Discover another side of Portsmouth

Maybe it's because Portsmouth is an island (the UK's only island city, in fact), but there has always been an independent and creative streak here. Portsmouth has been home to writers who changed the face of literature, scientists who forged entirely new paths, and engineers who had a major impact on Britain and the world.

Today, Portsmouth is also home to a great many artists, businesses and entrepreneurs keeping the independent spirit alive. Through these individuals we have a thriving creative and indie scene much loved by locals and tourists alike - offering another side to the city for you to enjoy outside of the classic must-visit attractions.

To celebrate these aspects of our city, we've joined Visit Britain's global campaign to show a different side of all the great, yet sometimes overlooked, things to see and do. So here's where to head if you want to discover another side of Portsmouth.

  

Indie foodie

If your first consideration when visiting a new city is where to eat, then look no further. In Portsmouth you'll find a huge selection of bars, cafes and restaurants serving food from all over the world.

Outside In is a great place to start - with the former tea warehouse now home to street food pop-ups selling freshly cooked eats to order. An ever-changing line-up means there's always something new to discover, and the live DJs and occasional events bring the atmosphere too.

If you're after something sweeter, head to Hideout Coffee for one of its famous doughnuts. The selection is as wild as it is varied - and the coffee isn't half bad either. Alternatively, enjoy tea and some famously delicious cake at The Tenth Hole, a mainstay of visitors who try it out once and make a point of returning every visit thereafter.

You'll find award-winning food at the King Street Tavern, with its authentic BBQ grill menu securing not one, not two, but three Good Food Awards on the bounce. One award is an honour, but to secure three (and the gold seal that goes with it) is a true rarity.

There's also much to enjoy at Pie & Vinyl. Sample some traditional pie and mash (or, indeed, some very untraditional specials), then head over to the racks and browse some of the latest records to add to your collection.

  

Sours, saisons, stouts and spirits (and more)

If all that food has worked up a thirst then don't worry, you have as much choice for where to drink as you did for food.

Southsea Brewing Co is perhaps the only microbrewery located within a 16^th century castle. But surely enough, head into the courtyard of Southsea Castle and you will see where SBC was created. If the brewery is open you can pop in to purchase cans to take away, or instead head to its very own pub, the Brewers Tap, on Eastney Road.

Over towards Fratton Park (the home of Portsmouth FC), you'll find Staggeringly Good, a brewery specialising in IPAs. If you want some of the most modern craft ales - with twists on the classics sitting on the menu alongside all-out originals - this is the place to go.

Similarly, the Urban Island Brewery throws open the doors to its taphouse every weekend, and serves up brews made right there - with plenty of different styles to choose from.

If gin or rum are more your thing, head across to the Portsmouth Distillery Co, located within an 18^th century bastion (as you'll see, we like putting new things into old buildings here!).

Once within the old Fort Cumberland you can take a tour to see how their famous gins and rums are made, then while away some sunny hours outside - with the sea not too far away - sampling some of the wares. Find something you like and you can even take a bottle or two home, as a present for loved ones or yourself.

  

Sports and activities

If a holiday's not a holiday without some thrills and spills thrown in, try your hand at some of Portsmouth's sporty spots.

Give wakeboarding a go at South Coast Wakepark, which features a 200-metre straight line cable system, making it perfect for those looking to try it out for the first time, or for seasoned pros wanting some practice. Once you've got the hang of the technique, there are various obstacles to ride for a truly white-knuckle experience.

The water sport fun continues at the Andrew Simpson Centre on Portsmouth's eastern edge. Sailing, windsurfing, foiling, powerboating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and plenty more are all on offer.

Head just off Portsea Island and you can visit the Peter Ashley Activity Centres - where the trend continues, as they too are situated within a historic building! Two former defensive forts atop Portsdown Hill now host a huge array of activities, including (but certainly not limited to): air rifle shooting, assault courses, archery, bouldering, bushcraft, circus skills, laser tag, mountain biking and orienteering.

Back on Portsea Island and you'll find skateboarding to enjoy both inside and out; outside at the iconic Southsea Skatepark, and inside at the new Undercover Skatepark Project inside an old Sainsbury's store.

  

Art and culture

Get your fill of culture by the coast by visiting some of the city's galleries. The Hotwalls Studios are home to a whole array of designer makers showcasing their wares across disciplines as varied as painting, weaving, jewellery making, ebru, ceramics and more. And guess what, this is also a historic building repurposed into something new! The arches that are now home to 14 designers once made up the city's historic defences against seaborne invasion.

A short walk from the Hotwalls Studios you'll find Aspex Portsmouth, a gallery specialising in contemporary art that's located within the Gunwharf Quays complex. Inside you can discover an ever-changing exhibition programme that welcomes exciting, brand new talents alongside some more widely known names (who often have Aspex to thank for playing a part in their rise within the art world).

Elsewhere there's Art Space Portsmouth in an old chapel near the city centre, and the Jack House Gallery in Old Portsmouth, which sells artwork and also offers its gallery space for functions.

  

Stay the night

As all the above should surely attest, there's more to do in Portsmouth than you can fit into a daytrip (and that's without even covering the biggest attractions!). So chances are you'll want somewhere to stay for a night or two, so that you can discover more.

Solent Forts are truly unique - being transformed from old, dilapidated sea defences into modern, luxurious hotels. For example, not many hotel check-ins involve you getting on a boat and riding out to sea! Once inside the forts you'll be treated to a host of activities and some delicious food, all with spectacular views out to sea. (At the time of writing Solent Forts have temporarily stopped taking bookings due to the logistical challenges of running such a venture during the pandemic. A re-opening date is to be confirmed shortly).

Elsewhere the Mercer Collection is a group of boutique hotels all nestled within a quaint corner of Southsea. Just a short hop from the beach you'll find the level of luxury you'd expect from a big-budget hotel chain, with all the personal touches of a boutique independent.

Alternatively, head over in the direction of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where you'll find the Royal Maritime Hotel & Club. Here, in the historic club that was once a sailor's home, you'll find 100 newly refurbished rooms, plus a swimming pool, jacuzzi, bar, restaurant, library, skittles alley and games room.

Please remember, there may still be some capacity limits at certain venues and travel restrictions in place for your visit. We always encourage visitors to check individual websites for the latest information and note that all details are subject to change.