Top 10 Things to Do in Portsmouth | ILC English Blog

Portsmouth, the UK's only island city, is famous for its naval history, waterfront and seaside. Here are ten of the best things to do while you study at ILC Portsmouth.

1. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The home of the Royal Navy, with some of the most famous ships in British history. Don't miss HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Warrior, Britain's first iron-hulled armoured warship.

2. The Mary Rose Museum

Henry VIII's warship sank in 1545 and was raised from the seabed in 1982. Today you can see the ship and thousands of objects that show everyday Tudor life.

3. Spinnaker Tower

At 170 metres high, the tower offers amazing views over the harbour, the city and the Isle of Wight. Brave visitors can walk across the glass floor!

4. Gunwharf Quays

A waterfront shopping centre with outlet shops, restaurants, bars and a cinema, right next to the Spinnaker Tower.

5. Southsea seafront

Walk or cycle along the promenade, relax on the beach and enjoy the sea air. In summer, Southsea Common hosts events and festivals.

6. Southsea Castle

Built by Henry VIII in 1544 to defend the coast, the castle is right on the seafront.

7. The D-Day Story

This museum on the seafront tells the story of the D-Day landings of 1944, including the huge Overlord Embroidery.

8. Old Portsmouth

Explore the historic streets, the Round Tower and the harbour walls, and watch the ferries and ships come and go.

9. Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum

Visit the house where the famous author was born in 1812.

10. Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery

Learn about the city's history, from football to Sherlock Holmes. Read about our students' visit to the City Museum.

Bonus: a trip to the Isle of Wight

Ferries and hovercraft from Portsmouth make the Isle of Wight an easy and beautiful day trip.

Find out more about life in the city in the local area around ILC Portsmouth.