The city of Portsmouth is 40.25 kilometres. And, yet, 238,800 people live within the city, making it the most densely populated city in not just England, but the entire United Kingdom.
Since Portsmouth is such a dense city, there is an abundance of places to connect with new friends and, despite the city’s small size, a variety of places to enjoy with those friends.
Right outside of Portsmouth – a train ride away – are Southampton, London, and Bristol. Since Portsmouth is so close to those cities, the city offers a similarly vibrant, youthful ambience.
Areas Of Interest
Portsmouth offers a wide variety of interesting places to explore and fun activities to enjoy. You will find three of the best places, and the unique activities they offer, right below.
Portsmouth City Museum
The city of Portsmouth was founded on May 2nd, of 1194. Since this is the case, the city possesses a rich history connected to a wide variety of different periods and events.
You can find a wide variety of exhibits, located all across Portsmouth City Museum’s three floors, that illustrate the city’s rich history. Some of these exhibits include:
• A Dock Worker’s Kitchen From 1871
• A 17th Century Bedroom
• A Victorian Parlour Room
• A Decorative Arts Gallery With Pieces From 1600 To Now
• A Sherlock Holmes Exhibition
Each one of these exhibits is free. But, of course, donations are always welcome.
Victoria Park
Opened on May 25th, of 1878, Victoria Park was Portsmouth’s first park. Even though Victoria Park is smaller than some of Portsmouth’s newer parks, it still offers much to enjoy.
You can find, within the 15 acres that comprise the park, a variety of attractions. Some of the most notable attractions include:
• An Aviary
• Exotic Birds
• A Multitude Of Different Trees
• Unique Flowers
• An Enclosed Animal Habitat
Outside of those attractions, Victoria Park houses several unique monuments, and a small cafe.
Gunwharf Quays
Situated in the Portsea region of Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays is a shopping mall. Really, though, it’s more than that, as the mall sits on a formal naval yard known as “HM Gunwharf”.
Sometime in 1706 – the exact date is unknown – HM Gunwharf was opened. For several centuries, HM Gunwharf served as one of England’s most important naval yards.
Soon after World War 2 ended, though, the naval yard became less and less important. This is what led to HM Gunwharf being remodelled and, in turn, the creation of Gunwharf Quays.
Many of the original structures – as well as the original naval architectural style – that comprised HM Gunwharf can be found within Gunwharf Quays.
Some of the venues located within the shopping mall include:
• A Bowling Alley
• Luxury Fashion Stores
• Restaurants
• A Cinema
• Swiss Watch Shops
Outside of those venues, there are a number of well-preserved structures and buildings right outside of the mall.
Transportation In Portsmouth
Portsmouth offers a variety of cycling paths, a reliable bus system, and an extensive railway network. Outside of those options, the city is also great for those who enjoy walking or driving.
Cycling In Portsmouth
Cycling in Portsmouth is easy and enjoyable, as the city is both flat and compact. You can, as a result of these qualities, cycle anywhere in the city, with remarkable ease.
Outside of those qualities, Portsmouth also offers ten cycling routes. Some of the best cycling routes include:
• Cosham Station To Fratton Station
• Fratton Station To The Pyramid Centre
• Rudmore Roundabout To Eastern Road
• Northern Parade To Eastern Road
• Gunwharf Quays To Hayling Island Ferry
Each one of these cycling routes is quiet – there are very few cars on the road – and scenic.
Taking The Bus In Portsmouth
The city of Portsmouth relies on two bus operators: First Bus and Stagecoach. You can ride the buses these companies operate to reach any point in the city during most hours of the day.
For a First Bus ticket, you should keep these figures in mind:
• 1-Day Ticket - 4.50-Pounds
• 1-Week Ticket - 17-Pounds
• 1-Month Ticket - 66-Pounds
For a Stagecoach ticket, you should keep these figures in mind:
• 1-Day Ticket - 4.40-Pounds
• 1-Week Ticket - 17-Pounds
• 4-Week Ticket - 62-Pounds
No matter the ticket you purchase, or the bus you ride, you won’t have any problems getting where you want to go.
Riding The Train In Portsmouth
The city of Portsmouth houses three railway stations:
• Portsmouth Harbour
• Portsmouth & Southsea
• Fratton
You can use these railway stations to reach a variety of places. Some of these places include:
• Southampton
• London
• Brighton
• Bristol
• Cardiff
The exact cost of a ticket depends on your destination and accommodation. But, no matter where you are going, or the accommodation you select, you will have a pleasant experience.
What’s On?
The city of Portsmouth is home to one university and two colleges. Given this fact, Portsmouth offers a plethora of excellent student venues. You will find three of the best venues below.
The Astoria
Everything a club should offer can be found at The Astoria. You will find, within The Astoria:
• Big, Open Dancefloors
• Cheap Drinks
• Great DJs
• Frequent Events
To sweeten the deal even further, The Astoria offers “Dirty Disco”. Dirty Disco is an event that takes place every Tuesday and, with this event, comes:
• An Exclusive DJ
• Stilt Walkers
• Fire Breathers
• Discounted Drinks
No matter when you visit The Astoria, though, you’re in for a lively, memorable time.
Eden
You can visit The Astoria and enjoy an intense, energetic club experience. But, for something even more intense and energetic, Eden is the place to be.
You will, when you visit Eden, enjoy:
• A Vivid Light Show
• Some Great Tunes
• Cheap Drinks
• Intense, Energetic Dancing
Each one of these elements can be found in Eden’s three dance floors. Every dance floor offers a unique theme:
• Hedonist - A Modern Club Theme With R&B & Current Hits
• Paradise - A Tropical Theme With Classic Tropical Music
• Genesis - A Party Theme With Party Anthems From The 1980s To 2000s
For the most affordable experience possible, you can visit Eden on Friday or Saturday. Both are “Club Night” and, as such, drinks are discounted and, if you arrive before 11PM, entry is free.
Mr. Miyagi’s
Situated just two doors down from The Astoria, Mr. Miyagi’s offers a unique Asian-inspired aesthetic, a collection of unique drinks, as well as a plethora of delights to enjoy.
Some of the most notable experiences Mr. Miyagi’s offers include:
• Dancing
• Beer Pong
• Pool
• Live Electronic Music
Each one of these activities is delightful. But, Mr. Miyagi’s is most well-known for beer pong. For this reason, every Monday is “Beer Pong Night”.
On Beer Pong Night, you can enjoy discounted drinks, a good DJ, and, of course, beer pong.
Conclusion
The city of Portsmouth offers many places to enjoy, a great transportation system, and a plethora of excellent student venues.
Students who choose to live and study in Portsmouth will have a great time.
Max Akin Writing 