Portsmouth

[babs135]

We have elected to stay overnight in Portsmouth before travelling to Southampton the following day.  As we're in the northwest of the UK and unless we set off at the crack of dawn, we won't get to the hotel much before 1.30 pm (rough estimate).  I would assume that it is not worth visiting the Dockyards at such a late arrival time; so my question is simple;  What else is there to do and see in the area?

[John Bull]

Hi, Babs,,

 

The dockyard is expensive and yes, a bit of a waste for a short day.

 

Will you have a car ?

Not thinking of any great distance but there are worthwhile places just outside the city.

Oh - and especially if you don't have a car - where is your hotel in Portsmouth?

 

JB 🙂

[babs135]

1 hour ago, John Bull said:

Hi, Babs,,

 

The dockyard is expensive and yes, a bit of a waste for a short day.

 

Will you have a car ?

Not thinking of any great distance but there are worthwhile places just outside the city.

Oh - and especially if you don't have a car - where is your hotel in Portsmouth?

 

JB 🙂

We have a car. Hotel is the Marriott

[John Bull]

9 hours ago, babs135 said:

We have a car. Hotel is the Marriott

 

 

The Marriott isn't in the city, but it's handy to a couple of sights.

 

Fort Nelson. Up on Portsdown Hill, one of the ring of forts protecting Portsmouth. Known as "Palmerston's follies". Palmerston was Prime Minister in the mid-1800's when as usual we weren't on good terms with our neighbours on the other side of the English Channel and he spent a fortune on the forts - but by the time they were built we'd kissed & made-up with the French and none of the forts fired a gun in anger. 

Fort Nelson now houses an excellent Royal Armoury museum, with artillery of all ages & calibres. No entry fee but donations appreciated.

https://royalarmouries.org/fort-nelson

From there, 3 1/2 miles east  along the top of Portsdown Hill is a popular viewpoint (PO6 3LS or The Churchillian pub will find it on Sat-nav or googlemaps). Panoramic view of the city, the Solent & the Isle of Wight.

I've shown them on the map from & to the Marriott, but en-route from home would be easier.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FMd6iZsewymA1ZN77

(BTW, when you sail out you'll pass two forts built off Portsmouth in the middle off the Solent)

 

Alternatively,  not a million miles from the Marriott, Portchester Castle at the head of Portsmouth Harbour is a ruined Norman castle within Roman walls. Admission £9,50 to £11.00 depending on date.(You could go there en-route to Southampton)

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portchester-castle/

On that map I've also shown Port Solent, just a mile from the hotel - lots of waterfront restaurants for your evening meal)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WhUSa52FTULdojuf6

 

Or in the city head for Clarence Esplanade, Southsea.

The D-Day museum https://theddaystory.com/ and the adjacent Southsea Castle (castle is small, but entry is by donation) https://southseacastle.co.uk/

 

JB 🙂

 

 

Edited Friday at 01:19 AM by John Bull

[babs135]

Thanks John, some excellent ideas that I'll discuss with DH.  Suspect that the D-Day Museum will be his first choice.