Portsmouth is England's historic maritime city. See what "Portsmouth (city)" is in other dictionaries. In which country is the city of Portsmouth located?

The historic city of Portsmouth, located on the south coast of Great Britain 160 km from London, deserves a visit for several reasons. Firstly, this is where you can see that England is a great maritime power, as evidenced by the extensive and superbly preserved historical docks, where the famous flagship of Admiral Nelson's fleet, HMS Victory, and the ancient Tudor ship Marie Rose are on display. Secondly, through the efforts of architects, the old, unpresentable port area has been transformed into a real shopping Mecca, where it’s so nice to buy things from famous brands. Thirdly, you can get a bird's eye view of Portsmouth by climbing one of the most modern buildings in Britain - the 170-meter Spinnaker Tower (which translated from English means “triangular sail” - there’s nowhere without the sea!). Finally, there are two cathedrals, twelve museums and three concert halls - so you definitely won’t get bored in Portsmouth.

How to get to Portsmouth

Portsmouth is one of the most important railway hubs in the south of the country, so getting here is easy from anywhere in the country. The connection with London is better than anything else - the train from Waterloo takes about an hour and a half, the cheapest ticket will cost about 20 GBP. You can also get here directly from Gatwick Airport, travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. Trains also connect Portsmouth with the south coast of Great Britain: Brighton, Cardiff, Bath, Bristol and Southampton. The closest airport to Portsmouth is located in Southampton.

Transport in the city

Portsmouth has flat terrain and an extensive and convenient public transport network, so traveling on municipal buses is a pleasure. Routes run both within the city itself and beyond its borders, so you can get to Southampton by regular bus. A day pass costs about 4 GBP (valid within city limits), and for 5 GBP you can purchase the right to an unlimited number of trips on transport throughout the entire county of Hampshire.

Portsmouth Hotels

There are no problems with accommodation in Portsmouth - tourists have about 40 hotels, boarding houses, guest houses and hostels at their disposal. Most hotels are three star, but are neat and comfortable in a British way. There are also several very high-quality “fours”, where a night will cost an average of 100 GBP, and a lot of starless establishments with a homely atmosphere and sincere service. And in Portsmouth you can stay in boutique hotels, cottages and lodges - as a rule, these are private mansions with several guest rooms.

Cuisine and restaurants of Portsmouth

Getting a quick bite, as well as a decent lunch in Portsmouth will not be difficult: the city has about a hundred catering establishments to suit every taste and budget. As in every coastal city, the highlight of the local menu is fish dishes. You should also definitely try traditional fish and chips here, since the freshest fish make this national snack in Portsmouth a real delicacy. In search of this dish, we recommend checking out the democratic Still&West - the establishment houses a diner and a pub under one roof. The Custom House offers similar cuisine, but the interiors are more interesting - the restaurant occupies an 18th-century building that once housed the Royal Naval Hospital. You can kill a worm during excursion races in Portsmouth in numerous curry restaurants, a high concentration of which is observed on Albert Road and Palmerston Road. In general, the largest selection of restaurants is in the Port Solent marina area (there is also a multiplex cinema here).

Shopping and shops

Portsmouth's main shopping area is the old shipyard area of ​​Gunwharf Keys. There are boutiques of expensive brands - Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Barbour - and affordable M&S, Cadburys, Claire's and GAP. You can't count on mega-low prices, although in the off-season the discounts here are very tempting. In the business center of the city, it is worth visiting the Portsmouth City Center department store. Souvenirs are sold in abundance at attractions, and Albert Road is home to some great antiques, curios and home decor. The southern suburb of Southsea is dominated by the Southsea Town Center shopping center - a lot of boutiques, art shops and interior design shops.

Entertainment and attractions in Portsmouth

Having arrived in Portsmouth, checked into a hotel and looked around, the first thing you should do is visit the main local attraction - the Historic Dockyards. On an area of ​​several hectares there are dozens of buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including docks with original furnishings, naval warehouses, the Semaphore Tower, a historical police station, a porters' pavilion, a rope warehouse, etc. The real treasures of the Historic Shipyards are three original ships: “ Marie Rose" of the Tudor era (16th century), "HMS Warrior" built in 1860 and the handsome flagship of the fleet under the leadership of Admiral Nelson - "HMS Victory".

