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Portsmouth Tourist Information
Portsmouth, the Waterfront City, is the only UK city island. Separated from the mainland by a narrow creek, it has only three approach roads with which to enter the city. The Main M275 links from the M27 to the center of the city, the A2030 "Eastern Road in Southsea, and A3, the main arterial road through town.
Portsmouth early life began with a Roman fort in the Saxon era, which still remains today as Portchester Castle. As now life here revolves around the sea, little did they know the little fishing village Saxons would develop into a major garrison town which would become the main naval base of one of the largest empires in history. Over the centuries, Portsmouth is also home to some of the best in England. It was the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and sometimes at the home of Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle and Peter Sellers.
To the west of the island is Portsmouth Harbour and Historic Dockyard, while the east is the nature reserve of Langstone Harbour and Farlington marshes. To the north, Portsdown Hill occupies the view while Southsea lies to the south, across the water, Isle of Wight. In Southsea, you'll find attractions like the Royal Marines museum, Southsea Castle and the D-Day Museum with its beautiful centerpiece, the Overlord Embroidery.
Portsmouth history is rich and varied, its port has witnessed some of the most important shipping from England and the wartime past, etched forever the history and spectacle that is today's tourist trail. From its origins in Tudor England, Portsmouth has been one of the centers where the Royal Navy controlled the sea. Bombed and flat in WWII, Portsmouth has hosted the Royal Navy for over 500 years. Although fortifications have stood here since Roman times, when the Portsmouth went gold in history in June 6, 1944 with the launch of Operation Overlord.
Portsmouth is known for its Naval History probably the most famous of all is Nelsons Flag ships "HMS Victory". This is located in the Historic Dockyard, one of ten heritage attractions in the UK along with HMS Warrior the first "Iron Clad" ill-fated warship and Henry VIII's "Mary Rose". In Gosport, a short ferry ride, is the museum with submarine HMS Alliance. All four of these vessels can be visited.
The most modern naval vessels can be seen by Boat and one of the boat trips that start in various locations throughout the city.
For those who decide to stay inside the city walls and would like to do something under there is a wealth of other historic sites, including the City Museum, Royal Marines Museum, Southsea Castle, Natural History Museum, Charles Dickens House Museum D-Day and the Overlord Tapestry.
We Blue Reef Aquarium also.
Attractions that are outside include Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth tallest building with panoramic views, the village model, South Parade Pier, Clarence Parade with its amusement park, 9 hole pitch and put on the beach front, Millennium Walk, Southmoor Wildlife Reserve on Farlington Marsh, Historic Dockyard with HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and The Mary Rose.
There are numerous parks within the city of Victoria Park, Canoe Lake, Southsea Common, Milton Park, Bransbury and Park, with Staunton Country Park and Queen Elizabeth Country Park a short distance.
The Renaissance Trail is a self-guided historic tour, which will take you from Spur Redoubt in Old Portsmouth to the gateway of the Historic Dockyard.
The Millennium Promenades stretch over 6km on both sides of Portsmouth Port and a tour that will take you to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions of Portsmouth. The trail is marked by a definite reason for the chain plate deck information and to mark historic spots. Audio-guides are available from the Tourist Information Center Portsmouth.
The escape of Nelson will take you through the old parts of Portsmouth relating to Vice Admiral Lord Nelson and Portsmouth at the time of the Battle of Trafalgar.
Of course as would expect from a seaside town, there are also numerous beaches ranging along the length of the city.
Shopping in Portsmouth is located in three main areas, Cascades Shopping Centre, Southsea Shopping and Outlet shopping Gunwharfs.
Outside the city, just a short distance, the M27 to the west is a another out of the park – Whitely village.
The main area for a night out is Gunwharf Quays where you can find the Spinnaker tower, over 20 bars and restaurants, Cinema, Bowling Complex, Casino, along with a large underground car park. There are lots of other places to go including Port Solent Marina out of town.
Just outside the city only a short distance, there is still much to do.
Portchester Castle lying to the west of Portsmouth is a well preserved castle providing a mirror in about 2000 years of Britain's history.
To the north along the A3 there is Staunton Country Park, with 1,000 acres of parkland, with ornamental lake, the largest greenhouse in the south, its golden jubilee maze. For children there is a farm area and play.
A little further along the A3 is Queen Elizabeth Country Park, the largest country in Hampshire's Park. He has over 20 miles of trails for walkers cyclists and horse riders and the highest point on the South Downs. It has also 1,400 hectares of forest and open access plateaus and Butser Hill National Nature Reserve
Only a short distance from water is the Isle of Weight, there are several means of traveling through water. As a foot passenger you could use the Hovercraft, or if you prefer to take your car to explore a little more there regular ferries out throughout the day.
About the Author
Matt Land
