Day itself. An impressive 83m in length, the Overlord Embroidery is the longest work of its type, measuring 10m longer than its more famous counterpart dedicated to the events of 1066, The Bayeux Tapestry.
Old Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Hampshire
United Kingdom
Despite its historic reputation as a hot-bed of lewd behaviour and debauchery, Old Portsmouth is one of the most picturesque parts of the city. Lining the entrance to the harbour one will find the ancient city walls, where visitors can take a bracing walk in the sea air, enjoying views of Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight beyond. Away from the harbour walls, one will find many charming buildings, lending the area a distinct feel of yesteryear. This is an area best enjoyed on foot in as leisurely a fashion as possible, enabling one to soak in the ambience while exploring the narrow, twisting streets.
Old Portsmouth is also the home for the ruins of Domus Dei, also known as the Royal Garrison Church. In 1941 the church was partially destroyed by German bombers. Despite remaining roofless, the church remains a popular tourist attraction today, thanks in part to its stunning displays of stained glass windows.
Portsmouth
Hampshire
United Kingdom
Despite its historic reputation as a hot-bed of lewd behaviour and debauchery, Old Portsmouth is one of the most picturesque parts of the city. Lining the entrance to the harbour one will find the ancient city walls, where visitors can take a bracing walk in the sea air, enjoying views of Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight beyond. Away from the harbour walls, one will find many charming buildings, lending the area a distinct feel of yesteryear. This is an area best enjoyed on foot in as leisurely a fashion as possible, enabling one to soak in the ambience while exploring the narrow, twisting streets.
Old Portsmouth is also the home for the ruins of Domus Dei, also known as the Royal Garrison Church. In 1941 the church was partially destroyed by German bombers. Despite remaining roofless, the church remains a popular tourist attraction today, thanks in part to its stunning displays of stained glass windows.
Portchester Castle
Castle Street
Portchester
Hampshire
PO16 9QW
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9237 8291
Situated at the head of Portsmouth Harbour, Portchester Castle stands as an imposing sentinel. The castle was constructed in two stages, representing an interesting blend of history and architectural styles. The outer walls of the castle are the remains of a Roman fort built towards the end of the 3rd century when the area was known as Portus Adurni. The Roman walls are incredibly well preserved and are the finest example of their kind in Northern Europe. 800 years later, in the late 11th century, a Norman castle was built on the same site, utilising the original Roman walls as the outer bailey, with an inner bailey, palace and keep built in the north-west corner of the original fort.
Visitors can ascend to the top of the 100ft keep to witness stunning views of Portsmouth Harbour to the south, and Portsdown Hill to the north. It is possible to travel from top to bottom using the original spiral staircase hewn from stone. However, the lower sections of the keep are accessible via a modern wooden staircase, for those who prefer a gentler, albeit less authentic, option.
Castle Street
Portchester
Hampshire
PO16 9QW
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9237 8291
Situated at the head of Portsmouth Harbour, Portchester Castle stands as an imposing sentinel. The castle was constructed in two stages, representing an interesting blend of history and architectural styles. The outer walls of the castle are the remains of a Roman fort built towards the end of the 3rd century when the area was known as Portus Adurni. The Roman walls are incredibly well preserved and are the finest example of their kind in Northern Europe. 800 years later, in the late 11th century, a Norman castle was built on the same site, utilising the original Roman walls as the outer bailey, with an inner bailey, palace and keep built in the north-west corner of the original fort.
Visitors can ascend to the top of the 100ft keep to witness stunning views of Portsmouth Harbour to the south, and Portsdown Hill to the north. It is possible to travel from top to bottom using the original spiral staircase hewn from stone. However, the lower sections of the keep are accessible via a modern wooden staircase, for those who prefer a gentler, albeit less authentic, option.
Portsmouth City Museum
3 Museum Road
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 2LE
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9282 7261
The Portsmouth City Museum considers itself to be a museum both of and for the people of Portsmouth. Therefore, while it is no surprise that the museum features a heavy emphasis on the city itself, it also features displays of a more general nature. Recent exhibitions have included topics as diverse as space exploration, eco fashion and a display of props from classic science fiction film and television. Visitors to the museum expecting it to tell just the tale of Portsmouth will find themselves in for a pleasant surprise.
Inevitably, the museum's main displays tell this history of Portsmouth over the ages. The “Story of Portsmouth” allows visitors to step back in time, with accurate recreations offering a snapshot of times gone by. These include a 17th century bedchamber, an 1871 dockyard worker's kitchen, through to a 1950s living room.