In the bowels of HMS Victory you can visit the captain's cabin, from where Nelson monitored the Battle of Trafalgar, the living decks where more than 800 sailors lived, and the cabin where the admiral died. Well, the world’s first steel ship powered by steam and sail, “HMS Warrior,” still stands on the water, at the berth of Portsmouth Docks.

Also worth visiting in Portsmouth are Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII in the 16th century as part of the city's fortifications, the Royal Navy Museum, the cathedrals of St. Thomas and St. John (the former Anglican, the latter Catholic) and the Blue Reef Aquarium. The Charles Dickens House Museum is located in the building where the future writer was once born. For some fresh air, head to the 6-kilometre Southsea Boardwalk.

Prices on the page are as of July 2016.

In the south of England in the county of Hampshire there is a small town and the famous seaport of Portsmouth. Most of the city is located on the island of Portsea, so Portsmouth is often identified as the only island city in Great Britain.

To the east of the city is Langstone Harbour, to the west is the beautiful Portsmouth Harbour. The northern part offers magnificent views of the city from Portsdown Hill. Due to the city's geographical position, Portsmouth has long been one of the most important bases for the British Navy. The rich history of the city of Portsmouth itself is connected with the history of British navigation.

City `s history

The history of the city dates back to the times of Roman settlements in England. Even before the shallowing of the English Channel, the port was located at Portchester, where the ruins of a Roman stone fortress remain.

Later (in the 11th-12th centuries), the feudal Portchester Castle with a one-story stone watchtower was built on the site of the fortress, the history of which is great and important for the city.

It was first used as a fortification, then as a prison: in the 17th century, prisoners captured during the Second Anglo-Saxon War were imprisoned here, later - captured during the War of the Spanish Succession, in the 19th century - French prisoners taken prisoner during the war with Napoleon.

The dead prisoners were buried right on the coast, which is currently under water during high tide. It is not uncommon for local residents and tourists to see the remains of deceased prisoners after severe storms.

In the middle of the 15th century, near the castle, a bishop was killed by sailors who did not pay them a salary, after which the city was anathematized. As legends say, for about 50 years after this, the city was haunted by troubles and misfortunes.

A city charter directly to Portsmouth was issued back in 1194 by Richard the Lionheart, who proposed holding a fair at this site. This charter was in force until 1627.

Portsmouth acquired great importance as a shipping port during the reign of the Tudors. A ship dock here was founded in 1496, which in 1698 expanded to an area of ​​120 hectares. Most of Portsmouth's residents worked at this dock.

Nowadays, ships known to many tourists interested in history are displayed in the dry dock. One of them is the English carrack "Mary Rose", built in 1510. The ship is famous for the fact that it sank during the war with the French. They tried unsuccessfully to raise him to the surface, but at first technology did not allow this.

Later they managed to lift the ship from the bottom literally in parts, which are now on display in the museum. Another famous historical vessel located in Portsmouth is the Royal Navy ship HMS Victory. This ship took part in significant historical battles of the English fleet, including the famous Battle of Trafalgar.

It was on board this ship that Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded. Since 1922, the ship has been permanently docked in Portsmouth. It has now been converted into a museum and looks exactly as it did during the Battle of Trafalgar.

In World War II, Portsmouth suffered greatly due to constant bombing. Both residential buildings and historical public buildings were damaged. After the war, the city was restored by Brutalist architects.

Modern Portsmouth

Currently, Portsmouth is of great importance for the country's economy. Some historical monuments are still preserved in Portsmouth, many buildings attract tourists with their architecture, and new interesting attractions are appearing.

Many attractions are associated with the sea and reflect the city's history as an important seaport. Thus, most often people begin their acquaintance with the city from the Spinnaker Tower, 170 meters high, which is made in the shape of a sail. The observation deck at the top of the tower offers views of the entire surrounding area and the city of Portsmouth itself.

The historic ships Mary Rose and HMS Victory described above are moored in the dockyard close to the tower. The first ship whose hull is made entirely of iron is also on display here, HMS Warrior 1860. Vintage ships can be seen at the Gosport Submarine Museum, where you can also visit the submarine.

