29 bucket list things every Portsmouth resident must have done or seen in our glorious city

Editor

Published 25th Sep 2024, 23:41 BST

Ship spotting, scenic strolls and feeling like a pirate are all fabulous ‘bucket list’ activities which every Portsmouth resident must have done (or need to do) to be a true Pompey local.

There are also some quirky things that only happens in Portsmouth with every local must have seen or experienced.

And on top of that, so much of our fabulous city heritage is often just walked past every single day - instead being left for the tourists - and we need to make sure we take the time to really know who we are as a city.

So we put together this guide of 27 things you have see or do to truly call yourself a proud resident of our great city!

So many of see the Spinnaker Tower pretty much everyday as part of our skyline, but so many of us have never actually been inside unless it is part of an trip or we have visiting family from outside the area. It is not just for tourists, it is for residents of our city and its surrounding towns and villages too. So if you have never taken a walk across that glass floor and looked out at the spectacular views across the Solent then what are you waiting for? (And of course it goes without saying you should make the most of Gunwharf Quays as well!)

1. A trip to the top of Spinnaker Tower

So many of see the Spinnaker Tower pretty much everyday as part of our skyline, but so many of us have never actually been inside unless it is part of an trip or we have visiting family from outside the area. It is not just for tourists, it is for residents of our city and its surrounding towns and villages too. So if you have never taken a walk across that glass floor and looked out at the spectacular views across the Solent then what are you waiting for? (And of course it goes without saying you should make the most of Gunwharf Quays as well!) | Visit Portsmouth

Sipping a drink at Portsmouth Point - or Spice Island as it is more well known - is a must at some point for all of the city's residents. You have a choice of two pubs, the Spice Island Inn and the Still and West, facing out towards Gunwharf which is the perfect spot to watch the ships go in and out of the harbour, especially in the evenings!
Picture: Shaun Roster

2. Enjoy a drink at Spice Island

Sipping a drink at Portsmouth Point - or Spice Island as it is more well known - is a must at some point for all of the city's residents. You have a choice of two pubs, the Spice Island Inn and the Still and West, facing out towards Gunwharf which is the perfect spot to watch the ships go in and out of the harbour, especially in the evenings! Picture: Shaun Roster | Picture: Shaun Roster Photo: SR

Many generations of Portsmouth's children will have done this one and this is such a nostalgia rite of passage for every city child (and big kid too). Those zig zags up and down the prom have been a path for many a child to follow for many a years. Sadly these are all slowing disappearing as the new sea defences are installed. And although the pathways of the new defences do look lovely I, like many of us Pompey folk, will lament the loss of those zig zags - so enjoy the ones still in place while you can!

3. Running along the zig zags on the Southsea Promenade

Many generations of Portsmouth's children will have done this one and this is such a nostalgia rite of passage for every city child (and big kid too). Those zig zags up and down the prom have been a path for many a child to follow for many a years. Sadly these are all slowing disappearing as the new sea defences are installed. And although the pathways of the new defences do look lovely I, like many of us Pompey folk, will lament the loss of those zig zags - so enjoy the ones still in place while you can! Photo: Contributed

At the north of the city is the fabulous Port Solent created around the marina and boasting a whole host of eateries and restaurants as well as some shops and a cinema too. It has much more of a relaxed feel than Gunwharf Quays, although it has a number of fantastic events through the year too.
Picture: Keith Woodland (080621-51)

4. A stroll along Port Solent

At the north of the city is the fabulous Port Solent created around the marina and boasting a whole host of eateries and restaurants as well as some shops and a cinema too. It has much more of a relaxed feel than Gunwharf Quays, although it has a number of fantastic events through the year too. Picture: Keith Woodland (080621-51) Photo: Keith Woodland

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