3 Museum Road
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 2LE
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9282 7261
The Portsmouth City Museum considers itself to be a museum both of and for the people of Portsmouth. Therefore, while it is no surprise that the museum features a heavy emphasis on the city itself, it also features displays of a more general nature. Recent exhibitions have included topics as diverse as space exploration, eco fashion and a display of props from classic science fiction film and television. Visitors to the museum expecting it to tell just the tale of Portsmouth will find themselves in for a pleasant surprise.
Inevitably, the museum's main displays tell this history of Portsmouth over the ages. The “Story of Portsmouth” allows visitors to step back in time, with accurate recreations offering a snapshot of times gone by. These include a 17th century bedchamber, an 1871 dockyard worker's kitchen, through to a 1950s living room.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Visitor Centre
Victory Gate
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9283 9766
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is six tourist attractions in one. Vistors are able to explore two of England's most famous ships, H.M.S Victory, Nelson's flagship, and H.M.S. Warrior, the first iron-clad warship. Due to restoration work, The Mary Rose is currently not on show, but the history of Henry VII's short-lived warship and an exhibition of artifacts recovered from the wreck can be found in the Mary Rose Museum. Covering the Royal Navy, the National Museum of the Royal Navy charts its development with many fascinating exhibits and displays. For younger visitors, Action Stations is an activity centre where the operations of the modern Royal Navy are vividly brought to life through interactive displays and installations. Finally, in good weather it is possible to take a 45 minute harbour tour by boat, allowing visitors to enjoy the dockyard from a different perspective.
Given the breadth of attractions on offer at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, it may be hard to fit them all in to a single visit. Fortunately, the all-inclusive ticket includes unlimited entry to HMS Warrior, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Action Stations for a whole year, allowing visitors to get the most out of this fascinating insight in to British naval history.
Visitor Centre
Victory Gate
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9283 9766
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is six tourist attractions in one. Vistors are able to explore two of England's most famous ships, H.M.S Victory, Nelson's flagship, and H.M.S. Warrior, the first iron-clad warship. Due to restoration work, The Mary Rose is currently not on show, but the history of Henry VII's short-lived warship and an exhibition of artifacts recovered from the wreck can be found in the Mary Rose Museum. Covering the Royal Navy, the National Museum of the Royal Navy charts its development with many fascinating exhibits and displays. For younger visitors, Action Stations is an activity centre where the operations of the modern Royal Navy are vividly brought to life through interactive displays and installations. Finally, in good weather it is possible to take a 45 minute harbour tour by boat, allowing visitors to enjoy the dockyard from a different perspective.
Given the breadth of attractions on offer at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, it may be hard to fit them all in to a single visit. Fortunately, the all-inclusive ticket includes unlimited entry to HMS Warrior, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Action Stations for a whole year, allowing visitors to get the most out of this fascinating insight in to British naval history.
Royal Armouries Museum
Fort Nelson
Portsdown Hill Road
Fareham
Hampshire
PO17 6AN
United Kingdom
Tel: 01329 233734
Built in the 1860s to defend Portsmouth from invasion, Fort Nelson is one of the defensive structures that came to be known as the Palmerston Follies. Today, it is the home of one of the museums operated by the Royal Armouries. Exhibits from all corners of the world explore the history of firearms, including something perhaps unexpected, a segment of Saddam Hussein's infamous “supergun”. While it is probably for the best that there is no practical demonstration of the supergun, daily firings of a field-gun provide a vivid demonstration of the firepower on display.
As well as hosting the museum, the fort is also an exhibit itself. Painstaking restoration work has returned the fort to the 1890s. Most areas of the fort are accessible to visitors and contain exhibits that convey an interesting insight into life and work within the fort, supplemented by a free audio guide available from reception.
Fort Nelson
Portsdown Hill Road
Fareham
Hampshire
PO17 6AN
United Kingdom
Tel: 01329 233734
Built in the 1860s to defend Portsmouth from invasion, Fort Nelson is one of the defensive structures that came to be known as the Palmerston Follies. Today, it is the home of one of the museums operated by the Royal Armouries. Exhibits from all corners of the world explore the history of firearms, including something perhaps unexpected, a segment of Saddam Hussein's infamous “supergun”. While it is probably for the best that there is no practical demonstration of the supergun, daily firings of a field-gun provide a vivid demonstration of the firepower on display.
As well as hosting the museum, the fort is also an exhibit itself. Painstaking restoration work has returned the fort to the 1890s. Most areas of the fort are accessible to visitors and contain exhibits that convey an interesting insight into life and work within the fort, supplemented by a free audio guide available from reception.
