Portsmouth - England's Historical Port
Ruth Gilmour
Last updated: September 11, 2026
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is one of the most famous ports in the world, boasting a history dating back to the Roman Empire. This remarkable town is a must-see, and as it’s just a short train journey from London, it’s the perfect location for a weekend day trip. Home to a variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, beaches, breweries, live music and museums, you’ll always be able to find something to do!
If you’re interested in the rich history of the port, you can’t go past the tours of
The Mary Rose and the
HMS Victory.
The Mary Rose, one of Henry VIII’s favourite ships and one of the first ships to be able to fire broadside, has been resurrected and is able to be toured. There are also thousands of artifacts on display that were rescued from the wreck. The
HMS Victory was the famous Lord Nelson’s ship – you can even see the spot (marked by a placard) where he fell after being hit by a bullet at the Battle of Trafalgar. The
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a comprehensive museum chronicling Britain’s naval history – it’s worth a look!
The
Portsmouth Brewery and The Smuttynose Brewing Company both offer original beers on tap and great food. They’re a perfect stop to break up your day and grab a bite to eat.
If you’re feeling up for a bit of walking, you can take a Guided Walking Tour of
Portsmouth, or take yourself down to Southsea Beach for a stroll and an ice-cream.
Have you been to Portsmouth? What are you favourite things to do?