Portsmouth

Portsmouth is one of the most extraordinary cities in the United Kingdom — and it stands apart from every other city in the country by sitting almost entirely on its own island. For more than five centuries, it has been the proud home of the Royal Navy, and that seafaring history soaks into every corner of the place. Walking around Portsmouth, you can almost feel the weight of all those years of ships, sailors, and sea battles.

The city is packed with incredible things to discover. HMS Victory, a warship over 250 years old, is where one of history’s most legendary naval battles was won back in 1805. Nearby, a Tudor warship that spent over four centuries on the seabed is now carefully preserved for visitors to see up close — an astonishing piece of real history you can stand just metres away from.

Between the historic dockyard, a castle built by Henry VIII, and a soaring sail-shaped tower with a glass floor, Portsmouth delivers adventure and history in equal measure.

Portsmouth Puzzle Set

City illustration + map puzzle, shipped to your door.

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Quick fact

Portsmouth is the UK's only island city and has been home to the Royal Navy for over 500 years.

Fun fact

The Mary Rose, a warship that sank in 1545 and was raised from the seabed in 1982, is on display in Portsmouth — you can actually see a real Tudor ship!

Landmarks

HMS Victory

This incredible warship is over 250 years old and is where Admiral Lord Nelson won the famous Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The Mary Rose Museum

Inside this special museum you can see the actual remains of King Henry VIII's favourite warship, which was rescued from the bottom of the sea!

Southsea Castle

Built by King Henry VIII in 1544 to defend the coast, this sturdy castle still stands right by the sea today.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

This fascinating dockyard lets you explore real historic warships and discover how the Royal Navy protected Britain for centuries.

Portsmouth Cathedral

One of the oldest buildings in Portsmouth, this beautiful cathedral has stood for over 800 years and is full of fascinating history about the city and its sailors.