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!

Portsdown Hill provides a wildlife haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city - and also one of the most stunning view in the city. The main carpark is also home to the famous "Mick's Monster Burgers" which I'm sure almost everyone in the city must have tried at one time of another!

21. Taking in the views at Portsdown Hill

Portsdown Hill provides a wildlife haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city - and also one of the most stunning view in the city. The main carpark is also home to the famous "Mick's Monster Burgers" which I'm sure almost everyone in the city must have tried at one time of another! Photo: Submitted

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If you want to feed the ducks then look no further than a trip to Baffins Pond in Portsmouth which has plenty - as well as a playground to burn off some energy. Other great places to feed the ducks include Foxes Forest at Hilsea, Milton Common, Holly Hill, Alver Valley Country Park and Petersfield Lake.

22. A little stroll around Baffins Pond to feed the ducks

If you want to feed the ducks then look no further than a trip to Baffins Pond in Portsmouth which has plenty - as well as a playground to burn off some energy. Other great places to feed the ducks include Foxes Forest at Hilsea, Milton Common, Holly Hill, Alver Valley Country Park and Petersfield Lake. Photo: Chris Moorhouse

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Now to be clear, I'm not encouraging or supporting this - but every Portsmouth resident must have seen the Queen Elizabeth Fountain filled with bubbles at one time or another. It is an (unfortunate) Pompey tradition which has been happening for as long as I can remember. So no Portsmouth resident can have lived in this city and not seen the consequences

23. Seeing the city centre fountain filled with bubbles

Now to be clear, I'm not encouraging or supporting this - but every Portsmouth resident must have seen the Queen Elizabeth Fountain filled with bubbles at one time or another. It is an (unfortunate) Pompey tradition which has been happening for as long as I can remember. So no Portsmouth resident can have lived in this city and not seen the consequences | The News

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Our city is thought to have been founded around 1180 by Jean de Gisors, an Anglo-Norman merchant and its sea roots have been the key in shaping it ever since then. The city has been a major home of the British Royal Navy since 1194 and its key importance also brought with it the consequence of it being repeatedly bombed during the second world war. However it was also the staging post and vital cog in the D-Day Landings which were planned and organised from our city. A visit to the D-Day story in Southsea is a must to really find out how this important operation brought about the end of the war but also continued to shape our city. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 130324-05)

24. Find out how our city was shaped over the past century

Our city is thought to have been founded around 1180 by Jean de Gisors, an Anglo-Norman merchant and its sea roots have been the key in shaping it ever since then. The city has been a major home of the British Royal Navy since 1194 and its key importance also brought with it the consequence of it being repeatedly bombed during the second world war. However it was also the staging post and vital cog in the D-Day Landings which were planned and organised from our city. A visit to the D-Day story in Southsea is a must to really find out how this important operation brought about the end of the war but also continued to shape our city. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 130324-05) Photo: Chris Moorhouse

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