Put The Wind In Your Sails

Put the wind in your sails with a trip to Portsmouth.

With fresh sea air, plenty of open spaces and loads of great things to do, Portsmouth is the ideal place for you to put the wind back in your sails. Get planning your getaway now, with a trip to the UK's only island city.

The great outdoors

Portsmouth offers a city break like no other. With miles of coastline to explore, and plenty of things to do in the fresh air, it's a great place to get away from it all.

Southsea Seafront is high on the agenda for many visitors. You can take a walk in the fresh sea air, enjoy an ice cream looking out to the horizon, or dip your toes in the Solent. Just alongside the seafront you'll find Southsea Common, offering acres of open space that's an ideal location for family picnics, ball games or barbecues in the sun.

As evening falls, head to the beer garden of a city pub - where you can enjoy al fresco food and drink to round off your day in style.

Great things to do

Portsmouth is a richly historic city. Royalty have married here, great authors were born here, and we've amassed some 800 years of naval history. All this and more can be explored at the city's attractions.

Stand on the exact spot where Admiral Nelson would have on the deck of HMS Victory, put yourself in Henry VIII's shoes on the Southsea Castle ramparts, or see the home where Charles Dickens was born in 1812.

These historic locations have become world-renowned attractions in their own right - bringing visitors to Portsmouth from across the world.

If you want some retail therapy, visit Gunwharf Quays - the waterfront outlet centre. Right on the water's edge you'll find over 90 stores offering 60% off RRP - among them the likes of Armani, Kate Spade, Joules and more. There are deals to be had across fashion, homeware, cookware, beauty and gifting. If that wasn't enough, the complex is also home to the iconic Spinnaker Tower - as well as a cinema, bowling alley, contemporary art gallery and over 30 bars and restaurants.

A packed programme of events

Portsmouth's event calendar is packed with live music, family-friendly events and huge fixtures on the UK's sporting calendar.

Victorious Festival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend; the three-day event seeing some of the biggest names in music head to Southsea Common. There's also a family area with entertainment, fairground rides, live music stages and fun for all ages, as well as a growing comedy offer.

In October the Great South Run fills the Southsea streets. The world's premier 10-mile running event is flat and fast - making it ideal for setting new PBs. It's also one of the most scenic city routes, with runners heading past the seafront, through Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and around Southsea Common.

See our Events pages for full details of everything coming up, and be sure to check out the Accommodation section so you can stay longer and discover more.