landmark
Buckler’s Hard
A single Georgian street running down to the Beaulieu River, built as a shipbuilding village that supplied Nelson's navy.
23 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Portsmouth
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Portsmouth
Portsmouth works well as a base: 10 minutes from Cosham, 26km from South Downs National Park.
Portsmouth is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 208,100, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Portsmouth sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Portsmouth to your route.
About Portsmouth
The fortifications of Portsmouth are extensive due to its strategic position on the English Channel and role as home to the Royal Navy. For this reason, Portsmouth was, by the 19th century, one of the most fortified cities in the world. The fortifications have evolved over the centuries in response to changes inRead more
tactics and technology and the area defended has increased. While the first defences focused on Portsmouth Harbour, in step with the fortifications of Gosport, later defensive structures protected the whole of Portsea Island and an increasing distance inland. At the same time, the fortifications of Portsmouth and Gosport became part of the wider fortifications of the Solent. Old Portsmouth, on the southwest corner of Portsea Island, has been walled for much of its history.
Where to Stay in Portsmouth
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Portsmouth?
Plan your road trip to Portsmouth with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Portsmouth as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Portsmouth located?
Portsmouth is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 50.7990 latitude, -1.0913 longitude.
What is the population of Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has a population of approximately 208,100 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 208,100
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.7990, -1.0913
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Portsmouth
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
racetrack
Goodwood Motor Circuit
Historic circuit famous for the Revival and Festival of Speed, offering member track days on the original 1948 layout.
25 km · about 30 min drive
film location
Goodwood Motor Circuit (Ford v Ferrari and period racing)
The 1948 circuit used for period motorsport filming and the Goodwood Revival; the surrounding Sussex Downs lanes are excellent driving.
25 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
Loomies Moto Cafe
A beloved biker cafe on the A32 in Hampshire that draws motorcyclists from across southern England with its welcoming atmosphere and hearty food.
26 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
Caffeine & Machine: The Hut
The Hampshire outpost near the South Downs, 45 minutes from Goodwood and close to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
26 km · about 30 min drive
museum
National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Set in the grounds of a historic abbey, it houses over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring from 1893 to the present.
26 km · about 30 min drive
national park
South Downs National Park
Rolling chalk downland stretching from Winchester to the white cliffs of Beachy Head, England's newest national park.
26 km · about 30 min drive
historic highway
Goodwood Festival of Speed
The hillclimb course on the Goodwood estate driveway where Formula One cars, prewar Grand Prix machinery and rally legends run flat out past a country house each summer. The 1.16-mile course is estate road year-round.
26 km · about 30 min drive
Driving roads near Portsmouth
- 26 kmGoodwood Festival of SpeedThe hillclimb course on the Goodwood estate driveway where Formula One cars, prewar Grand Prix machinery and rally legends run flat out past a country house each summer. The 1.16-mile course is estate road year-round.
- 28 kmMilitary Road, Isle of WightThrilling clifftop road along the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight with sweeping sea views and access to dramatic landslip scenery.
- 37 kmRhinefield Ornamental DriveA New Forest road lined with giant redwoods and Douglas firs planted in 1859, running between Brockenhurst and the A35.
- 64 kmBallard DownThe chalk ridge above Swanage running out to Old Harry Rocks, with views over Poole Harbour and Studland Bay.
- 65 kmLeith HillThe highest point in south-east England at 294 m, its 18th-century tower taking visitors just above the 1,000-foot mark.
- 74 kmBox HillA steep chalk escarpment above the Mole valley, the Zig Zag Road on its flank made famous by the 2012 Olympic road race.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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