Some other interesting maritime museums include the Royal Marines Museum, the Dockyard History Museum and the Royal Navy Museum.

Among the architectural structures that attract the attention of tourists, Wentworth-Gardner House stands out, as well as houses built in the 18th-19th centuries. Some houses are open to visitors and are interesting not only for their external appearance, but also for their interior decoration, where you can see antiques and works of art.

Among the religious sites, the most attractive for tourists are the Cathedral of St. Thomas and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Portsmouth is famous for being the home of the famous English writer Charles Dickens. The house where he lived has been converted into a museum and is considered a landmark of the city. Now the atmosphere that was during the writer’s lifetime has been recreated there; his huge library and Dickens’s manuscripts are also stored here.

Those who like to enjoy nature should definitely visit the local Staunton Park, which is suitable for the whole family: there are a huge number of playgrounds for children, as well as a zoo, adults can relax in a cafe or while walking along the numerous walking or cycling paths in park.

There is also the Blue Reef Aquarium, where you can watch the inhabitants of the underwater world and feed the friendly fish.

For lovers of extreme recreation and attractions, the Leisure Island amusement park is suitable. You can learn the game of golf, beloved by aristocrats, at the local golf club.

Performance for children 6+. Sherlock Holmes. Theater behind the Black River in London Mr. Sherlock Holmes is the best detective in the world. He can unravel any complex case and find the criminal without even leaving his famous room on Baker Street. Do you know what a detective's room looks like? It is filled with many intricate devices, magnifying glasses, microscopes and bottles of chemical reagents. And all this helps him in investigating the incredible incidents taking place in London and its environs... But now he is already on stage, which means that he has taken on another case and the incredible adventures of the noble Sherlock Holmes and his brave Doctor Watson await us.

Comedy "Angels on the Roof" The production "Angels on the Roof" is an eccentric comedy that will give viewers a story about how you should never lose hope in life. The main character couldn’t find a better remedy for her problems than going to the roof of a high-rise building. But the unexpected meeting does not allow her to make a mistake - on the contrary, it gave her a second chance. And she will overcome life’s difficulties not alone, but together with other heroes.

The English irregular verb trainer will help you remember their spelling and meaning. Fill in the empty cells. If you spelled it correctly, the word will change color from red to green. Refresh the page or click the "Start Again" button and you will see the new order of empty cells. Train again!

Modal verbs in English are a class of auxiliary verbs. Modal verbs are used to express ability, necessity, certainty, possibility or likelihood. We use modal verbs if we talk about abilities or possibilities, ask or give permission, ask, offer, etc. Modal verbs are not used independently, but only with the infinitive of the main verb as a compound predicate.

City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a city in Hampshire, England. The city's population is about 210 thousand people. Around 15% of the city's population was born outside the UK.

For many centuries Portsmouth remained an important naval port and shipbuilding centre. Portsmouth's dry docks produced famous ships that played an important role in the history of the Royal Navy, such as Lord Nelson's flagship.

At the time of the Roman conquest, the Roman port of Adurni existed on the site of modern Portsmouth. The port received a rebirth after the Norman invasion.

In 1194, Portsmouth received a charter from King Richard the Lionheart to hold a weekly market. Since 1200, Portsmouth has become the base of the English navy. Docks, barracks, and St. Nicholas Hospital are being built here.

In the 14th century, Portsmouth became an important trading port in trade with the continent. A fortified fort appears in Portsmouth, which for centuries was the first to repel the attacks of the French.


In 1787, 11 ships from Portsmouth set out to colonize Australia. Portsmouth would later become a permanent port for sending British prisoners to Australia.

In 1805, Admiral Nelson set out from Portsmouth on his last campaign.

In 1926, Portsmouth received city status.

The city suffered significantly from German bombing in the First and Second World Wars. In 1944, Portsmouth was the headquarters of General Eisenhower during the preparations for the Allied landings in Normandy.

Currently, 10% of the city's working population is employed at the naval shipyard.

Portsmouth also has a major seaport serving passenger ferries and cargo ships. A growing sector of the economy is tourism (the city's largest attraction is the harbour).

