Coastal English city most Brits skip that’s ‘underrated’ as a holiday destination – with Dubai-like attraction
A BRIT who has visited all 76 cities in the UK has declared Portsmouth to be one of the most underrated places in the whole of the country.
The coastal city is a maritime powerhouse, meaning nods to its formidable naval legacy are unavoidable – here visitors can learn all about iconic war vessels like the Mary Rose and the HMS Victory, Lord Nelson‘s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Travel guide creator Peter Naldrett visited every UK city while researching his new book, Bright Lights, Big Cities, which will be published on September 12.
In it, he charts exactly what makes each city special, from beloved landmarks to cultural gems and fascinating museums.
And the Sheffield-based travel writer says that even though Brits transit through Portsmouth en route to the Isle of Wight and France, it shouldn’t be overlooked as a staycation destination in its own right.
He told Sun Online Travel: “A lot of people will just go through Portsmouth and use it for transit but they should really stay for an extra day or two.
“You should tack those days on either side of your holiday because Portsmouth is just a treasure trove in its own right, with two or free days worth of fascinating museums.
“There’s so much for the whole family, so it’s worth buying an annual pass to the Historic Dockyard where you can visit 11 attractions within 12 months.
“A day, or a few hours before a ferry crossing, certainly isn’t enough to really discover Portsmouth’s world-class attractions.”
Visitors to the Historic Dockyard can see historic wartime vessels like the Mary Rose – King Henry VIII’s flagship battleship that was sunk during the Battle of Solent in 1545.
The Tudor warship lay at the bottom of the sea until it was excavated on live TV in 1982.
Nowadays, the Mary Rose lives inside a purpose-built museum aptly called the Mary Rose Museum where visitors can view every level of the ship.
Sunken artefacts are also on display and there’s even a 4D cinema that plunges visitors into the heart of the action.
Peter said: “You don’t need to be a military enthusiast to enjoy Portsmouth either because everything is simply fascinating.”
Another one of those fascinating and world-class attractions is the HMS Victory, one of the UK’s most well-known warships.
The hugely historic vessel is where Lord Nelson took his last breaths during the Battle of Trafalgar, with a plaque now commemorating his final moments.
Visitors will be able to learn more about the historic battle thanks to an audio guide.
In his book, Peter encourages holidaymakers to go on the walkway underneath the hull for an “unforgettable experience” as you’ll be able to gaze up at the huge ship from below.
Gives the seafront at Portsmouth an air of Dubai
With 11 attractions in the Historic Dockyard there’s plenty of places to visit, including the HMS Alliance – a huge World War Two submarine.
Other sites include the HMS Warrior (a Victorian battleship), the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, the Museum of Naval Firepower, Boathouse 4 and the Dockyard Experience.
Visitors can also go on a Harbour Tour for “unparalleled views of the modern frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers that call Portsmouth their home.”
Ultimate Explorer tickets, which give visitors unlimited access to attractions for 12 months, start from £51 for a full-paying adult.
Other attractions that have earned Portsmouth its moniker as the most underrated city in the south of England include the Spinnaker Tower.
In his book, Peter writes: “The Spinnaker Tower gives the seafront at Portsmouth an air of Dubai.
“The similarities stop here, but this futuristic addition to the city gives another reason for extending your stay.”
Standing at 170 metres, Spinnaker Tower offers views for up to 23 miles on a clear day.
After 28 seconds in a high-speed lift, visitors will be able to take in views over the Historic Dockyard, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the South Downs and the rolling landscape of the Isle of Wight.
Not only can you take in the coastal views but you can also go one step further and abseil down the side of the building for 100 metres.
Abseil seasons run from April to September, with sessions available until the end of the month. Tickets start from £110 per person.
And Portsmouth isn’t just somewhere that’s great for big kids, it’s a great place for youngsters too.
Peter added: “My kids absolutely loved Portsmouth too especially because of the fish and chips and ice cream.
Deep Blue Fish and Chips and Britannia Fish and Chips are among the highest-rated chippies on Google.
Direct trains run from Portsmouth to Waterloo Station in London, with journeys taking just over two hours.
Portsmouth is a 60-minute drive from both Bournemouth and Worthing.
Who is Peter Naldrett?
PETER Naldrett is a former journalist who works as a geography teacher and an author.
He has already published two books, including On Location, Treasured Islands, and Around the Coast in 80 Days.
His adventures around the UK means he knows exactly what makes a city tick like the prominence of water.
Peter believes water plays an important role in the city from seasides to rivers and fountains, so if you’re not enjoying a place, make a beeline for some water.
Bright Lights, Big Cities, which is being published on September 12, 2024, will be his third book.
You can pre-order a copy of his book, here.
Last week, Peter explained why Brits should visit Salford – tiny cultural powerhouse on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.
And we’ve recently revealed our favourite spots for a September break.