Introduction
located on the southern coast of England, Portsmouth is a vibrant port city situated on Portsea Island in Hampshire.
It lies approximately 70 miles southwest of London and is bordered by the Solent to the south and Portsmouth Harbour to the west. With a population of around 208,000, Portsmouth is known for being the most densely populated city in the UK, and offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern urban life.
Recognised as a global centre for marine, aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing industries, Portsmouth mixes new technology with rich maritime heritage, with over 600 listed buildings and 17 ancient monuments.
Transport Links
Portsmouth is well-connected by various transport options:
- By Train: Direct train services operate from major cities including London (Waterloo and Victoria), Brighton, Southampton, and Cardiff. The main stations, Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth & Southsea, are conveniently located and make navigating the city a breeze.
- By Coach: National Express coaches run direct routes to and from London Victoria coach station, making it accessible for travelers coming from the capital.
- By Bus: Local bus services operated by First Bus and Stagecoach connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas to the port.
- By Car: The M275 motorway leads directly into Portsmouth, and there is ample parking around the city. Local cab companies are available at taxi ranks throughout the city, as well as services such as Uber and Bolt.
- Cycling and Walking: Portsmouth promotes cycling, with designated bike lanes, and bicycle and e-bike rental services all over the city. It’s also easy to get around on foot, with multiple heritage trails dotted throughout the city that make for a fun and educational day out.
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Attractions
From family days out to solo exploring, sightseeing or indulging, we have a guide for everyone.
Food & Drink
Fine dining, quick bites, breakfast, lunch or dinner… You’ll find your perfect foodie destination here.
History
Find out how Portsmouth came to be, from Henry VIII to D-Day and much, much more…
A Brief History of Portsmouth
From its founding in around 1180, Portsmouth has played an essential role in maritime and naval affairs throughout history.
Once England’s most integral port, it became a key base for the Royal Navy and gained recognition for its involvement in significant historical events, such as Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar and the D-Day landings during World War II.
From Jean de Gisors to Ben Ainsley, Henry VIII to Charles Dickens, there’s so much history to explore in Portsmouth.
To learn about the rich heritage of this proud maritime city, start exploring our records.