The city has three theaters and four concert halls. The Town Hall building is also used for theatrical events.


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Portsmouth is the southern city where Charles Dickens was born and where Arthur Conan Doyle worked. If you haven't found a good enough reason to head here yet, we've rounded up seven fun things to do to inspire your trip to Portsmouth!

Climb Spinnaker Tower

Spinnaker Tower reaches a height of 170 meters and is the tallest building in the UK outside London. It is made in the shape of a sail, which reflects the maritime theme of the city, and is considered the most popular attraction of the city. Climbing up to the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings.


Photo: sport.gentside.com 2

See The HMS Victory

In 1805, Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded on this ship during the Battle of Trafalgar, and today the 104-gun ship of the line is moored in Portsmouth and converted into a museum. If you want to learn a lot of interesting things about the Royal Navy of Great Britain, this excursion cannot be ignored.


Photo: aerialwaters.com

Visit Southsea Castle

Southsea Castle was built in the mid-16th century to defend Portsmouth and was one of the most heavily fortified in Britain. Today, travelers can visit here on excursions and see tunnels, cannons and many other artifacts of that time.


Photo: aerocam.org.uk 4

Get acquainted with the literary heritage of the city

Portsmouth is the city where Charles Dickens was born and Arthur Conan Doyle lived. Even the most ordinary walk along it will allow you to get a little closer to the most famous writers in Great Britain, because at one time they spent time in these parts and walked along these very streets. On the Old Commercial Road in Portsmouth is Charles Dickens's childhood home. The museum’s walls contain the writer’s personal belongings, which will help you not only mentally transport yourself to the Victorian era, but also feel the presence of the famous novelist.

There is also an Arthur Conan Doyle Museum in the city, where memorabilia, photographs and documents of the writer are stored.


Photo: a3traveller.com 5

Visit the Cathedral

Portsmouth Cathedral is located in the heart of Old Portsmouth and serves as the seat of the bishop. The first stone of the structure was laid in the 12th century, and reconstruction was carried out in the 17th and 20th centuries. Stop by the cathedral to see its beautiful architecture and learn about its history.


Photo: en.wikipedia.org

Go to the Isle of Wight

Combine a weekend in Portsmouth with a trip to the beautiful island, which is the largest off the coast of England. A hovercraft will take you across the Solent to the Isle of Wight in less than 10 minutes.


Photo: fatmousemedia.com 7

Visit D-Day Museum

This is the only museum in the UK that details the Normandy landings during the Second World War. Those who are interested in military topics will be interested in visiting the museum and seeing military uniforms, maps, dioramas and many other artifacts that have been preserved from those days.


Photo: dday-experiencebedandbreakfast.com

Portsmouth is a city and port in Great Britain, on the English Channel coast, in Hampshire. Located on the Portsea Island peninsula, covered by the Isle of Wight. 211.8 thousand inhabitants (1970). Naval base. Shipbuilding and ship repair. Air,... ...

Portsmouth, a city in the USA, in the state of Virginia. 111 thousand inhabitants (1970). Together with the ports of Norfolk and Newport News, it forms a group of ports on Hampton Rhodes Bay on the Chesapeake Bay. Coal export. Commercial and military shipyards. Chemical... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Portsmouth, a city in the east of the United States, in the state of Ohio. 28 thousand inhabitants (1970). Port on the river Ohio, at the confluence of the river. Sayoto. Ferrous metallurgy, silicate ceramics (production of refractories), chemical, metalworking industry... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

I (Portsmouth) is a city in the North American state of New Hampshire, on the right bank of the Piscataqua River, 5 km from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean; commercial metropolis of the state. The harbor, wide and deep, can accommodate up to 2000 ships; thanks to… … Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

In the south of England in the county of Hampshire there is a small town and the famous seaport of Portsmouth. Most of the city is located on the island of Portsea, so Portsmouth is often identified as the only island city in Great Britain.

To the east of the city is Langstone Harbour, to the west is the beautiful Portsmouth Harbour. The northern part offers magnificent views of the city from Portsdown Hill. Due to the city's geographical position, Portsmouth has long been one of the most important bases for the British Navy. The rich history of the city of Portsmouth itself is connected with the history of British navigation.

