Surrounded by the sea of one side and the countryside on the other it is not hard to see why Portsmouth attracts so many visitors each year and why we love our quirky South Coast (largely) island city
We’ve narrowed down the list of things which evoke Pompey our pride to 26 – one for each letter of the alphabet:
21. U is for University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is a highly regarded institution. It was handed 33rd place in The Guardian University Guide 2024 – having risen up the league table by 34 places from last year. Photo: -
22. V is for (HMS) Victory
Lord Nelson's flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar, this warship participated in one of Britain's most famous naval victories. She now calls Portsmouth Historic Dockyard home, where she is currently undergoing restoration, and you can go and visit her. Photo: -
23. W is for (HMS) Warrior
One of the Royal Navy's first armour-plated, iron-hulled warships, HMS Warrior is now berthed in the harbour as part of the Historic Dockyard. She is a reminder of Portsmouth's proud naval history. Photo: Neil Harris
24. X is for Xmas (and yes we know we are cheating)
Gunwharf's Christmas Village has dubbed as one of the most picture perfect in the country and is the perfect spot for festive shopping. But with great markets and events across the whole city - and well as a choice of brilliant pantomimes there really is no better place to be at Christmas. Photo: -