Say 'Yes!' to the South of England

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Say 'Yes!' to the South of England and explore the region's history, heritage and wonderful cultural attractions.

England's South Coast is easily accessible for domestic and international travel. There are direct train and motorway links from London, as well as ports with regular crossings to France, Spain, the Channel Islands and beyond. There are also regional airports such as Southampton and Bournemouth, as well as good transport links to Gatwick and Heathrow.

Once you get here there's a lot to enjoy, from world-class museums to awe-inspiring experiences, and excellent food and drink.

Portsmouth is at the heart of England's South Coast. In fact, the 'Great Waterfront City' is served by more destinations in France than any other city. Regular sailings come into Portsmouth International Port from Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg and St Malo - and don't forget the ever-growing number of cruise calls.

All this makes Portsmouth - as well as England's wider South Coast - the ideal place for your next break.

   

What to see and do in Portsmouth

Once you arrive into the UK's only island city there's much to explore, and all within a relatively small space. Within just a few square miles you have the iconic Spinnaker Tower, world-renowned Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (home to HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior, among others), fantastic outlet shopping at Gunwharf Quays, and much more besides.

Want to explore centuries of naval history? Take a trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can actually go on board some of the most famous ships to ever set sail. On HMS Victory and HMS Warrior you get to explore the decks, discover the lives of those who served on board, and see the huge amount of work that goes into their conservation. Meanwhile, the Mary Rose museum houses the hull of Henry VIII's flagship, which was raised from the seabed 437 years after it sank. As well as the ship you get to see an enormous treasure trove of Tudor artefacts that were also brought to the surface in the largest marine salvage operation of its kind.

After all that how about a spot of retail therapy? In Gunwharf Quays you can explore over 90 designer outlets, each offering 60% off RRP. As well as the shops there are 30 cafes, bars and restaurants, so you can enjoy a coffee and sweet treat, an evening meal looking out over the harbour, or even dance away the evening with a cocktail or two.

Also within Gunwharf Quays is the iconic Spinnaker Tower. Buy a ticket to head up the high-speed lift to its three view decks, offering magnificent views out across city, coast and country. See Portsmouth from above, look out over the Solent to the Isle of Wight, and even take in the South Downs National Park in the distance. If you're brave there's even a glass floor!

   

Fantastic food and drink

Get ready for some excellent food and drink, with cuisines from all over the globe available here in Portsmouth. In fact, you can go on a world tour without even leaving the city, with options including Italian, Indian, Japanese, French, Spanish, Lebanese, Chinese, American and British - among many others.

You can also try out something a little different to what you'll find everywhere else. Enjoy some quality food inside a historic fort at The Courtyard, which is located within Henry VIII's Southsea Castle. There's also the Portsmouth Distillery Co. at Fort Cumberland, offering quality rum and gin distilled right there at the heritage fortification. Or sample some of the best seafood, freshly landed at Old Portsmouth.

Many restaurants in Portsmouth are located a short distance from the sea (or often right next to it), so you'll not only get to enjoy a great meal, but also get some great selfies that are sure to make everyone back home jealous!

See our food and drink listings for full details and to start planning your trip.

   

Awesome accommodation

Whatever you want from your accommodation, Portsmouth will have something to suit. There are hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and apartments suited to all tastes and budgets. If you want to enjoy a spot of luxury then why not book into one of the four-star hotels within the city, offering all the facilities you'd need for a coastal getaway? Alternatively if you're a little more budget conscious, all the big brands offering wallet-friendly stays are here, alongside a great many independent places with favourable rates.

Stick to what you know with the likes of Holiday Inn, Marriott, Village Hotels and Ibis, or try something a little different and book into the Royal Maritime Hotel or one of the Mercer Collection properties.

Of course, there's too many options to list here - you can find it all on our Where to Stay pages.