About the location
PORTSMOUTH
Southsea 2.5 miles; Hayling Island 8 miles; New Forest 26 miles.
Portsmouth is the second largest city in Hampshire and a fantastic destination for everything from a weekend city break, to a longer year-round holiday spot for couples, friends and families. The city is famous for many historic events and also for having the world's oldest dry dock. The dock is still home to HMS Warrior, the Tudor carrack Mary Rose and Lord Nelson's flagship; HMS Victory, which is the world's oldest naval ship still in commission. Standing proud over the city you will find The Spinnaker Tower, an impressive 560-ft high and built in the shape of a sail. The tower offers 360-degree views from three observation platforms, the highest of which "The Crow's Nest", only has a wire mesh roof so visitors are open to the elements. The windows extend above head height and with a glass floor, this is not a place to be if you suffer from a fear of heights, but those that do rise to the challenge, they will get a wonderful bird's eye view over the docks, harbour and the city! If your idea of holiday heaven includes shopping, then Gunwharf Quays is the place to go. With over 95 premium shopping outlets to browse you will be spoilt for choice. When you are ready for a break, stop off at one of the many waterside bars or restaurants. Perhaps spending a day in Southsea perusing the many antique, independent and bric-a-brac shops is more to your liking, where can look out for a memento to take back home. Back on the seafront in Portsmouth you will find the D Day museum, the only UK museum dedicated to the Normandy landings, bringing the invasion to life not only with real life tanks and gunboats, but photos, letters and even clothing from the time. Its centrepiece is the magnificent Overlord Embroidery. Over 272-feet long, it is a tribute to the sacrifice and heroism of all the men and women who took part in Operation Overlord and the beginning of the end of WWII. Like any thriving city Portsmouth is diverse and buzzing, packed with wonderful restaurants serving delicious fish dishes, lively pubs and plenty of shops as well as interesting museums, theatres and playhouses, so there is never a reason to be restless or bored. Why not combine your holiday in Portsmouth with a more traditional seaside break and take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, with sandy beaches and long country walks. The Isle of Wight has long been a holiday destination for couples and families. Here is where you can visit Osborne House, built as a holiday retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their young family. From the city of Portsmouth you can travel far and wide, by ferry or road, exploring and experiencing Hampshire at its finest.