Portsmouth’s 10 Best Hidden Gems

By Lizzie Burt – Associate Director Chinneck Shaw

Having lived in Southsea for most of my adult life, I have often heard it said that our wonderful city is not a destination, but more a stepping stone for those catching the ferry to France.

I always assure people, that anyone who tells you to skip visiting the city before your trip to France, or indeed not adding it to your list of places to consider buying a home, would be offering you terrible advice.

Why? Because this is a waterfront city that sparkles with both the obvious delight of a glistening seafront, but is also harbouring some hidden gems that, once discovered, are even more satisfying to find.

If you don’t believe me, take a look at this list of Portsmouth brilliance:

1. Meet the Creatives at the Hotwalls Studios

If you walk towards Portsmouth Cathedral and keep heading towards the seafront you’ll soon be greeted by a beautiful example of clever coastal design. For here you’ll discover a plethora of arts and craft studios built into the city’s historic sea defence buildings. This is where you can meet the creatives of the city, take part in workshops, and buy or commission professional pieces from the artists and makers directly.

Plus, adding another enticing facet is the fact there are a number of fine dining pubs and cafes dotted around this ever-so-satisfying part of the city.

For more information visit Hotwalls Studios.

2. Get into the Spirit at Fort Cumberland

Fancy sampling a tipple in an unusual and historic setting? The Portsmouth Distillery Co. is a premium artisan spirit producer that has set up home in an eighteenth-century Bastion of Fort Cumberland. It’s a truly unique venue for a distillery, surrounded by the sea and centuries of naval history.

You can discover the distillery for yourself weekdays between 11.00-14.00 or at one of their popular tours, where you can see how they make their gins and rums, swiftly followed by a tasting at their unique bar.

Visit the Portsmouth Distillery for more information.

3. Stagger along to a Dino Brewery

Yes, you read the title correctly. There is a dinosaur-themed brewery and event space tucked away in a warehouse close to Portsmouth Football Club!

However, the dinosaur theme is only one element that makes this brewery stand out. For, apart from its fascinating décor – a warehouse with random dinosaurs and cool lighting greeting you as you weave between barrels and bars – it’s rapidly become known as one of the UK’s leading breweries, ranking consistently in the TOP 20 in the country on Untappd’.

It’s dog-friendly, dino-friendly and children-friendly! You can book tours in advance:

Visit the Dino Brewery website or email enquiries@staggeringlygood.com to book

4. Dive deep at the Mary Rose Museum

This is one of the more obvious tourist attractions and yet it’s made this list for one key reason: it has a new attraction that previous visitors may have missed, and is one that absolutely should not be missed.

Namely, the immersive experience in which you are invited to dive into the untold story of the finding, excavation, and recovery of the Mary Rose in their new multi-sensory 4D cinema, narrated by Ross Kemp.

Visit the Mary Rose website for more information.

5. Get literal with Charles

This is not a reference to King Charles II, but to one of the country’s favourite authors, Charles Dickens. For the man who provided us with one of the most famous Christmas tales of all times was born in Portsmouth and, yes, you can even visit his birthplace!

Located in Portsmouth old commercial road area, you can walk around the first home of Charles Dickens and immerse yourself in the story of the great literary genius.

The Charle Dickens Museum is open 10am – 4.30pm (last admission 4pm) on selected days throughout the year.

6. Hilsea Lines

Hilsea Lines is a beautiful green corridor which separates the mainland from Portsea Island, used by both locals and visitors for leisure and walking.

Originally built at Hilsea during the 18^th and 19^th centuries as fortifications. Protecting the northern approach of Portsea Island from the mainland.

Known locally as ‘Foxes Forest’, Hilsea Lines today is a valuable nature area and offers visitors self-guided walking tours with eight information boards that illustrate each walk.

For more information, visitors can contact the Hilsea Lines Ranger, who is based at Bastion 3, Scott Road, Hilsea.

Visit the Hilsea Lines website for details or to download information leaflets –

7. Live at the Bandstand

Live at the Bandstand is back again in 2024, on tour across the city, venues include Castle Field, Southsea, King George V Playing Fields, Cosham and Victoria Park, City Centre.

The Event schedule offers a varied lineup of free live music across the City, and with the traditional bandstand currently ongoing works as part of the sea defence works, events are on tour at the above locations.

For further information, dates and venues check out the Visit Portsmouth website or visit the Facebook page

8. Fort Nelson

Why not explore this fascinating fully restored Victorian Fort with high ramparts, fortifications, an enormous parade ground and underground tunnels.

The fort also houses a national collection of artillery with over 700 pieces, including an exciting collection of big guns, stunning panoramic views, entertaining children’s activities, and a museum shop packed with gifts and souvenirs.

There is also a café serving refreshments – something for everyone to enjoy.

For information visit the Fort Nelson website.

10. ASC Portsmouth

Sailing and watersports on the Solent. The ASC Portsmouth is located on the shore of sheltered Langstone Harbour offering a variety of both land and water-based courses and activities for all ages and abilities.

The centre is open year-round with individual or group packages available, contact ASC Portsmouth for further information.

10. Rain Day Activity 

Portsmouth’s Action Stations is not for the faint-hearted, thrill seekers can have the ‘Commando Experience’ with the adrenaline-packed adventure zone. You’ll be swinging from the rooftop, leaping through obstacle courses, and reaching dizzying new heights tackling our towering climbing wall. Test your skills to prove you have what it takes to go toe to toe with the very best, the Royal Marine Commandos.

Action Stations is part of Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, where other exhibits include HMS Victory, The Mary Rose, HMS Warrior (pictured above), National Museum of the Royal Navy and much more.

Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website for more information.

Lizzie Burt – Chinneck Shaw

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