Hotels in Portsmouth

With a proud naval heritage and world-class attractions, Portsmouth has plenty to sound its own seafaring horn about. At its Historic Dockland you can jump aboard HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's very own warship, and see the beautiful bulk of the Mary Rose. There's waterfront shopping, dining, and dancing to be has as well as glitzy galleries and a number of fascinating museums. Potter the Old Town's cobbled streets for a taste of the past and stroll down Millennium Promenade for views far out to sea.

Things to see

Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard is a must for anyone visiting the city. Step aboard Lord Nelson's HMS Victory and delve deep into its 8 decks, and glimpse the smooth black lines of the HMS Warrior, the UK's first iron-hulled warship as she bobs in the sea. Once you've marvelled at its historic ships, see, smell, and stroke Britain's naval past at the National Museum of the Royal Navy and then ride the high seas at the hi-tech Action Stations attraction. If you have a head of heights, a whole different view of the city can be had from a top the iconic Spinnaker Tower. It's designed to look like sails wafting in the wind, and a wander across its glass-bottomed Sky Walk will feel like you're walking on air, while the Sky Deck offers a literal breath of fresh air as you step outside to face the elements at 170-meters. The waterside Gunwharf Quays is a shopper's paradise with over 90 designer outlets found in the contemporary complex. Here you can dine with sea views, sip cocktails in the sun or if you're feeling lucky have a flutter at its casino.

Hotels in Portsmouth

There's a good variety of hotels in Portsmouth from lavish luxury chains to chic apartments to budget guesthouses. If you're looking to be pampered, you can expect deep soaking bath tubs, ocean views, and sensuous spa facilities as well as convenient amenities such as WiFi and iPod docks. Mid-range hotels are well geared towards business travelers as well as to families with many offering cots on request and free breakfasts. On the budget end of the scale, you'll find well-known chain hotels offering excellent rates as well as independent period guesthouses which offer a more personal home away from home experience.

Where to stay

If you want to be within walking distance of Portsmouth's major sites, a stay in the city center will provide the perfect base. It's here you'll find the strikingly modern Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays with is ocean-side shops, bars and brasseries and the Historic Dockyard which is home to the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. Hotels to the north of the city center tend to be a little cheaper and will put you in walking distance of Port Solent with its bobbing boats, buzzing bars and Boardwalk restaurants as well as Portsmouth Hilsea Station.

How to get to

Southampton Airport is around 20 miles from Portsmouth, and you can reach the city via train by either changing at Southampton Central or Eastleigh Station. Portsmouth is also connected to Gatwick Airport by a direct train service. Portsmouth International Port is another busy entry point to the city with ferries arriving from France, Spain, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Wight. Portsmouth Harbour Station has direct train links with a number of locations across the UK including London, Brighton, Bristol, and Southampton.