Things to do in Portsmouth, England: The Best Tours

September 8, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

Portsmouth (/ˈpɔːrtsməθ/ ( listen)) is a port city in Hampshire, England, mainly on Portsea Island, 70 miles (110 km) south-west of London and 19 miles (31 km) south-east of Southampton. It has a total population of 205,400. The city forms part of the South Hampshire built-up area, which also covers Southampton and the towns of Havant, Waterlooville, Eastleigh, Fareham, and Gosport.
Restaurants in Portsmouth

1. Isle of Wight & Portsmouth - Day Tour from Brighton

21 Old Steine, Kemptown, Brighton BN1 1EL, UK Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

The Isle of Wight, home to a variety of distinctive landscapes, dramatic cliffs, long stunning beaches and great attractions, is a natural playground for all ages! In Portsmouth, learn about the heritage and naval history of the city. • Take a stroll trough Godshill, a quintessential English Village, with its delightful medieval church, charming thatched roofed cottages and traditional tearooms. • Soak up the view on the scenic drive to Alum Bay, known for its multi-coloured sand cliffs and stunning scenery. • Enjoy a panoramic chairlift to the stunning beach (you can also choose to walk) and the many exciting attractions here for all the family. On the beach you get a close up of "The Needles", one of the most photographed groups of rocks in the world. • Get a great photo of Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower and Historic Dockyard as your ferry departs to, and returns from the Isle of Wight.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned executive coach, Return Wightlink Ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne , Professional guide , Scenic drive through the Isle of Wight, Lunch stop in the charming village of Godshill, Visit Alum Bay Beach and the Needles, Photostop at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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Reviewed By JumahAlbert

We went to Stonehenge and Bath this weekend and it was beautiful. I truly enjoyed myself and just wished there was more time to explore. Also,the weather could have collaborated a bit more but given the season,we still had fun. ????. Thank you Discovery Tours

2. HMS Victory, Mary Rose & Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - Private Tour From London

Richard's Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

A private and bespoke tour direct from your London accommodation with a personal Driver and Guide. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard contains a collection of some of the worlds most historic ships - HMS Victory, Flagship to Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The Mary Rose - King Henry VIII War Ship recovered from the sea in 1982, a time capsule of Tudor life. And not forgetting HMS Warrior the formidable Iron Clad that saw the end of the age of sail. All this, plus museums containing personal possessions of Admiral Nelson, and the history of the Royal Navy and life at Sea. Portsmouth is still home to the British Navy and the harbour boat tour will give you an insight into her current vessels. • Bespoke & Private Tour At Your Pace • Go on board HMS Victory and learn it's amazing History • Brand New Visitor Centre for Mary Rose • Learn all about the British Navy • Harbour Boat Cruise of Portsmouth

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By 512divines

I'm really glad I booked with Richard's Tours and certainly wasn't dissapointed! I had other things on in the morning so with short notice, Richard responded to agree a meet in the afternoon and he was bang on time. He was presentable, amiable and down to earth. It was immediately obvious that he was very keen to share his well researched knowledge, which was reassuring given that having paid for a private tour, I was getting a lot more than an off the shelf group tour (from what others have described to me). Born a Londoner and more than familiar with the area, he regularly checked that the tour pace was comfortable to ensure I was happy with the 3 hour route. He was very helpful with fotos and encouraged questions and discussions on this still mysterious subject, which is pretty clear that he's personally interested in, so much so that in the short time, not only did I acquire a lot of knowledge, but he's actually perked my own interest in Jack The Ripper! Although some parts of the area are still dodgy, I felt completely at ease being with Richard, who increasingly came across as more of a friendly local rather than a tour guide, and despite the atrocious weather, the 3 hours passed well beyond my expectations given his abilities - so excellent value for money. In conclusion, I should add that I'm also from London, but Richard's Tours aren't just for tourists, so if you're short on time and want a knowledgeable host, then Richard Chambers is your man. I, for one, will be checking out his other tours!

