Accommodation in Portsmouth (www.enjoyengland.com/stay/searchresults.aspx?Sec=accommodation&advsrch=1&Rad=3&TowPosCd=portsmouth&durat=1&room=1&adult=1&child=0&RtValArr=&display=list&Lat=50.8093622867&Lon=-1.0717382753&Caption=Portsmouth,%20Hampshire)
Steeped in naval history, ‘Pompey’ also offers exhilarating aquatic adventures, stunning sea views and great bargains.
Britain’s only island city has unparalleled opportunities to take to the water. One experience guaranteed to take your breath away is beginners’ freediving in the warm (34°C) waters of the Navy’s submarine escape training tank, courtesy of Deeper Blue. Another is Predator’s adrenaline-inducing inflatable ride into the Solent. Qualified divers can go exploring sunken wrecks, and the marina at Port Solent offers yacht charters for sailors of all levels. If you haven’t found your sea legs yet, sign up for a weekend course in sailing or powerboating at the Portsmouth Outdoor Centre, brave the Sidewinder flume at the Pyramids fun pools, or stay dry in the underwater tunnel at the Blue Reef Aquarium.
For more traditional seaside amusement, play the arcades on Southsea’s Victorian pier, catch a free concert at the Bandstand or simply meander along miles of pebbled beaches. A round at Southsea’s nine-hole golf links offers a little gentle exercise, and an admirable selection of cakes at its Tenth Hole tearoom. You can always walk the calories off along the esplanade and find a guide to help you follow Nelson’s last steps, before he set off for death and glory at Trafalgar.
