Short breaks

With world-class attractions, a packed programme of year-round events and great activities to try out, you'd be hard pushed to fit everything you want to do in Portsmouth into just one short break. However, if that’s all the time you’ve got, then fear not. If you're visiting for just one weekend, we've created a guide so you can squeeze the most out of your short break. Here is what you can do in 48 hours in Portsmouth.

Day one

1pm - Spinnaker Tower

There are few better ways to kick off your visit to Portsmouth than a trip to the view decks of the Spinnaker Tower. From the vantage point 100 metres above sea level you can look out across the city you're geared up to explore. Plus, if the journey made you peckish, there's also food to enjoy at The Clouds café.

3pm - Gunwharf Quays

With the Spinnaker Tower located within the Gunwharf Quays complex, it'd be remiss not to do a little shopping whilst you're there, right?! In addition to the 90 big brand outlets offering discount deals you'll find coffee shops, bars and restaurants - to keep your energy levels up or reward you for bagging some bargains.

5pm - Old Portsmouth

Follow the Millennium Promenade from Gunwharf Quays towards Old Portsmouth. This historic quarter is today awash with great pubs offering local produce and quality ales. Afterwards, a trip through the lamplit, cobbled streets ends day one in style.

Day two

10am - Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Our advice is to start today with a good breakfast - you'll need it! Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has loads to explore, from Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, to the iron-hulled HMS Warrior 1860 - once the world's most fearsome ship, but one that never fired a shot in anger. There's also the Mary Rose museum, where you can see the ship's remains as well as the huge collection of Tudor artefacts rescued from the sea bed. One ticket gets you entry to all this and more, so you'll need to allow plenty of time to enjoy it all.

3pm - Southsea Seafront

It wouldn't be a trip to Portsmouth without seeing the sea. Head along to Southsea Seafront where you can enjoy fresh air and wonderful views all year round. You can enjoy views of the ever-changing seascape, as well as the wonders of Southsea Castle and the ever-popular Common.

5pm - Evening entertainment

Finish your day by taking the weight off and enjoying Portsmouth's evening entertainment. There's cuisine from around the world to enjoy at the city's restaurants, from Chinese to Caribbean, Indian to Italian - you certainly won't go hungry.

Afterwards, why not enjoy a show at the Kings Theatre or New Theatre Royal, or see what's on at the Guildhall? There's also a diverse programme at the Wedgewood Rooms and Groundlings Theatre, as well as live music at many city pubs.

Day 3

10am - The D-Day Story

Squeeze a bit more history into your visit with a trip to The D-Day Story. Immersive visuals and arresting personal accounts let you see D-Day through the eyes of those who took part. You can also step aboard a Landing Craft Tank, to take in the scope of these huge vessels that made the journey.

12pm - Southsea Castle

End your trip by following in the footsteps of Henry VIII at Southsea Castle. It was here the notorious king watched his beloved Mary Rose sink. Stand on the ramparts to enjoy your final views of Portsmouth before setting off home to plot your next visit.

For more ideas on how to fill your short break in Portsmouth, see our Itinerary Ideas page. Here, you'll find a host of varied itineraries, organised by interest, budget and plenty more besides.