Portsmouth has been the most prominent naval port of the UK for centuries. But this city is much more than its famous dockyard and warships. Stuffed with culture and jam-packed with history, this city is also a great place to live with its new development projects. There are plenty of reasons you should relocate here, particularly when you want to be part of a busy coastal city with a seafront lifestyle and the everyday sight of big ships moving in and out.

1. What Makes Portsmouth Unique?
2. Portsmouth’s Popular Attractions
3. Nightlife In Portsmouth
4. Sport In Portsmouth
5. Food In Portsmouth
6. Shopping In Portsmouth
7. Festivals And Events In Portsmouth
8. Cost Of Living In Portsmouth
9. Getting Around Portsmouth
10. Explore The UK From Portsmouth

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1. What Makes Portsmouth Unique?

The UK's Only Island City

Nestled on England's south coast, Portsmouth is an island port city on Portsea Island - the only of its kind in the UK. The population of around 200,000 people also makes the island the densest among the British Isles, while the city of Portsmouth itself has the highest density among all British cities bar London.

One Of The Few Cities With Two Cathedrals

It is normal to expect a city in the UK to have a cathedral, but there are two of them in Portsmouth. One is the Portsmouth Cathedral, an Anglican church built in the 12th century and located in the historic Old Portsmouth district. About one mile to the north is St John's Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth.

Rich Maritime And Naval Heritage

There are many port cities dotted along the coast of Britain. But not many of them have an association with seafaring and military history as deep and long-standing as Portsmouth. The Royal Navy was founded here by Henry VII in 1546, and even before this milestone, Portsmouth had been a crucial naval port for centuries. During the Normandy landings in World War II, it was a key embarkation point, and in the Falklands War, the whole attacking forces were housed here.

Nowadays, Portsmouth Naval Dockyard employs about one-tenth of the city's workforce, and besides tourism, defence and shipbuilding are Portsmouth's biggest industries.

The Birthplace Of Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens, one of England's most beloved and influential writers, was born in Portsmouth in 1812. The Dickens family originated from London but moved here as Charles' father got a job at Portsmouth Dockyard. His former house now serves as a museum on Old Commercial Road.

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2. Portsmouth’s Popular Attractions

Southsea

Part of Portsmouth since 1904, even though it retains the town status, Southsea is a must-visit if you want to experience the city like a local.

This seafront is more than just about beaches and hotels. Southsea has grown from a fashionable seaside resort in the 19th century into a modern commercial area and a dense residential suburb.

Clarence Pier

Clarence Pier is one of the most prominent amusement parks on England's south coast, where your family can enjoy all manner of activities. You are guaranteed to have fun here, whether you want to win absorbing arcade games, get wet with water rides or test your bravery with thrilling roller coasters.

The pier hosts one of the last hovercraft ports in the country as well, with regular services to the Isle of Wight.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Your experience in Portsmouth would not be complete without a visit to its famous dockyard, an area of the Naval Base Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the greatest place to learn about British naval history, taking visitors on a trip through the city's military and shipbuilding history. Climb on legendary warships, learn more about traditional boat-building techniques, or take a peek at the ocean world beneath with the submarine HMS Alliance. There are lots to keep you busy and exhilarated for a full day.

Spinnaker Tower

The construction of the Spinnaker Tower, a 170-metre observation tower, marked the city’s redevelopment as it entered the 21st century. The iconic and stunning design was created by a local firm and chosen by the city's residents.

You can take a high-speed lift up to its sky-high viewing decks, which provides one of the most spectacular views along the south coast. The Spinnaker Tower is also home to many restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy your meal or drink several metres above the harbour.

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3. Nightlife In Portsmouth

While not best-known for its nightlife entertainment, Portsmouth still presents a great array of choices no matter how you plan to spend your night out. Prefer a quiet start first? Step into one of the pubs on Albert Road, Palmerston Road, Osborne Road and around the Guildhall. Many of them stay open late until early morning on the weekends.

South of the city centre is Guildhall Walk, a popular destination for students with a number of clubs and pubs. Pryzm, Portsmouth's biggest nightclub, is also just around the corner on Commercial Road, while Gunwharf Quays hosts several bars and restaurants until late.

If you want to have a few laughs or even tell your own jokes, head over to the comedy club of the Wedgewood Rooms. Many comedy nights take place a few times a month at the Spinnaker Tower and the Portsmouth Guildhall as well.

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4. Sport In Portsmouth

As a port city, Portsmouth is an ideal place for many water sports like kitesurfing, scuba diving and sailing. Surrounded by the South Downs National Park, the city also makes it easy for people to take part in various outdoor sports like running, triathlons, orienteering and mountain biking.

Several leisure centres and sporting facilities are situated across the city, such as Mountbatten Centre, Bransbury Park, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, The Wimbledon Park Sports Centre and two golf clubs - Stokes Bay and Great Salterns.

If watching elite sport is what you prefer, there is a professional football club (Portsmouth FC) that currently competes in EFL League One. The team plays its home match at Fratton Park, the only English professional football ground not located in mainland Britain.

