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Portsmouth
By admin | July 22, 2008
Portsmouth (pronounced “ports-muth”, and nick-named “Pompey”) is a city that is well worth a visit for those interested in British Naval history or British history in general. It is on the south coast of England, close to Southampton and The Isle of Wight. Population 188,500.
The majority of the city of Portsmouth lies on Portsea island (though it is separated from the mainland only by a roughly 30-metre-wide stretch of sea water so is perhaps more accurately thought of as a peninsula) on the southern coast of England.
Historically, Portsmouth has always been an important naval port and builds on its rich heritage with memorials, museums, trails and the fascinating Historic Dockyard. Portsmouth has four miles of seafront (including pebbled beaches) and the distinctive Spinnaker Tower.
Portsmouth is also a university city, and so has a large student population.
Portsmouth has an approximate population of 190,200 people and is the most densely populated city in the UK, outside of certain parts of London.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Located in the naval base, the Historic Dockyard has a number of historic ships including the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. In the Historic Dockyard there is also Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations - an interactive look at the navy of today. There is a great old pub outside of Dockyard called the Ship Anson, worth a try. Portsmouth Visitor Information Centre can be found adjacent to the visitor entrance of the Dockyard.
The Spinnaker Tower
This striking and highly-visible £21 million landmark tower rises some 170 m above the redeveloping harbour of Portsmouth, symbolising the wind filling a spinnaker sail… Visitors can use the tower to view from 3 levels: at 100m, 105m and 115m. A high speed internal lift takes you to the top.
Southsea Castle
Built in 1544, the Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England’s coasts to protect the country from invaders.
Royal Marines Museum
Discover the exciting story of the Royal Marines brought to life with dramatic and interactive displays. The Museum is in what was one of the most stately Officers’ Messes in England, built in the 1860s with beautiful ceilings, huge paintings and a grand staircase.
Portsmouth’s Cathedrals
Portsmouth is home to two cathedrals, St Thomas’ in Old Portsmouth (Anglican) and St John’s in the City Centre (Catholic).
D-Day Museum
A fitting tribute to the sacrifice of the men & women who took part in the D-Day landings.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Take an undersea safari at the aquarium on the seafront.
Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum
The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in Portsmouth, England in 1812.
City Museum & Records Office
Home of the new Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes exhibition “A Study in Sherlock”.
Spitbank Fort
Located in the middle of the Solent is this man-made fort, built to defend Portsmouth in the 1800’s.
Royal Garrison Church
A roofless English Heritage property.
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