Portsmouth Overview
Portsmouth is a port city with a very rich maritime history, you will witness the importance of this naval city when you arrive as you are surrounded by famous ships and the historic dockyard. One of the famous ships you will see in the dockyard is the HMS Victory, 104-gun Royal Navy ship was best known for its role as Lord Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The HMS Victory is the only ship to have fought in American War of independence, the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars which makes it one of the most famous ships ever to be built. The ship is now a museum which you can visit and learn all about the famous battles the ship fought in and what life was really like on board a ship during these times. Once you have finished visiting the HMS Victory and are still interested in learning more about the naval history of the city your life in then head to the Mary Rose museum where you will find a plethora of information about the Mary Rose Ship and the battles it had fought in. With interactive displays you will be able to handle actual pieces of the ship and see what possessions crew use to take on board before going to war. One of the best ways to really see the city you will be living in is from above, the Spinnaker tower is a whopping 170 meters high which grants views across the whole of Portsmouth and out to sea.
Things to do in Portsmouth
Gunwharf quays is a great place to go shopping with a wide range of designer outlets which you will be able to find something you like at a great price. A lot of the shops offer student discounts so make sure you bring your student card before you visit. As well as Gunwharf Quays there are several other shopping districts such as; Commercial Road and Cascades Shopping centre where you will find access to all the high street favourites, as well as well-known cafes, bars and restaurants. For a slightly different shopping experience head to Southsea where you will find antique shops, one of a kind boutiques and vintage clothing stores.
A great place to visit whilst living in Portsmouth is the Kings Theatre, built in 1907 and has a capacity of over 1600 it is one of the biggest venues in Portsmouth which makes it a great place to watch a production. At the theatre they show productions all week long, as well as exhibitions that are put on by artists that like to show off their work. A short walk from the city centre is the birthplace of famous novelist Charles Dickens, the small terraced house has now been turned into a museum which has several pieces of memorabilia from Charles’ life and you will also be able to see the room he was born in. Students get special discounts which makes it a great place to visit for a small amount of money.
Sport in Portsmouth
Portsmouth has 5 sports centres and each of them offering a wide selection of facilities so that you and your friends can stay fit and healthy during your time at university. Portsmouth FC are a football team that plays at Fratton Park stadium, on matchday you will be walking amongst 21,000 fans which generates a fantastic atmosphere. Portsmouth Watersports centre is the first place to visit for anyone who prefers to do sports in the water, at the centre you are able to do; sailing, rowing, kayaking, paddle boarding and much more.
Escape Portsmouth
The south coast on either side of Portsmouth has a great deal of places to go. To the east you have Brighton which is a fantastic seaside town with beautiful beaches and a fantastic pier. You will struggle to not find something to do whilst visiting Brighton. To the West of the city you have Bournemouth, similarly to Brighton it is also a seaside town with a brilliant selection of activities and some lovely beaches. Just outside of Portsmouth is the New Forrest National Park which is a wonderful place with great path ways for walks or cycling.
Transport in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is very well connected with the national motorway network which makes it very easy when travelling to different parts of the UK. Coaches run very frequently from the city centre to all parts of the UK and there are direct trains to London. Trains also run along the south coast to all the different seaside towns. The isle of Wight is a short 15 minute ferry away and you can also get ferry’s to Spain and France from the port.
