What to do in Portsmouth

Activities, attractions and tours

A wooden deck with people walking, a large ship's mast, and buildings in the background.
A stone fortification by a river with a sunset in the background.
A statue of St. John the Evangelist in front of a large red brick church with two towers.
A grand staircase with ornate railings and red walls adorned with framed portraits.
A city street with modern buildings, a café, and people walking.

Places to Visit in Portsmouth

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Portsmouth, England while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Portsmouth attractions from NZ$12, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Portsmouth tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 17 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Portsmouth. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

NZ$48
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket
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Recommended things to do in Portsmouth

Number of things to do
17
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Museum of Ryde: Ticket to 250 Years of Ryde's History: NZ$12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Portsmouth

Stay near popular Portsmouth attractions

A modern urban waterfront with a tall glass building, a canal, and surrounding commercial buildings.

Gunwharf Quays

9.0/10 (947 reviews)
Explore the UK's only waterfront outlet shopping centre with premium brands at up to 60% off. Savour harbour views from waterside restaurants after browsing over 90 designer stores at this Portsmouth destination.
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Our guide on where to stay in Portsmouth

Find the best Portsmouth areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A building with a sign reading "Golden Horseshoe."

Southsea

Southsea is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, lively bars and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Fratton Park or Wedgewood Rooms while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A historic clock tower with intricate architectural details and a flag on top.

Portsmouth City Centre

Portsmouth City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Portsmouth Guildhall and New Theatre Royal while in the area.

The Spice Island Inn with outdoor seating and hanging flower baskets.

Old Portsmouth

You'll enjoy the monuments and historical sites in Old Portsmouth. You might want to make time for a stop at Square Tower or The Point.

A coastal cityscape with a prominent tall tower, a harbor, and surrounding hills.
Photo by C J West
Open Photo by C J West

Cosham

Cosham is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out PlayZone Portsmouth, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

A cobblestone street lined with trees and brick houses.

Buckland

While Buckland may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth Guildhall.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Portsmouth

A military cannon, a grassy field, and a brick building with a flag.

Fareham

A stone pier extending into a calm body of water, surrounded by a rocky shoreline and a distant bridge.

Havant

A coastal cityscape with a marina, historic buildings, and a large body of water.

Gosport

A rural village nestled in a valley with rolling hills and scattered trees.
Photo by Taliswolf (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Waterlooville

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or try unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Portsmouth.
How do I spend a day in Portsmouth?
When you've checked off leading attractions like West Wittering Beach and Mary Rose Museum, spend some time exploring Portsmouth's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth?
You can't go home without checking out West Wittering Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth.
Is three days enough to stay in Portsmouth?
Three days in Portsmouth is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Mary Rose Museum, Clarence Pier and Southsea Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Southampton.
Is Portsmouth a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Portsmouth, like Mary Rose Museum and Clarence Pier, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Portsmouth is Southsea and Portsmouth City Centre is 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Portsmouth with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Portsmouth with kids.

What to do in Portsmouth for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Forelands Beach or Sally Port.
Are there free things to do in Portsmouth?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Portsmouth is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Southsea Beach is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.