English Tourism Week 2021 - We're Here for Tourism

English Tourism Week is back for 2021, and we at Visit Portsmouth are proud to join in – to say we are Here for Tourism.

English tourism is big business, generating over £100 billion to the UK economy* in 2019 and supporting 2.6 million jobs (with many being school leavers and young people). The tourism industry is also a great incubator for innovation and entrepreneurship.

More than that, tourism also helps people get out and explore some of the great locations right here in the UK. Whether it’s to get away and experience new places, or just take a mental or physical health break, it’s important for us to enjoy some time away from the daily routine. It also allows us to catch up with loved ones or visit places that are special to us.

In 2019 alone there were 47.35 million trips to visit friends and family, as well as 61.4 million holidays. These were supplemented by an additional 21.4 million business trips.

The importance of tourism has been thrown into starker focus than ever before following the coronavirus pandemic – with holidays at home being the only feasible option for many of us in recent months, a trend that looks likely to stick around for more months to come.

But there’s no need to jet off to far-flung countries to enjoy some of the world’s best attractions, events and experiences…

Adrenaline-fuelled experiences

If you want a white-knuckle thrill, why not abseil down the Spinnaker Tower? At 170 metres, the tower is taller than the London Eye and Big Ben – and has become emblematic of our city as a whole. If you’re feeling brave you can abseil down from View Deck 1, taking in views of Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and out across the Solent, with nothing but fresh air between you and the expanse beyond.

Even if that seems a bit treacherous for your tastes, you can still visit the tower and enjoy the view from the comfort and safety of its view decks – or even treat yourself to a very high tea, 100 metres up at the Café in the Clouds.

   

Rich history

If it’s history you’re after, then look no further. Some of the world’s most famous ships – which altered the course of world history – are right here in Portsmouth. That’s not all, as you can do much more than admire them from afar, but head on board and stand on the very same spots where royals, admirals and countless sailors have gone before.

HMS Victory is a highlight for many, with Nelson’s flagship being high on the agenda for visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. As well as seeing where the sailors ate, slept and worked, you can stand on the exact spot where Nelson was fatally wounded in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Or for something a little different, head to The Mary Rose museum, where you can see the remains of Henry VIII’s beloved flagship. Sunk during the Battle of the Solent, the ship lay on the sea bed for 437 years before finally being raised in the largest marine salvage operation ever. Following intensive restoration work, the ship is now more visible than ever before – visitors can even breathe the same air as the ship by heading through the top-deck air lock.

One ticket gets you access to all this and more (including family activities and a harbour tour), so you’ll need to allow plenty of time to see it all!

The history continues along the seafront. Within a literal stone’s throw of one another you have The D-Day Story and Southsea Castle. The former tells the story of the Normandy Landings from those who actually took part – putting visitors in the heart of the action so you can truly feel what it would have been like. Also at The D-Day Story is LCT 7074, the world’s only surviving Landing Craft Tank of its kind. Meticulously restored by the National Museum for the Royal Navy, the LCT now stands on Southsea Seafront – wowing visitors with its sheer size.

Meanwhile, Southsea Castle is where Henry VIII watched the Battle of the Solent unfold – and saw first-hand the sinking of the Mary Rose. Today the castle is a popular (and free) visitor attraction, where you can explore its history inside the keep, enjoy some refreshments in the courtyard or take in the view from the ramparts.

   

Something to savour

If all that has left you needing some refreshments, there’s cuisine from all over the world to tickle your tastebuds. Gunwharf Quays has many of the big names you’ll know and love, including Brasserie Blanc, Wagamama, Café Rouge and many more besides. There are also a selection of coffee houses, plus a traditional Fuller’s pub.

A short walk to Old Portsmouth and you’ll find a few more traditional pubs dating back generations, many with great views overlooking the sea. It’s an ideal spot to spend your evening with great food, locally brewed drinks and unrivalled views.

If you want to take some mementos home with you, pay the Portsmouth Distillery a visit, where you can pick up some gin or rum brewed right here on Portsea Island. Or, head back to Southsea Castle, where the Southsea Brewing Company has an array of quality local ales to try – and where else can you buy beer from a microbrewery situated within a castle?!

We are here for tourism all year round, but this week is a special time to shine a light on the important role the industry plays, and what you can enjoy on your next visit to the Great Waterfront City.

   

*All stats provided by Visit England.