Southsea Castle
Clarence Parade
Southsea
Hampshire
PO5 3PA
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9282 7261
Built in 1544, Southsea Castle is one of Henry VIII's Device Forts, designed to protect the south coast of England against invasion from Europe. However, the castle is best known for a rather ignomious moment in history; it was from Southsea Castle that Henry VIII watched aghast as his proud warship, Mary Rose, capsized and sank in the Solent. In keeping with its original purpose, the castle was expanded over the subsequent years to keep pace with the developing threat from the French.
The castle has been restored to its 19th century state and today operates as a tourist attraction. Visitors are able to explore the castle's rooms and ramparts, while learning the history of this imposing coastal fortification.
Clarence Parade
Southsea
Hampshire
PO5 3PA
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9282 7261
Built in 1544, Southsea Castle is one of Henry VIII's Device Forts, designed to protect the south coast of England against invasion from Europe. However, the castle is best known for a rather ignomious moment in history; it was from Southsea Castle that Henry VIII watched aghast as his proud warship, Mary Rose, capsized and sank in the Solent. In keeping with its original purpose, the castle was expanded over the subsequent years to keep pace with the developing threat from the French.
The castle has been restored to its 19th century state and today operates as a tourist attraction. Visitors are able to explore the castle's rooms and ramparts, while learning the history of this imposing coastal fortification.
Spinnaker Tower
Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3TT
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9285 7520
Originally planned to open in 1999 as the Portsmouth Millennium Tower, it was perhaps inevitable that such a name would serve as a catalyst for Murphy's Law. Delays meant the tower didn't open until 2005, changing name to The Spinnaker Tower in the process. However, when one takes in the views offered from the top of the tower it is clear the wait was definitely worthwhile.
Standing 170m, the tower dominates the Portsmouth skyline, and on a clear day can been seen from as far away as Brighton. The tower's sweeping curves evoke the image of a ship's sail billowing in the wind, giving it a striking and unique appearance unlike similar towers such as the Seattle Space Needle. The triple-decked viewing platform offers a 320° of Portsmouth, the harbour and beyond for up to 37km, while those with a brave heart can enjoy the thrills of walking over the tower's glass floor, best avoided by those suffering vertigo.
Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3TT
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9285 7520
Originally planned to open in 1999 as the Portsmouth Millennium Tower, it was perhaps inevitable that such a name would serve as a catalyst for Murphy's Law. Delays meant the tower didn't open until 2005, changing name to The Spinnaker Tower in the process. However, when one takes in the views offered from the top of the tower it is clear the wait was definitely worthwhile.
Standing 170m, the tower dominates the Portsmouth skyline, and on a clear day can been seen from as far away as Brighton. The tower's sweeping curves evoke the image of a ship's sail billowing in the wind, giving it a striking and unique appearance unlike similar towers such as the Seattle Space Needle. The triple-decked viewing platform offers a 320° of Portsmouth, the harbour and beyond for up to 37km, while those with a brave heart can enjoy the thrills of walking over the tower's glass floor, best avoided by those suffering vertigo.
The Royal Marines Museum
Eastney Street
Southsea
Hampshire
PO4 9PX
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9281 9385
Housed in the impressive Victorian Eastney Barracks, a grade-2 listed building, The Royal Marines Museum charts the history of the Royal Marines from their inception in 1664. Starting with the birth of the Marines and their involvement in events such as the US War of Independence, the story unfolds across the years, ultimately arriving in the 21st century and the current conflict in Afghanistan.
The highlight of the museum is the Medal Room, containing an impressive collection of over 8000 medals awarded to Marines for service above and beyond the call of duty; of particular note are the 10 Victoria Crosses. The museum also plays host to a series of rolling exhibits, each lasting a few months. These allow the museum to cover a breadth of content not possible with static displays, and ensures that repeat visitors always have something fresh and exciting to enjoy.
Eastney Street
Southsea
Hampshire
PO4 9PX
United Kingdom
Tel: 023 9281 9385
Housed in the impressive Victorian Eastney Barracks, a grade-2 listed building, The Royal Marines Museum charts the history of the Royal Marines from their inception in 1664. Starting with the birth of the Marines and their involvement in events such as the US War of Independence, the story unfolds across the years, ultimately arriving in the 21st century and the current conflict in Afghanistan.
The highlight of the museum is the Medal Room, containing an impressive collection of over 8000 medals awarded to Marines for service above and beyond the call of duty; of particular note are the 10 Victoria Crosses. The museum also plays host to a series of rolling exhibits, each lasting a few months. These allow the museum to cover a breadth of content not possible with static displays, and ensures that repeat visitors always have something fresh and exciting to enjoy.