Overlooked by Gunwharf Quays, the United Services Recreation Ground has served as the home ground of many local cricket, field hockey and rugby clubs, including the Royal Navy Rugby Union.

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5. Food In Portsmouth

You will find most big names and chain restaurants around Gunwharf Quays. But what makes Portsmouth a foodie paradise is a wealth of independent cafes and restaurants. From on-trend street food, hearty pub grub to fancy Frency fayre, there is always something new and exotic for you to discover.

Restaurant 27, Portsmouth's only 2-AA Rosette venue, may not be the cheapest place to eat, but its excellent combination of British and French combination is well worth it. Meanwhile, Algarve’s Grill on Osborne Road is the next best thing when you are craving some authentic Mediterranean cuisine. You will be spoilt for choice with Asian restaurants as well, with top venues like Sakira, Spice Merchants and Haldi.

Of course, there is no shortage of seafood either. Tickle your taste buds with freshly-prepared dishes at Southsea Beach Cafe, which also offers unrivalled views of the Solent. The Briny and the Fisherman's Kitchen are other notable choices on this seafront.

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6. Shopping In Portsmouth

Local retail shops are a fitting piece of Portsmouth's thriving independent scene. The city is home to an extensive range of boutiques and bustling markets with a more personal touch from the city centre to Southsea and beyond.

Stop by Budd's Herbal Apothecary if you need any herbal remedies. Or pick up some vintage buttons and wool at Seeded, a haberdashery on Clarendon Road that also runs weekly crafting meetups. Other interesting shops you should pay a visit to include Portsmouth Distillery, Nothing Ventured Vinyl and Southsea Bathing Hut, among others.

For high street shops and big brands like H&M or Primark, its shopping centres and flagship stores will leave you exhausted after an all-day spree. Portsmouth is home to the UK's one of the few seafront shopping outlets - Gunwharf Quays.

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7. Festivals And Events In Portsmouth

The Isle of Wight Festival and Victorious Festival are the biggest annual music festivals held in or near the city. To support the homegrown music scene, keep an eye on the opening dates of Icebreaker and Dials festivals, which showcase the best local bands.

Portsmouth hosts several cultural events throughout the year as well in celebration of history, art, food and community. You may want to attend the Southsea Food Festival, Festival of Culture, Darkfest, Comic Con and Black History Month Film Festival while living there.

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8. Cost Of Living In Portsmouth

This port city has a much lower cost of living than the capital area.

• Monthly rent (85m2/900 sqft, furnished, normal area): £1,002
• Monthly utilities (2 people, 85m2 flat): £122
• Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink, in the business district): £10
• Basic dinner out for two (neighbourhood pub): £27
• Cocktail drink in a downtown club: £7
• Monthly ticket public transport: £56

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9. Getting Around Portsmouth

Railways

With four mainline stations on Portsea Island, residents of Portsmouth benefit from strong links to other parts along and north of the south coast, including two direct routes to London. Portsmouth & Southsea is the main railway station of the city.

Ferries

The city council wholly owns the Portsmouth International Port, which serves about 3.5 million people each year. Passengers can rely on local ferry routes to travel between Portsmouth and Hayling Island, the Isle of Wight and Gosport. The port also has ferry services to several overseas destinations in France, the Channel Islands and Spain.

Buses

First Bus and Stagecoach are two operators that cover bus routes within Portsmouth, while Megabus and National Express provide long-distance services.

Park & Ride is a bus scheme operated by Portsmouth City Council to provide easy and quick transport for out-of-town shoppers and visitors.

Roads

The A3(M) connects and reduces the travel time between London and Portsmouth to only 1.5 hours, while the M27 and A27 (the UK's one of the busiest trunk roads) allows Portsmouth to enjoy excellent connections with the country's motorway network.

Air

Southampton Airport is just 22 miles away and accessible by bus, train or car. It provides several flights to the Channel Islands and mainland Europe. Through coach and rail connections, both London's two biggest airports (Heathrow and Gatwick) are within easy reach of the city as well.

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10. Explore The UK From Portsmouth

The unique location of Portsmouth gives its residents plenty of interesting places if you want to spend a weekend away from the city.

• The Isle of Wight: Just a few miles off Britain mainland, attractions are in plentiful supply on this island county. Its historic sites, galleries, museums and outdoor activities can give you a taste of the Island's unique culture and history.

• Winchester: This unspoilt cathedral city is the first capital of England and well-known for its quirky events, floral summer season and buzzing shopping streets.

• Southampton: About 15 miles west of Portsmouth, Southampton is much more than just heritage attractions and shopping destinations. The city also charms its visitors with a whole host of live programmes, innovative art galleries and other magnificent cultural and leisure offerings.

• Hampshire countryside: Test Valley, the South Downs National Park, the New Forest National Park and picturesque villages like Burley and Droxford offer a perfect rural escape with their idyllic landscapes.