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Packed with maritime history, quirky boutiques and seaside vistas, Portsmouth is the South Coast's unsung heroPortsmouth (or Pompey, as the locals call it) is one of the oldest seaside cities in the British Isles. Located on Portsea Island - a thumb of Hampshire jutting into the Solent, it was the world's greatest naval port during the peak of the British Empire and now serves as Britain's foremost Royal Navy base. No trip is complete with a roam around the Les Miserables-esque dockyard, complete with four historic ships, including Henry VIII's flop of a flagship, the Mary Rose, and an impressive cluster of museums.
Although the big draw is still its incredible collection of maritime heritage, this seaside city has buckets more to offer, from ancient pubs on cobbled streets to contemporary art galleries to football supporters so passionate they must be seen to be believed (particularly Pompey John who has 60 tattoos and 'P.F.C' engraved into his teeth). Buzzing all year round and with a selection of picturesque pebbly beaches, this charming city is well worth its salt. See you in the splash!
