So many of see the Spinnaker Tower pretty much everyday as part of our skyline, but so many of us have never actually been inside unless it is part of an trip or we have visiting family from outside the area. It is not just for tourists, it is for residents of our city and its surrounding towns and villages too. So if you have never taken a walk across that glass floor and looked out at the spectacular views across the Solent then what are you waiting for? (And of course it goes without saying you should make the most of Gunwharf Quays as well!)placeholder image
So many of see the Spinnaker Tower pretty much everyday as part of our skyline, but so many of us have never actually been inside unless it is part of an trip or we have visiting family from outside the area. It is not just for tourists, it is for residents of our city and its surrounding towns and villages too. So if you have never taken a walk across that glass floor and looked out at the spectacular views across the Solent then what are you waiting for? (And of course it goes without saying you should make the most of Gunwharf Quays as well!) | Visit Portsmouth

29 bucket list things every Portsmouth resident must have done or seen in our glorious city

By Kelly Brown

Editor

Published 25th Sep 2024, 23:41 GMT

Ship spotting, scenic strolls and feeling like a pirate are all fabulous ‘bucket list’ activities which every Portsmouth resident must have done (or need to do) to be a true Pompey local.

There are also some quirky things that only happens in Portsmouth with every local must have seen or experienced.

And on top of that, so much of our fabulous city heritage is often just walked past every single day - instead being left for the tourists - and we need to make sure we take the time to really know who we are as a city.

So we put together this guide of 27 things you have see or do to truly call yourself a proud resident of our great city!

The Rose Garden at the former site of Lumps Fort in Southsea is a beautiful place to relax and, in full bloom, has many varieties of roses to admire. It is the perfect place to sit in peace and take in a few quiet minutes during a walk along Southsea

5. Chilling out in the Rose Garden

The Rose Garden at the former site of Lumps Fort in Southsea is a beautiful place to relax and, in full bloom, has many varieties of roses to admire. It is the perfect place to sit in peace and take in a few quiet minutes during a walk along Southsea Photo: -

Photo Sales
The branch in North End is the only Uncle Sams outside of Sussex and serves one of the best take-away burgers in the city. Yes you need to wait as they cook them fresh - but it is worth the wait!

6. Enjoy a burger at Uncle Sams

The branch in North End is the only Uncle Sams outside of Sussex and serves one of the best take-away burgers in the city. Yes you need to wait as they cook them fresh - but it is worth the wait! | Google streetview

Photo Sales
If you have never taken a stroll from Old Portsmouth all the way along to Eastney then you are simply missing out! The walk is around three miles (longer if you continue all the way to where the Hayling Ferry operates) and takes in fantastic scenery from the cobbled streets and quirky houses in Old Portsmouth to the stunning views across the Solent along the esplanade. There are diversions in place as a result of the ongoing sea defence works, but that can't get in the way of a good walk.

7. A stroll from Old Portsmouth to Eastney

If you have never taken a stroll from Old Portsmouth all the way along to Eastney then you are simply missing out! The walk is around three miles (longer if you continue all the way to where the Hayling Ferry operates) and takes in fantastic scenery from the cobbled streets and quirky houses in Old Portsmouth to the stunning views across the Solent along the esplanade. There are diversions in place as a result of the ongoing sea defence works, but that can't get in the way of a good walk. | My Portsmouth By Drone Photo: My Portsmouth By Drone

Photo Sales
You cannot be a Pompey resident if you have not watched one of the Royal Navy ships leave her home port or, even better, return home. Crowds always line up at the Hot Walls, Round Tower and at Spice Island to catch the best views on this side of the harbour - though you of course get a pretty great view from Gosport too! And if you are lucky enough to see one of the aircraft carriers then it really is something special. Picture: Habibur Rahman

8. Watching the Royal Navy ships coming in and out of the harbour

You cannot be a Pompey resident if you have not watched one of the Royal Navy ships leave her home port or, even better, return home. Crowds always line up at the Hot Walls, Round Tower and at Spice Island to catch the best views on this side of the harbour - though you of course get a pretty great view from Gosport too! And if you are lucky enough to see one of the aircraft carriers then it really is something special. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 8
Next Page
Related topics:Portsmouthfirst person
News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice