$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Portsmouth

United Kingdom

Pace: balanced Historic Maritime Coastal Lively
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Jul-Aug
Portsmouth
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Portsmouth

Book direct on our own Portsmouth hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
English
Local currency
GBP (GBP)
Local time
(GMT+1)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Gunwharf Quays
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Optional 10-15% for good service.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Fish and Chips Seafood Platter Traditional English Breakfast Sunday Roast

When to visit Portsmouth

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: July, August Busiest: Jul-Aug
  1. Jan
    40

    Cold, often wet

  2. Feb
    45

    Chilly, some sun

  3. Mar
    55

    Cool, spring blooms

  4. Apr
    65

    Mild, pleasant showers

  5. May
    75

    Warm, good for walking

  6. Jun
    85

    Pleasant, longer days

  7. Jul
    90

    Warmest, peak season

  8. Aug
    90

    Warm, good for beach

  9. Sept
    80

    Mild, fewer crowds

  10. Oct
    65

    Cooler, autumn colours

  11. Nov
    50

    Chilly, increasing rain

  12. Dec
    40

    Cold, festive mood

Things to do in Portsmouth

6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

1 place

Old Portsmouth Walk

Old Portsmouth 2 hrs

Wander through historic streets, discover quaint pubs, and admire Georgian architecture.

Outdoors

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays 3 hrs

Enjoy designer outlet shopping, waterfront dining, and entertainment.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

4 places

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Harbour 4 hrs

Discover centuries of naval history, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose.

Indoors Good for children

Spinnaker Tower

Gunwharf Quays 1.5 hrs

Ascend for panoramic views across Portsmouth, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight.

Indoors Good for children

Southsea Beach & Common

Southsea 2 hrs

Relax on the shingle beach, walk along the promenade, or enjoy the open green space.

Outdoors Good for children

D-Day Story Museum

Southsea 2.5 hrs

Learn about the D-Day landings through immersive exhibits and personal accounts.

Indoors Good for children
Things to book

Tours and activities in Portsmouth

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Fish And Chips 95 · Outstanding
Seafood Platter 87 · Outstanding
Traditional English Breakfast 78 · Very good
Sunday Roast 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 95 · Outstanding
Spinnaker Tower 90 · Outstanding
Gunwharf Quays 85 · Outstanding
Southsea Beach & Common 80 · Very good
D-Day Story Museum 75 · Very good
Old Portsmouth Walk 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Friends 83 · Very good
History 76 · Very good
Culture 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Wear layers, as coastal weather can change quickly. 95 · Outstanding
Book popular attractions like the Historic Dockyard in advance. 83 · Very good
Utilize local buses or walk to explore the compact city. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Portsmouth

Straight-line distance from the centre of Portsmouth.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app