3. 3-Day Isle of Wight and the Southern Coast Small-Group Tour from London

Green Line Coach Station, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SS, UK Rabbie's
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Queen Victoria loved her holidays. She travelled to Scotland, France, and Italy and stayed at lavish palaces and princely courts in lush locations, but there’s nowhere she loved more than the Isle of Wight, a diamond-shaped pearl in the English Channel. It’s not far from London and boasts beautiful beaches, epic white sea-cliffs, a warm climate and remnants from the Romans, Normans, and two World Wars. On this tour, you visit Queen Victoria’s Italian-inspired holiday home, Osborne House. You venture to the sea-shores and see gorgeous cliffs, barren bunkers and stunning white rock structures. And on the mainland, you even get a chance to celebrate your journey with a drink at the home of Bombay Sapphire Gin. Join this trip, follow in the footsteps of royalty and let your guide lead you through England’s favourite holiday island.

Inclusions: 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast in either a B&B or 3-star Hotel., Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers), Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission fees

Reviewed By mk1956

If this is the Rabies Tour it is totally outstanding !! We enjoyed it immensely. Our guide was Dan from Wales. He was excellent. Next year 2022 we plan to book a Rabies Tour for Scotland and we're going to fill our own bus! Can't wait

4. Discovery Flight around Portsmouth

Solent Airport, Daedalus Drive, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9FZ, UK Wingly UK
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Go on an unforgettable adventure and discover the beauty of Portsmouth and the surrounding area in the most unique way...from a private micro plane! You’ll see stunning views of the city, Isle of Wight, Spinnaker Tower...and many more sights for you to discover with a local pilot! Your pilot is key to this adventure. They are sharing the flights' direct cost, not making a profit. They just love to fly and want you to understand their passion for aviation. So be sure to meet your pilot directly at Lee-on-the-Solent airport. ++Confirm weather conditions with your pilot before++ --> Access a local airfield --> Discuss the flight route together with your pilot --> Pre-flight check --> Up you go, enjoy the view from a whole new perspective! The flight can depart between 9-17h, depending on the availability of the pilot, aircraft, and weather. Please let us know your flexible hours/days upon booking, and make sure that you've been in touch with us beforehand!

Inclusions: 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Flight, Access a private and exclusive airclub , Discuss the route with your pilot, make it special, Pilot Headset

Exclusions: Transportation to/from the activity

Reviewed By kaneperry

Our flight was piloted by Chris. He was very informative and polite and took us over the Isle of White, the beach, Weymouth. The actual experience was AMAZING!! Everywhere we went he told us about it and the experience itself was amazing. I highly recommend this as it is definitely an experience you will never forget, one reason for that is that he handed me the controls and I FLEW THE PLANE! Everything was nice, chilled, very safe and easy. Overall, couldn't have been better ????

5. The Mystery of Nelson's Stolen Diamonds: Old Portsmouth Treasure Hunt Adventure

The Dolphin, 41 High St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2LU, UK Mystery Guides
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4.9 based on 37 reviews

Turn the historic streets of Old Portsmouth into the world's largest escape room with this self-guided treasure hunt adventure! Solve a range of cryptic clues including word games, maths puzzles, and hidden objects, as you unravel the historic mystery and discover the identity of the infamous diamond thief! 'The perfect blend of Portsmouth, puzzles, and history!' On Horatio Nelson's last day on dry land before joining his ship to fight in the Battle of Trafalgar, he stored a valuable diamond necklace in a chest in one of Portsmouth many taverns for safekeeping. That night, the tavern was broken into and the necklace was stolen. You must solve the clues, eliminate suspects, and return to the scene of the crime to get to the bottom of this historic mystery. This treasure hunt is the best way to see the key historic sights of the city, visit its most atmospheric taverns, and soak up true local stories of its most notorious characters and places.

Inclusions: 44-page colour activity booklet containing all puzzles, clues, and maps, 15% off food & drink in The Wellington pub (currently not serving alcohol). , 10% off food & drink in The Dolphin pub. , Full of amazing local history stories, 5 traditional taverns en route

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Guide

Reviewed By U5129QVeleanorb

Such a fun activity! A great way to explore central London and find out some quirky historical facts, whether you’re into theatre or not (I am!). Some great pubs and satisfying clues. A really great, unique gift. Would recommend to all!

6. Portsmouth Historic Dockyards and HMS Victory Tour from London

Ye Olde England Tours
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4.7 based on 10 reviews

Delve into Britain’s rich maritime history on this 1-day Portsmouth Historic Dockyards and HMS ‘Victory’ tour from London. Follow a guide through the dockyards and learn of the ships who have fought — and sunk — protecting the British Isles. Discover famous vessels including Henry VIII’s flagship the ‘Mary Rose’, HMS ‘Victory’ — Lord Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 — and the 19th-century HMS ‘Warrior’. Climb the rigging, learn of life on the high seas and explore centuries of sailing history. Tour includes round-trip travel from your London hotel.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private Guide, Private transportation, Entry tickets

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By mandywC2882US

Stephen is so knowledgable! This private walking tour was a super experience full of history that the average person would never see or notice. Thank you Stephen!

