More to explore in '24!

Book yourself an escape to the coast and explore Portsmouth's world-class waterfront experiences.

Did you know Portsmouth is an island city? In fact, it's the UK's only one. That said, getting here is a breeze with direct trains running straight into the heart of the city from London, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Winchester, Southampton and beyond.

With South Western Railway you can reach Portsmouth from London in just an hour and a half - and what's more, when you get here you can enjoy discounted entry to a host of top attractions via the SWR Rewards platform. There are savings to be had on many of the top places to visit, including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, The D-Day Story and plenty more besides.

Explore world-renowned history

Countless other museums show you their items at a distance and often behind glass. At Portsmouth Historic Dockyard you actually climb aboard.

Immerse yourself in centuries of naval heritage inside some of the world's most famous warships. HMS Victory - still technically in service and therefore the world's oldest naval vessel in commission - is on display in a specially designed dry dock. As well as going onto the ship (and standing in the exact spot where Admiral Lord Nelson was fatally shot), you can see the fascinating work that goes into keeping her shipshape. Victory Live is putting the ship's enormous restoration project front and centre, so visitors can see the advanced science, hard-won expertise and good old fashioned hard graft that is going into ensuring Victory can tell her story for generations to come.

Or how about visiting HMS Warrior, the world's first iron hulled warship that was so fast, so well-armed and so fearsome that it was said to have made all other warships obsolete on the day it launched.

Of course, let's not forget the Mary Rose - flagship of Henry VIII's fleet that sunk during the Battle of the Solent and was raised some 436 years later. Today you can see the remains of the ship alongside an awe-inspiring cache of Tudor artefacts that tell the fascinating life stories of those aboard. If you visited on a school trip, the museum of today couldn't be more different. Gone are the tiny windows and water jets - replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows and even an air lock you can pass through to be in the same room as the ship, breathing in the same air.

One ticket gets you into all these attractions (and more, including a Harbour Tour), and even lets you come back as much as you like for a whole year.

Find out more on the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website.

Enjoy towering views of city, coast and country

The Spinnaker Tower offers unrivalled views of Portsmouth, across the Solent, out to the Isle of Wight and back towards the sprawling South Downs National Park. Head up the high speed lift to the tower's three view decks to enjoy panoramic vistas that stretch out for miles (23, to be precise!).

Though the views are truly stunning that's far from all the tower has to offer. If you're brave you can take a walk across the glass floor to peer down towards the harbour below. Or really test yourself and book onto an abseil - it may be daunting but you'll get the best views around.

If something a little more genteel would appeal, how about taking a very high tea? Head to The Clouds, a cafe 105 metres above sea level on View Deck 2, for a lunch that will live long in the memory. Or as night falls, drink in the view at the Sky Bar, where expert mixologists will be on hand to serve up the best freshly made cocktails whilst you watch the cityscape change from day to night.

Visit during the school holidays for a host of family-friendly activities, with TV stars making appearances and fun trails for youngsters to engage with the view.

See the Spinnaker Tower website for all the details and to see everything planned for the weeks ahead.

Visit The D-Day Story in this momentous year

2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation that was said to have brought about the beginning of the end of World War 2 saw thousands of soldiers cross into occupied France - many of them setting off from Portsmouth.

Many millions of people around the world tuned in to watch footage of Portsmouth marking the occasion in June, as a commemoration event took place on Southsea Common and was broadcast live on the BBC. Dignitaries were in attendance to watch performances, displays and incredibly emotional diary readings from those who took part in the operation.

Now, there's no better time to visit Portsmouth and The D-Day Story, which is the UK's only museum dedicated solely to Operation Overlord. As its name suggests, the museum tells the story of D-Day, putting visitors in the shoes of those who crossed to Normandy. It follows what the veterans have long said - how they want their stories to continue being told for generations to come.

With exhibits ranging from the enormous LCT 7074, to the humble 'pencil that started the invasion', there's loads to see and to experience.

See The D-Day Story website for full details.

Enjoy the most beautifully located festival in the UK

Victorious Festival takes over Southsea Common for a huge celebration every August Bank Holiday weekend. It's described as 'the most beautifully located festival in the UK' and it's easy to see why. After all, where else can you see some of the biggest names in music and comedy, with coastal vistas as ferries float by?

The 2024 event saw sets from world famous acts, among them Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Jamie T, Biffy Clyro, Becky Hill, Pixies, Wet Leg, Sugababes, Idles, Jess Glynne, Razorlight and Tom Walker. Comedy fans were also treated to a stacked line up of top acts, including Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle and Al Murray.

If all that wasn't enough, the dedicated Kids Arena offered live performances, interactive activities, fairground rides and plenty more besides.

Don't just take our word for it, though. Victorious Festival 2024 has received not one, not even two, but three nominations at the UK Festival Awards. It's up for Best Large Festival, Best Metropolitan Festival, and Best Festival For Families. This is in addition to previous award wins that saw the event named Large Festival of the Year by the National Outdoor Events Association, take a Gold award f]or Accessibility by Attitude is Everything, and win Outstanding Contribution in The News Business Excellence Awards.

Don't miss out on Victorious Festival 2025 - tickets are on sale now on the Victorious Festival website and you can get an early bird discount if you book today.

Plan your trip to the Great Waterfront City

If all this has got you hankering for a trip to the coast then you're in the right place. Plan your itinerary with all the attractions and events on offer - but be warned, there's probably more to do than you may think, so head to our accommodation listings to see what options are available so that you can stay longer and discover more.