Portsmouth ports of call

Postcard of Hayling Island
Postcard of Hayling Island

Spices, Subs and Lemon Sole. Here are our recommended places to visit in historic Portsmouth

Postcard of Hayling Island
Postcard of Hayling Island
  • Hayling Island, if you are into windsurfing, visit neighbouring Hayling Island where the sport was supposedly invented, in 1958, by a 12-year-old schoolboy. www.hayling.co.uk.
  • King’s Theatre, there’s a good programme of shows at this pretty little theatre in Southsea. Tel: (023) 9282 8282; www.kings-southsea.com.
  • Live at the Bandstand, variety of free live music at the Bandstand by Southsea Castle, take a blanket and a picnic. Tel: (023) 9282 6722; www.visitportsmouth.co.uk.
  • Lemon Sole, a Pick-Your-Own Seafood and Fish Restaurant, recommended in the 2009 Michelin Guide. Tel: (023) 9281 1303; www.lemonsole.co.uk.
  • Millennium Promenade, pick up details of the Millennium Promenade, a three kilometre walk following a chain motif set into the pavement, from the TIC.
  • Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport, catch the ferry across to Gosport to see historic submarines and follow an ex-submariner on a tour through HMS Alliance. Tel: (023) 9251 0354; www.rnsubmus.co.uk.
  • Spitbank Fort, this circular fort was built in 1878 to protect against French invaders. Catch the ferry in summer to explore or go for Sunday lunch. Tel: (01329) 242077; www.spitbankfort.co.uk.
  • The Solent Hotel and Spa (4-star), fantastic hotel with stylish rooms and suites, alfresco dining in the Terrace restaurant and a great range of spa treatments. Tel: (01489) 880000; www.solenthotel.com.
  • The Spice Island Inn and the Still and West overlook the harbour and are popular for pub grub.
  • The Tenth Hole, Southsea pitch and putt course. Reward yourself with the best full English breakfast in their tearoom after a round. Tel: (023) 9283 0009; www.thetenthhole.co.uk.

To help plan your trip to Portsmouth,  read our Portsmouth Insider’s Guide