Old Portsmouth

Portsmouth

The Point featuring a bay or harbor and cuddly or friendly animals as well as an individual male
Portsmouth Cathedral
The Point
The Point
Old Portsmouth

The fascinating landmarks of the former medieval town still stand firm today, helping to piece together the history of this powerful maritime giant.

Crumbling defensive ramparts reveal many of the city’s most historic structures in the Old Portsmouth district. Facing the water, the surviving medieval buildings and intriguing museums provide a glimpse of the city’s rich seafaring history and traditions. On a visit to Old Portsmouth, relax near the water and spot some of the country’s most iconic ships and submarines.

Go for a leisurely walk with your family along the Millennium Promenade on the waterfront. At night, its elegant and traditional lanterns glow to recall the harbor’s historic blue radiance. Stop to enjoy fish and chips at one of the long-standing pubs that have become part of the fabric of Portsmouth.

Overlooking the sea is the imposing Round Tower that was built in the 15th century to defend against French attacks. Climb to its roof, which is always open, for stunning vistas stretching as far as the Isle of Wight. Walk south beside the old ramparts linking the landmark to the nearby Square Tower, which is now a popular wedding venue. Watch a play, movie or concert in this renovated culture hub.

Continue south to reach the Horatio Nelson Statue that depicts the British war hero, alongside an inscription of a prayer. Across the street, you’ll find the Royal Garrison Church, which dates back to the 1200s. Its roof was destroyed in World War II, but a lower gabled closing covers the nave. Inside, admire the colorful stained glass depicting scenes from that war and marvel at the Romanesque and gothic touches of the nearby Portsmouth Cathedral.

The district of Old Portsmouth is at the southern end of Portsmouth Harbour, a little west of the Portsmouth City Centre. Travel by train to the railway station in the heart of the port or get a bus to one of the many stops here. You can also go on a ferry journey from the marina to Gosport or the Isle of Wight.

Old Portsmouth brings back to life military battles, seafaring voyages and medieval customs.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Old Portsmouth Hotel Deals

Leonardo Hotel Southampton

Leonardo Hotel Southampton

4 out of 5
1 Charlotte Place, Southampton, England
The price is ¥10,519 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥10,519
¥12,623 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,205 reviews)
"Safe and quiet, walkable."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025

Leonardo Hotel Southampton
voco Southampton by IHG

voco Southampton by IHG

4 out of 5
Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton, England
The price is ¥12,356 per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
¥12,356
¥14,827 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,314 reviews)
"Super friendly on check in and it was just no bother thereafter. Nothing bad to say. Pleasant hotel - looks like a prison from the outside but they have done absolute wonders with the inside. Lifts were glitchy while we were there which was annoying but I’m sure that’s a temporary thing. Amazing ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

voco Southampton by IHG
Harbour Hotel Southampton

Harbour Hotel Southampton

5 out of 5
5 Maritime Walk, Ocean Village, Southampton, England
The price is ¥24,712 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥24,712
¥29,655 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"The complimentary Gin and Binoculars were a pleasant surprise. All the staff was very attentive and pleasant. I will be back on my next visit to Southampton."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Harbour Hotel Southampton
Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour

Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour

4 out of 5
West Quay Road, Southampton, England
The price is ¥12,773 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥12,773
¥15,327 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,638 reviews)
"Walkable from the cruise port, beautiful hotel with a nice bar, restaurant ! I loved my room ! Only downside, the coffee machine was very durty and broken, took forever to get service for repair."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour
Moxy Southampton

Moxy Southampton

3 out of 5
Harbour Parade, Southampton, England
The price is ¥11,187 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥11,187
¥13,425 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
"Close to sites. Nice breakfast."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Moxy Southampton
Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club

Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club

4 out of 5
Sandy Lane, Shedfield, Southampton, England
The price is ¥9,851 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥9,851
¥11,822 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Southampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
6.8/10 (1,015 reviews)
"The accomodations was nice, the reception staff and porterage were VERY good. It's a nice location and parking is easy, although the lane to the hotel is quite busy with golf traffic at times. The bar and restaurant was fair at best, little choice for a hotel bar and many offerings that were listed ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Old Portsmouth

St. John\'s Cathedral

Portsmouth City Centre

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Portsmouth City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Portsmouth Guildhall and New Theatre Royal while in the area.

Portsmouth City Centre
Charles Dickens Birthplace

Buckland

Though Buckland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth Guildhall.

Buckland
Royal Marines Museum which includes heritage elements

Southsea

Southsea is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, lively bars, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Fratton Park or Kings Theatre while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Southsea
From the top of Portsdown hill you can see Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower. Beyond the Solent separates the Isle of Wight from the British mainland.

Cosham

3.5/5(9 area reviews)

Cosham is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out PlayZone Portsmouth, a top attraction in the neighborhood.

Cosham


Old Portsmouth