Historic Old Portsmouth

Sylvia Saunders

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This walk is a must for all visitors to Portsmouth, to give you an insight into the many enthralling gems of the city with its host of interesting historic sites. To follow the walk without stopping for long takes 2.5 hours and it's a very good idea to do just that and decide which of the venues you wish to see, at length, later. To be honest, there is so much to see you need a week to do it all properly! It starts at the very modern Gunwharf Quays, a shopping outlet with waterside restaurants, cafes and pubs aplenty. Here you have the Spinnaker Tower, built this century, a popular visitor attraction that can be seen for miles around and if you choose a clear day then you too will see for many miles! You can also take a boat trip around the harbour from here. But Gunwharf itself was built upon an historic site, the old HMS Vernon. Pass through the colourful and renovated Camber Docks where you can buy delicious fresh fish, then take a circuit around Spice Island.

Recently reinvented as the 'Point' but previously known as Spice Island because of its role in the import of Caribbean spice and maybe also because of the aroma of the many seamen frequenting the many pubs and houses of ill-repute, this small peninsula contains only a handful of streets, is the heart of Old Portsmouth and remains one of the oldest parts of Portsea Island. Leave here for a walk along the ancient sea fortifications with viewpoints across the busy Portsmouth Harbour. There are plenty of seats for a rest too! Go to the top of the Round Tower and see the ships pass so closely by! Walk the Millennium Promenade through the remains of the Spur Redoubt. Pass Southsea Castle from where Henry VIII saw the Mary Rose sink and then visit the Royal Garrison Church. Take a stroll along the historic High Street and maybe stop for lunch or afternoon tea here. Afterwards you can enjoy a visit to the Historic Dockyard. Here you can see the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and the Victory.

England - South England - Hampshire - Coast

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Cafe, Castle, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Museum, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets

11/8/2011 - Cathy Preece

Another excellent walk from Sylvia. I can recommend The Sallyport Tea Rooms. Had an excellent Eggs Benedict and pot of tea (leaves). We didn't bother with the touristy things at the end, but loved walking around the old town and port, right up to the memorial to Brunel. Charming and interesting. Thanks Sylvia!