Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, lived in Portsmouth too. He arrived here in 1882 to set up a doctor\u2019s practice, and gave his most famous character, Holmes, Portsmouth as a birth place. The Portsmouth Museum has a fascinating permanent Conan Doyle exhibition, which brings together books, photographs, objects, documents and memorabilia chronicling the writer\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
The more you spend, the more you save at Gunwharf Quays<\/h5>\n
Traditionally, outlet centres are plonked out of town, where the designer discounts provide the incentive to travel miles out of your way. At Portsmouth, the Gunwharf Quays outlet centre has prime position on the waterfront, and more than 90 designers to help motivate you for the very short trip there. Brands including Armani, Cath Kidston and Calvin Klein each have their own mini boutiques in this stylish enclave, and sell their wares at around 60 per cent off. Aim for classic buys and you can do some very savvy shopping indeed \u2013 and then have a lunch on the harbour, at one of the complex\u2019s many decent eateries with a view of the sea.<\/p>\n
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Marvel at the wreck of Henry VIII\u2019s favourite boat<\/h5>\n
The Mary Rose shouldn\u2019t really be here \u2013 it sank to a watery grave (along with some 360 out of a 400 strong crew) in 1545 while fighting the French navy. The wreck was raised in 1982, in a historic act of marine archeology, and now sits in a temperature and humidity controlled museum in Portsmouth. The Mary Rose museum brings to life this extraordinary craft \u2013 different tiered galleries explain what it might have been like to sail on her, via the many artefacts that remain intact \u2013 from combs to the skeleton of Hatch, the ship\u2019s onboard dog.<\/p>\n
Test your head for heights at the Spinnaker tower<\/h5>\n
At 170 metres above sea level, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big Ben. It was built to mark the Millennium, and has been stylishly developed to make the most of its considerable altitude. You can tentatively make your way across the glass Sky Walk and watch the boats chugging in the sea below your feet, or try the rib boat simulator, which gives you a taste of navigating the open sea. If you\u2019d rather sit back with a nice drink and take in the view of sea as far as you can see, then head to the cafe in the clouds, 105 metres above harbour level, providing the best panoramic in the area. Look out for the Portchester Castle west of the tower \u2013 this was Henry V’s base before he sailed for France and the Battle of Agincourt.<\/p>\n
Take the Nelson Trail<\/h5>\n
Meander through the streets of old Portsmouth and you\u2019ll get to Southsea Beach, where Admiral Lord Nelson was rowed out to his boat, HMS Victory, for the final time. The Admiral led a fascinating, intrepid life \u2013 and much of the time he spent on land was at Portsmouth. Take a self-guided trail to find out more about this national hero. Starting at Landport Gate in St George\u2019s Road, this walk leads you through parts of the old town of Portsmouth, highlighting places and buildings of interest in his life and following Nelson\u2019s steps on his last day. It\u2019s a self-guided trail, but interpretation panels along the way provide you with information and insight. Many old pubs are still standing from his time \u2013 legend has it that Nelson carved his name into the window at the Dolphin Inn. There\u2019s not much evidence of that now, but you can stand at the bar and enjoy a pint as the great man himself might have done.<\/p>\n
So check out our hotels in Portsmouth