Portsmouth, England Tourist Attractions
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The industrial town of Portsmouth, situated on the "island" of Portsea, owes its importance to its magnificent natural harbor. For centuries, from the time of the Armada onwards, it was the principal base of the Royal Navy, while in more recent times Portsmouth has also become the most important naval port in Great Britain; thus in 1981 the town was the port of departure and the marine command headquarters for the British troops in the war against Argentina over the Falkland Islands.
Harbor
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High Street
Of Portsmouth's historic High Street only one building has survived - Buckingham House (No.10), in which the Duke of Buckingham was murdered in 1628. The foundation stone of St Thomas' Cathedral was laid in 1185. The chancel and transepts date from Norman times, while the choir is in the late style of Sir Christopher Wren. The south side-aisle of the choir is dedicated to the Royal Navy and this is borne out by the mementos of the "Mary Rose and Nelson's "Victory" to be found here. Of interest is the "Mother and Child" by Andrea della Robbia.
Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum
In Old Commercial Road, which can be reached by following Cambridge Road northwards, the visitor will find the Birthplace Museum of Charles Dickens, whose father worked for the navy. The house where Dickens was born was restored in 1970 and contains Regency furniture which belonged to the writer's family. Among the memorabilia are some manuscripts, early copies of his novels, and Dickens' deathbed, which was brought here from his home at Gads Hill in Kent.
City Museum & Art Gallery
Museum Road branches off from Portsmouth's High Street in an easterly direction. The Victorian City Museum and Art Gallery with its extensive collections of art and craftwork is situated here. The permanent exhibition entitled "The Story of Portsmouth", which opened in 1991, portrays daily life in the town from the 17th century through the means of models, regalia, photos and videos.
Blue Reef Aquarium (formerly Sea Life Centre)
The Blue Reef Aquarium, situated on Clarence Esplanade, initiates the visitor into the mysteries of the underwater world.
D-Day Museum
Close by Portsmouth's Sea Life Centre is the D-Day Museum, opened in 1984, which houses the Overlord Embroidery, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. This modern 27ft/80m long tapestry chronicles events in the Second World War from Dunkirk to the Allied landing in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944 (Operation Overlord).
Rowland's Castle - Stansted House
Stansted House is set in spectacular parkland with an arboretum, walled gardens and an ancient chapel. The Wren-style house dates back to the 17th century and contains the Bessborough collection of paintings and family furnishings including early 18th century paintings.
Southsea
The resort of Southsea is now a popular residential suburb of Portsmouth. It has a 3mi/5km long promenade, from which there is a fine view across to the Isle of Wight. Southsea was where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was practicing as a doctor when he wrote the first Sherlock Holmes novel "A Study in Scarlet".
Castle
Southsea Castle, which was built by Henry VIII in the middle of the 16th century, contains a number of exhibits connected with the history of the town and military history from Tudor times through to the Victorian era. From the castle walls there is a view across the Solent to the Victorian Spitbank Fort.
Pyramids Leisure Centre
Old and young alike can enjoy themselves at the futuristic bathing center known as "The Pyramids", with its fun pools, two large water slides and fitness zones.
Natural History Museum (formerly Natural Science Museum)
The Natural History Museum is housed in Cumberland House. Exhibitions include a section devoted to the flora and fauna of the sea and of marshland areas, as well as a butterfly house with over 100 different species.
Eastney Royal Marines Museum
In the elegant Victorian officers' mess of Eastney Barracks there is a museum offering extensive coverage of the history of the Royal Marines.
Eastney Industrial Museum
Among the best exhibits of the industrial museum located in Eastney are two mighty steam machines, dating from 1887, which were built by James Watt.
Fort Nelson - Royal Armories Museum of Artillery
The Royal Armories Museum highlights development of artillery, traced back from old cannons of the 15th century to modern artillery systems of the Gulf War. Demonstrations are held throughout the year by various societies.
Royal Garrison Church
This English Heritage property in Portsmouth was constructed around 1212 as a hostel for pilgrims and used as a store for weapons and ammunition before becoming a garrison church in the 1560s.
Fort Cumberland
Fort Cumberland is in Portsmouth's Eastney district. It was constructed in 1746 and occupied by the Royal Marines until 1973.
South Hayling, England
South Hayling is located on Hayling Island near Portsmouth. This popular holiday area is noted as a windsurfing and sailing centre.
King James' and Landport Gates
Gates built in the 17th C as part of Portsmouth's defenses.
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