visitbytrain.info

      a station-by-station guide for UK tourist attractions

Portsmouth Harbour
Portsmouth & Southsea

National Rail | Harbour PMH | P & Southsea PMS

Hampshire Offers & Links

The historic city of Portsmouth has a rich naval and maritime history. The ornamental King James's and Landport Gates (both EH) were once part of Portsmouth's defences. Gunwharf Quays (¼ mile from Harbour station) is a large shopping centre with many outlet stores and the landmark Spinnaker Tower (see below).

The Hard Interchange Bus Station is adjacent to Portsmouth Harbour station and served by most local bus routes. Portsmouth PlusBus tickets are valid on local buses.

From the pier below Portsmouth Harbour station there are ferries to Ryde on the Isle of Wight operated by Wightlink, the pier entrance is in the station. From a separate pier alongside the station there are ferries to Gosport (see below). Through bookings including the ferries to Gosport and the Isle of Wight are available from National Rail stations.

Southsea is the seaside resort area of Portsmouth, the beach is mostly gravel with some sand exposed at low tide.

From Southsea Hoverport (1 mile from both stations) there are hovercraft to Ryde operated by Hovertravel. A 'Hoverbus' service links the stations with Southsea Hoverport. Through bookings including the Hovercraft and linking Hoverbus are available from National Rail stations.

TI tel. 023 9282 6722.
www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Distances to the attractions are shown from Portsmouth Harbour station (except where marked *) as that is the nearest station in most cases. Attractions in Southsea are about the same distance from both stations.

Booking.com

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ¼ mile

A large site with a great deal to see including Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, HMS Warrior launched in 1860 and HMS M.33 from the First World War. Plus the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth and exhibitions about battles and life in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Harbour tours and children's activities. A waterbus operates to additional attractions across the Harbour in Gosport. Cafés and picnic areas.
Open Daily 1000-1700.
www.historicdockyard.co.uk

The Mary Rose ¼ mile

Henry VIII's favourite warship, Mary Rose was raised from the Solent in 1982. You can see the preserved remains of the Mary Rose and her contents including weapons, naval equipment and items belonging to her crew. Café.
Open Daily 1000-1700.
www.maryrose.org
The Mary Rose is within the Historic Dockyard.

Portsmouth Museum ½ mile

The history of Portsmouth and its people, including the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his most famous character, Sherlock Holmes. Reconstructions of a 17th century bedchamber, 1871 dockyard worker's kitchen, Victorian parlour, 1930s kitchen and 1950s living room. Fine and Decorative Art from the 17th century to the present day. Café. Events programme. Admission free.
Open TWThFSSu & BH 1000-1700.
www.portsmouthmuseum.co.uk

Spinnaker Tower ¼ mile

A distinctive landmark with spectacular views of Portsmouth and the surrounding coast from the viewing deck. Café. Events programme.
Open Daily 1030-1730.
www.spinnakertower.co.uk

Portsmouth Cathedral ¾ mile

Officially known as the Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, the building dates from the 12th century. Medieval features remain alongside the more recent additions.
Open Daily 0830-1730.
www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Royal Garrison Church EH ¾ mile

The roofed and furnished chancel of a 13th century church damaged by bombing in 1941. Fine 20th century stained-glass windows with scenes from the Second World War and the church's own history. Admission free.
Open closed for conservation until June 2022.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Clarence Pier 1 mile

A large family theme park with rides, arcades and play areas. Restaurant and other food and drink outlets.
Open times vary, please see website.
www.clarencepier.co.uk

Portsmouth attractions map

D-Day Story 1½ miles

The story of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944 which proved to be a turning point in the Second World War. A highlight is the Overlord Embroidery which was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry.
Open Daily 1000-1700.
www.theddaystory.com

Blue Reef Aquarium 1½ miles

Many creatures of our underwater world including sharks, rays, otters, crabs, shrimps, clownfish and jellyfish. Coral reef. Underwater tunnel. Also a rainforest section. Café.
Open Daily 1000-1700.
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk

Southsea Castle 1¾ miles

Built in 1544, the castle was part of Henry VIII's fortifications to protect the country from invaders. Explore the keep with views across the Solent and 19th century underground tunnels. Café. Events programme. Admission free.
Open Apr-Oct, see website.
southseacastle.co.uk

Cumberland House Natural History Museum by bus

A wide range of natural science specimens including fossils. Butterfly House. Admission free.
Open TWThFSSu & BH 1000-1700.
portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk
Bus 3 (1 for return journey) from stop M (opposite Bus Station adjacent to Harbour station) to Festing Road shortly after South Parade Pier and canoe lake, about 20 minutes journey. M-S every 12 minutes, Sun & BH every 20 minutes. Buses change to route number 1 at South Parade Pier so this is the number for the return journey. Portsmouth PlusBus tickets are valid for this journey. Operated by First.

Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum ¾ mile*

The author Charles Dickens was born in this Regency house on 7 February 1812. The parlour, dining room and bedroom feature genuine Regency furniture and household items. Guided walks around Portsmouth and readings of Dickens work (see website).
Open for booked visits, see website.
charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk
* from Portsmouth & Southsea station, 1¼ miles from Harbour station.

National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays

Gosport by ferry

A town with a strong naval history and panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour. Many of the naval facilities have closed and marinas now occupy the harbour. A 2 mile Waterfront Trail links the Museums with the Portsmouth ferry and Bus Station.

TI tel. 023 9252 2944.
www.discovergosport.co.uk

Ferry Daily every 15 minutes, 4 minutes journey, see www.gosportferry.co.uk.
Buses to Gosport operate from Fareham.

Gosport Discovery Centre by ferry then ½ mile

Displays and exhibits tell the story of Gosport. Gallery with changing exhibitions of art, items from museum collections. Events programme. Admission free.
Open please see website.
www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/gosport-gallery

Royal Navy Submarine Museum by ferry then ¾ mile

The story of the Royal Navy Submarine Service from early 20th Century to the modern nuclear powered fleet. There are three submarines plus photographs, documents and other items. Coffee shop.
Open WThFSSu 1000-1630.
www.nmrn.org.uk

Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower by ferry then 1¼ miles

18th century buildings of the Royal Navy's former armaments depot house a collection ranging from small arms to torpedoes and modern missiles. The museum also tells the story of the seamen and depot workers, and considers the human consequences of warfare. Coffee shop.
Open WThFSSu 1000-1630.
www.nmrn.org.uk

Gosport map
Rural Retreats
Rural Retreats
Rural Retreats