Cruises from Portsmouth
A wild island in the Caribbean, Dominica is home to mountains, tropical forests, hot springs, rivers, and spectacular waterfalls. Between Guadeloupe and Martinique, this little-known Caribbean island is protected by several national parks, inspiring adventure and exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River during your port of call: you are taken on a magical journey into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe by navigating through this dense mangrove, which is interwoven with creepers, ferns, forest trees, and extensive roots.
Portsmouth International Port is one of the largest ports in the United Kingdom. It is located on the south coast of England. With its rich maritime history and exciting contemporary attractions, the city is a fascinating blend of two worlds. Discover Portsmouth's hidden gems, from its historic dockyard to Southsea's shingle beach.
A popular dish in Portsmouth is fish and chips due to the city's old-style pubs and seaside location. Several restaurants prepare the famous dish perfectly, including Master Fryer, Britannia, Mother Kelly's, and Ocean Fresh. The Old Customs House stands out among the dining options available at Gunwharf Quays. With its historic decor and traditional pub fare, it is a former 18th-century Royal Marine Hospital. Shoppers can find discount outlets at Gunwharf Quays. On Southsea's Marmion Road and Osborne Road, you can find independent shops and jewelers. Antique shops, retro clothing stores, and trendy bars line Albert Road, which has a funky yet cosmopolitan vibe.
As you approach Portsmouth through the Solent Strait, surrounded by spectacular citadel walls of Napoleonic forts, you will see evidence of Portsmouth's rich maritime history. There are miles of picturesque waterfront, and Portsdown Hill, which rises above the city, offers panoramic views. Portsmouth's cultural offerings are diverse, from contemporary art galleries to world-class theaters to live music venues and annual festivals. More than 30 restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs can be found in Gunwharf Quays, the former site of the munitions depot, HM Gun Wharf. In addition, some of England's finest works have been inspired by the city and its proximity to the sea. As a result of being moved by the scenic view at Portsmouth Point, English composer William Walton composed Portsmouth Point. In Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, Portsmouth Harbor serves as the setting. Patrick O'Brian's historical maritime novels frequently reference the city in sailing sagas.
Portsmouth is the home of Her Majesty's Naval Base, one of three locations around the country. The Portsmouth base houses two-thirds of the Royal Navy's fleets. The city is also famous for its naval history and role during WWII. The man behind novels such as A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, and Oliver Twist was born in Portsmouth. You can spend a weekend in Portsmouth exploring the harbor, the beach, and museums, all of which are fantastic places to visit.
To protect England's coasts from invaders, King Henry VIII built Southsea Castle in 1544. During the Battle of the Solent against the French, Henry VIII stood inside just as his flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank. For the first time in its history, parliamentarian forces captured the castle during the English Civil War nearly a century later. Southsea Castle protected Portsmouth for centuries due to the strong defenses it had over the centuries. The castle moat was defended by a tunnel built in the 19th century. A tunnel leads to the castle, which was used to protect against invaders. Visitors can still enter the tunnel. During a visit to the keep, you can view artillery and gun platforms and panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent. The castle is open to the public from March through October. The cafe offers a wide array of delicious foods, there is an excellent Waterfront Gifts shop, and there is a microbrewery as well. Every Friday night (in season), a champagne bar is also available at the cafe.
Similarly, Market Square is the center of Portsmouth's life today, just as Puddle Dock was in the 17th century. This open space has several brick buildings, including the venerable Portsmouth Athenaeum and the impressive North Church. A row of tugboats clings to the active waterfront as Market Street continues to be lined with well-preserved mercantile blocks. It is a favorite place to shop on Market Street. Cast-iron storefronts added to the buildings to "modernize" them in the 19th century line the streets, filled with boutiques, specialty shops, and galleries selling fine arts and decorative works.
You might momentarily think you're in Dubai after seeing the Portsmouth waterfront. Built in 2001, the Spinnaker Tower stands 170 meters (558 feet) high. Explore the newly developed harbor from the top of Spinnaker Tower. The current tower received 60% of the votes from residents of Portsmouth, who voted on which design they preferred. Symbolizing the city's maritime and yachting past, the tower is one of the city's most striking landmarks. Get close and personal with this iconic city landmark by abseiling down the 100m (328 ft) side.
The dockyards also offer boat tours around the harbor that explain the city's sea defenses. You will sail past various fortifications in the sanctuary, including the Round Tower and navy boats moored in the dockyards.
Portsmouth Cathedral has existed since 1188, when it was founded as a chapel and evolved into a church in the 14th century. By 1927, it had gained cathedral status. As a result, much of the old city and the Naval base is encompassed by the waterfront parish of St Thomas of Canterbury, which was only completed in the 1990s. Despite its size and splendor, the Cathedral remains a parish church at heart, despite most of it being designed in a "Neo-Byzantine" style.
However, January, February, March, and November are the best months for visiting Portsmouth. Temperatures in Portsmouth are at their warmest between April and December. A typical temperature in the summer is 31 degrees Celsius. There is no dry season, and August and September are the wettest months.