In today’s blog I wanted to share with you some highlights from my visit to Portsmouth, a city on the south coast of England. It was my first time visiting the city, and I have to say, I was really impressed.
First and foremost, I have to recommend the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. This was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. The dockyard is home to several historic ships, including the HMS Victory, which was the flagship of the British fleet during the Napoleonic Wars. It was really cool to see these ships up close and learn about their history.
In addition to the ships, the dockyard also has a number of interactive exhibits that give you a glimpse into life on board a ship. I particularly enjoyed the “Action Stations” exhibit, which lets you experience what it was like to be a sailor during battle.
Another thing I really enjoyed about Portsmouth was the food. I had some great seafood while I was there, including fresh oysters and delicious fish and chips. I also tried some local specialties like “scrummy baps,” which are soft rolls filled with various savory fillings.
The Gunwharf Quays is a very nice-looking shopping centre and avenue which I recommend at a bare minimum to walk through. I also went to the viewpoint at the top of the Spinnaker Tower, which is an elegant 170-meter-high observation tower which offers spectacular views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. I also explored the old town centre, and I must admit it was beautiful too!
In addition to the dockyard and the food, there was also plenty of green space to enjoy in Portsmouth. I spent an afternoon walking around the Southsea Common, a large park that runs along the waterfront. It was a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the sea.
Finally, I would truly recommend you walk along the coastline towards the South Parade Pier, past Southsea Castle, during sunset. You will enjoy splendid views and you might be tempted to eat a hot dog on the pier too!
Overall, I had a great time in Portsmouth. It’s a city with a lot to offer, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Tip: Take a jacket on your trip – Portsmouth is located on the south of England, but it can still get chilly here!
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