England's only island city is Portsmouth

City `s history

The history of the city dates back to the times of Roman settlements in England. Even before the shallowing of the English Channel, the port was located at Portchester, where the ruins of a Roman stone fortress remain.

Later (in the 11th–12th centuries), the feudal Portchester Castle with a one-story stone watchtower was built on the site of the fortress, the history of which is great and important for the city.

It was first used as a fortification, then as a prison: in the 17th century, prisoners captured during the Second Anglo-Saxon War were imprisoned here, later - captured during the War of the Spanish Succession, in the 19th century - French prisoners taken prisoner during the war with Napoleon.

The dead prisoners were buried right on the coast, which is currently under water during high tide. It is not uncommon for local residents and tourists to see the remains of deceased prisoners after severe storms.

In the middle of the 15th century, near the castle, a bishop was killed by sailors who did not pay them a salary, after which the city was anathematized. As legends say, for about 50 years after this, the city was haunted by troubles and misfortunes.

A city charter directly to Portsmouth was issued back in 1194 by Richard the Lionheart, who proposed holding a fair at this site. This charter was in force until 1627.

Portsmouth acquired great importance as a shipping port during the reign of the Tudors. A ship dock here was founded in 1496, which in 1698 expanded to an area of ​​120 hectares. Most of Portsmouth's residents worked at this dock.

Nowadays, ships known to many tourists interested in history are displayed in the dry dock. One of them is the English carrack "Mary Rose", built in 1510. The ship is famous for the fact that it sank during the war with the French. They tried unsuccessfully to raise him to the surface, but at first technology did not allow this.

Later they managed to lift the ship from the bottom literally in parts, which are now on display in the museum. Another famous historical vessel located in Portsmouth is the Royal Navy ship HMS Victory. This ship took part in significant historical battles of the English fleet, including the famous Battle of Trafalgar.

It was on board this ship that Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded. Since 1922, the ship has been permanently docked in Portsmouth. It has now been converted into a museum and looks exactly as it did during the Battle of Trafalgar.

In World War II, Portsmouth suffered greatly due to constant bombing. Both residential buildings and historical public buildings were damaged. After the war, the city was restored by Brutalist architects.

Modern Portsmouth

Currently, Portsmouth is of great importance for the country's economy. Some historical monuments are still preserved in Portsmouth, many buildings attract tourists with their architecture, and new interesting attractions are appearing.

Many attractions are associated with the sea and reflect the city's history as an important seaport. Thus, most often people begin their acquaintance with the city from the Spinnaker Tower, 170 meters high, which is made in the shape of a sail. The observation deck at the top of the tower offers views of the entire surrounding area and the city of Portsmouth itself.

The historic ships Mary Rose and HMS Victory described above are moored in the dockyard close to the tower. The first ship whose hull is made entirely of iron is also on display here, HMS Warrior 1860. Vintage ships can be seen at the Gosport Submarine Museum, where you can also visit the submarine.

Some other interesting maritime museums include the Royal Marines Museum, the Dockyard History Museum and the Royal Navy Museum.

Among the architectural structures that attract the attention of tourists, Wentworth-Gardner House stands out, as well as houses built in the 18th-19th centuries. Some houses are open to visitors and are interesting not only for their external appearance, but also for their interior decoration, where you can see antiques and works of art.

Among the religious sites, the most attractive for tourists are the Cathedral of St. Thomas and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Portsmouth is famous for being the home of the famous English writer Charles Dickens. The house where he lived has been converted into a museum and is considered a landmark of the city. Now the atmosphere that was during the writer’s lifetime has been recreated there; his huge library and Dickens’s manuscripts are also stored here.

Those who like to enjoy nature should definitely visit the local Staunton Park, which is suitable for the whole family: there are a huge number of playgrounds for children, as well as a zoo, adults can relax in a cafe or while walking along the numerous walking or cycling paths in park.

There is also the Blue Reef Aquarium, where you can watch the inhabitants of the underwater world and feed the friendly fish.

For lovers of extreme recreation and attractions, the Leisure Island amusement park is suitable. You can learn the game of golf, beloved by aristocrats, at the local golf club.