7. PO1 - PO11 to Gatwick Airport (Up to 3 passengers)

Airport Expert
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1.0 based on 1 reviews

Executive ground transportation to and from any destination in the Uk at affordable prices All cars are fully executive, licensed and periodically road-worth tested by an independent authority specialist All drivers are CRB checked, licensed by the local council, professionally trained and uniformed (suit&tie) Executive vehicles able to transport up to 8 passengers, with wheelchair passengers access Multiple booking platforms (by Phone, Online Form - website, Email, WhatsApp & Mobile, Social Media) Multiple payment’s ways (Online - via a secured link, Invoice, By Phone, BACS, cash or card in car) 100% full refund on cancellation (subject to 24 hours notice) Email and text confirmation on booking and reminders before your journey

Inclusions: Bottled water, If the journey takes place in between 02:00am and 07:00am, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Snacks, Restroom on board

Reviewed By 710james

The team at Airport Expert was great to work with - dealing with the delay of our flight, further delay of our baggage, the sheer volume of our baggage, and tough road conditions. Highly recommended.

8. Arundel castle historic ships portsmouth

London Country Tours

These are driver guided tours.with a very experienced driver guide. Ex history teachers. These attractions are some of the most interesting in the country. We will also stop for lunch at a quaint English pub. The tours are flexible.fun and knowledgeable.

Inclusions: Wifi, Chargeable points, All taxes, Soft drinks.snacks, Driver guide, Brand new 8 seater mini vans

Exclusions: Admission fees. , Gratuity, Food&drink

Reviewed By lisa_fauvely

We had so much fun on our first tour that we booked a second one later in the week! The first day we did Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Lacock (instead of Bath). David was very patient and easy to chat with. He even showed us the Eton area and Woodhenge. He gave us pastries when we finished Windsor Castle. We all had a lovely day. Later in the week, we did Leeds Castle, Bodiam Castle, Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover, which was also excellent. We saw so much in those two days and David was so kind. He was like a dad, making sure we had umbrellas and that we weren't hungry. We'd definitely book another tour with him in the future.

9. Classic Scotland or Wales Private Tour

London Country Tours

These are driver guided tours.with a very experienced driver guide. Ex history teachers. These attractions are some of the most interesting in the country. We will also stop for lunch at a quaint English pub. The tours are flexible.fun and knowledgeable.

Inclusions: All taxes, Driver guide, Brand new 8 seater mini vans, Chargeable points, Soft drinks.snacks, Wifi

Exclusions: Admission fees. , Food&drink, Gratuity

Reviewed By lisa_fauvely

We had so much fun on our first tour that we booked a second one later in the week! The first day we did Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Lacock (instead of Bath). David was very patient and easy to chat with. He even showed us the Eton area and Woodhenge. He gave us pastries when we finished Windsor Castle. We all had a lovely day. Later in the week, we did Leeds Castle, Bodiam Castle, Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover, which was also excellent. We saw so much in those two days and David was so kind. He was like a dad, making sure we had umbrellas and that we weren't hungry. We'd definitely book another tour with him in the future.

10. Private tours to Bletchley Park & Woburn Abbey

London Country Tours

These are driver guided tours.with a very experienced driver guide. Ex history teachers. These attractions are some of the most interesting in the country. We will also stop for lunch at a quaint English pub. The tours are flexible.fun and knowledgeable.

Inclusions: All taxes, Driver guide, Brand new 8 seater mini vans, Chargeable points, Soft drinks.snacks, Wifi

Exclusions: Admission fees. , Food&drink, Gratuity

Reviewed By lisa_fauvely

We had so much fun on our first tour that we booked a second one later in the week! The first day we did Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Lacock (instead of Bath). David was very patient and easy to chat with. He even showed us the Eton area and Woodhenge. He gave us pastries when we finished Windsor Castle. We all had a lovely day. Later in the week, we did Leeds Castle, Bodiam Castle, Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover, which was also excellent. We saw so much in those two days and David was so kind. He was like a dad, making sure we had umbrellas and that we weren't hungry. We'd definitely book another tour with him in the future.

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