//
Photo: en:User:AlanFord, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Offers amazing views across Portsmouth and the South Downs. Just to the rear (north) of Portsmouth, it is a world away with countryside walks and traditional pubs.
Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in Hampshire, England. The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131 m above sea level. The ridge offers good views to the south over Portsmouth, the Solent, Hayling Island and Gosport, with the Isle of Wight beyond. The hill is on the mainland, just to the north of Portsea Creek, which separates the mainland from Portsea Island, on which lies the main part of the city of Portsmouth, one of the United Kingdom's main naval bases. To the north lies the Forest of Bere, with the South Downs visible in the distance. Butser Hill can be seen on a clear day. The hill is formed from an inlier of chalk which has been brought to the surface by an east–west upfold of the local strata known as the Portsdown Anticline.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Sits just on Portsdown Hill and is free of charge to visit.
About 5 mi from Portsmouth is one of the best preserved Roman fortifications in Northern Europe. The castle's keep was built in Norman times (largely from recycled Roman brick) and extensive late Roman structures remain although ruinous. The castle is well sign posted, and served by regular buses, Portchester rail station is a 10-min walk north.
The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in 1812.
The Mary Rose Museum houses the remains of Henry VIII’s flagship, which sank in 1545 and was raised in 1982 after more than 400 years underwater. The museum is built around the preserved hull, displayed in a climate-controlled environment alongside thousands of Tudor artefacts recovered from the wreck. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
A major naval heritage site within an active Royal Navy base, featuring historic warships including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. It also includes the National Museum of the Royal Navy and other museums, exhibitions and interactive attractions. Allow at least half a day to a full day depending on interest.