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!

Taking place every August bank holiday weekend, Victorious Festival is a three-day spectacular on Southsea Common with some fantastic acts taking to a number of stages. There is also a kids arena and entertainment for the whole family - and you get to go home at the end of the night! So if you have never been to Victorious then grab a ticket if you can to see what the fuss is all about!

9. A visit to Victorious Festival

Taking place every August bank holiday weekend, Victorious Festival is a three-day spectacular on Southsea Common with some fantastic acts taking to a number of stages. There is also a kids arena and entertainment for the whole family - and you get to go home at the end of the night! So if you have never been to Victorious then grab a ticket if you can to see what the fuss is all about! Photo: Tom Langford

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Canoe Lake in Southsea is a brilliant place to visit on a sunny day. It is free to see the lake and you can get paddle boats out for a fee. There is also an ice cream hut where you can grab yourself a sweet treat and it is a popular place for crabbing! Picture: Keith Woodland

10. A visit to Canoe Lake - and maybe a trip on a pedalo!

Canoe Lake in Southsea is a brilliant place to visit on a sunny day. It is free to see the lake and you can get paddle boats out for a fee. There is also an ice cream hut where you can grab yourself a sweet treat and it is a popular place for crabbing! Picture: Keith Woodland Photo: Keith Woodland

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You are not a Portsmouth resident if you have not been to at least one event on Southsea Common! There are so many to choose from - the fantastic (and free) kite festival is one of my favourites! Picture: Chris Moorhouse (270724-18)

11. Go along to the kite festival (or in fact any event on Southsea Common)

You are not a Portsmouth resident if you have not been to at least one event on Southsea Common! There are so many to choose from - the fantastic (and free) kite festival is one of my favourites! Picture: Chris Moorhouse (270724-18) Photo: Chris Moorhouse

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As an island city it is no surprise that paddle boarding is such a popular hobby for many of our residents. There are great spots in the city but also outside of it to on the coast as well as in some of our local rivers. If you have never tried it then there are plenty of clubs which offer taster and tuition sessions. And if Horatio her (pictured) can give it a go then what is stopping you? Picture: Habibur Rahman

12. Having a go at paddle boarding

As an island city it is no surprise that paddle boarding is such a popular hobby for many of our residents. There are great spots in the city but also outside of it to on the coast as well as in some of our local rivers. If you have never tried it then there are plenty of clubs which offer taster and tuition sessions. And if Horatio her (pictured) can give it a go then what is stopping you? Picture: Habibur Rahman | Habibur Rahman

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