Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s most popular visitor attractions are centred on the waterfront and harbour, the most famous being the ‘Mary Rose’. Henry VIII's flagship the 'Mary Rose' sank soon after leaving the harbour to fight the French. And there she remained for 437 years until recovered from the seabed in 1982. Now largely restored the ‘Mary Rose’ is on public display at the Historic Dockyard along with HMS Victory the flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson, where visitors can see the actual spot where Nelson died. For diehard maritime history fanatics the Dockyard is also home to HMS Warrior, The Royal Naval Museum, and the Dockyard Apprentice Exhibition.

But there is much more to Portsmouth than history, the modern city has been sympathetically integrated into the old. The waterfront Gunwharf Quays is a fine example with spectacular views across the harbour; the quays are home to dozens of designer shops, pubs and restaurants.

There is no shortage of entertainment in the Portsmouth area. Whether your interest is cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, live entertainment, pubs or sporting events, there is something for all tastes in Portsmouth. The New Theatre Royal despite its new name has been around for some 150 years and is a popular venue for the performing arts. Nearby Chichester is home to the internationally renowned Festival Theatre.

The Wedgewood Rooms in nearby Southsea is a popular spot for live music and comedy. Pub and club goers are well catered for; Local brewer George Gale produces an excellent guide to the areas local pubs and ales.

Transport links with the rest of Britain and Europe are excellent. London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports are approximately 1 hour away by train. There are regular ferry services from the city to northern France.

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