Venues for UK Sporting Events

Portsmouth is rightly famed for its naval heritage and harbour, but besides this there is so much more for you to discover. Explore the museums to find out about the events and people that have shaped the city across the centuries. Make the most of the parks and seafront when the weather is good, or join in one of the many special events that take place here throughout the year. When you're looking to spend your hard-earned cash, take advantage of not one but three main shopping areas and an abundance of places to eat.

Portsmouth is a city steeped in history with an impressive cast of characters from maritime heroes to literary giants.

From its humble beginnings as a Saxon fishing village, Portsmouth developed into a military garrison town and then into the home of one of the most powerful sea-borne fighting forces in history. There's quite a story to tell!

Visit the birthplace of Charles Dickens, see where Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock Holmes, stand in the spot King Henry VIII watched the sinking of his ship, the Mary Rose and walk the route of many naval heroes in the cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth.

Look out for the Renaissance Trail set into the Millennium Promenades. From Spur Redoubt in Old Portsmouth to the gate of Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard you can walk the trail now and enjoy some fascinating glimpses of the past.

With an irresistible mix of old and new there are plenty of attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

With its unique history and maritime heritage it is no surprise that Portsmouth offers visitors a staggering 12 museums, from the birthplace of Charles Dickens, to the fortresses and castles that were the backbone of this Garrison Town.

However, no visit would be complete without a trip to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see how the sailors of old lived their lives serving the nation in the great warships, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

And whilst Portsmouth is proud of its past we are also racing into the future with attractions such as the Blue Reef Aquarium, the interactive Actions Stations and the highly impressive Spinnaker Tower in which visitors can climb to heights of 110metres and experience views across the South Coast, just don’t look down.

Portsmouth is host to a range of events throughout the year. From the colourful annual Portsmouth and Southsea Show, Kite Festival and the Great South Run to maritime events such as the International Festival of the Sea.

Portsmouth has a great track record for attracting big events with international appeal to the city.