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A mini guide to
Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
One ticket for the ships
The Historic Dockyard sells one ticket that includes HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior. Its annual ticket lets you return as often as you like for a year.
Walk between the sights
Visit Portsmouth puts Gunwharf Quays about 250 metres from the Dockyard, the cathedral about 500 metres further, and the Hotwalls Studios about 300 metres beyond that.
Spinnaker Tower tickets
The tower says there is no need to book: buy tickets on arrival. Its Sky Bar, Clouds Café and afternoon tea were closed when we checked.
Cross to Gosport
The Gosport Ferry runs every 15 minutes and takes 4 minutes, according to the operator. The submarine museum is on Jetty Road on the Gosport side.
If you drive
The Dockyard's own car park has 295 spaces, 400 yards from Victory Gate, with a 2.1 m height limit. The Park & Ride off junction 1 of the M275 runs to The Hard every 15 minutes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth?
Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth is in Portsmouth and Southampton, England. The Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays and the old harbour-mouth streets. Nearby stops and stations include Portsmouth Harbour station, The Hard Interchange, Gosport Ferry.
How long do I need in Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth?
A full day, more with Gosport. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Portsmouth Harbour station (South Western Railway trains from London Waterloo); The Hard Interchange (Local buses and most national coaches); Gosport Ferry (Foot ferry to Gosport every 15 minutes); Wightlink (Car ferry to Fishbourne and passenger catamaran to Ryde). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 25 places to eat and drink in and around Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 4 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Portsmouth War Memorial
First World War memorial in Guildhall Square, in the city centre.
Victoria Park
Public park just north of the Guildhall, beside Portsmouth and Southsea station, with several naval memorials.
St John's Catholic Cathedral
Roman Catholic cathedral of Portsmouth, dedicated to St John the Evangelist, near Victoria Park.
Portsmouth and Southampton
More areas to explore
Southsea
Portsmouth's seafront: the D-Day Story, Southsea Castle, the piers and the restaurants of Albert Road
Open the mini guide →
Southampton Old Town & City Centre
Medieval walls and merchants' houses, the Titanic story at SeaCity and the ferries at Town Quay
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Spinnaker Tower: Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Portsmouth War Memorial: The wub, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Victoria Park: Editor5807, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St John's Catholic Cathedral: JohnArmagh, Public domain, source
- Southsea: Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Southampton Old Town & City Centre: Michael Coppins, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Portsmouth and Southampton