Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Portsmouth and want a friendly, insightful way to get to know the city’s history, this Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour might be just what you’re after. Spanning roughly an hour and a half, it promises to bring to life the stories of sailors, heroes, villains, and the city’s role in shaping the world, all told by a guide with over 40 years of local experience.

What really draws us to this tour is the mix of quirky stories and historical insights. It’s not just about dates and ships — the guide’s knack for sharing weird, bizarre, and personal tales makes history feel lively and relatable. Plus, the fantastic photo opportunities along the way mean you’ll come away with memorable images of Portsmouth’s charming streets.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this is a walking tour with no included entry to attractions like the historic dockyard or Spinnaker Tower — so if you’re eager to go inside these sights, you’ll need to budget extra. Also, it’s geared towards those who enjoy stories and history in a relaxed, informal setting, making it a great fit for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling over a structured museum visit.

Ultimately, this tour is perfect for history buffs, families with kids (activity books are provided for the little ones), or anyone wanting a friendly overview of Portsmouth’s past without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a brief, engaging introduction that combines history, fun facts, and local color, you’ll probably get your money’s worth.

Key Points

• Affordable: At just around $13.50, it offers good value for a guided 1.5-hour city walk.
• Expert Guide: The guide’s extensive local knowledge makes all the difference in delivering an engaging experience.
• Quirky Stories: Expect lots of unusual facts and personal tales that you won’t find in standard guidebooks.
• Photo Opportunities: The route offers plenty of chances to snap Portsmouth’s charming streets and historic sights.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and scooter accessible, plus dog-friendly, which makes it inclusive.
• Charity Support: All gratuities benefit Cancer Research UK, adding a feel-good aspect to your walk.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into Portsmouth’s Past

This walking tour centers on Old Portsmouth, an area packed with centuries of stories, colourful characters, and historic landmarks. Starting at The Hard Interchange near the Portsmouth Harbour Station, the route takes you through the heart of the city’s maritime history, from Roman times to modern naval power.

Starting Point: The Hard Interchange

You’ll begin your adventure just a stone’s throw from the Portsmouth Harbour Station, making it easy to access whether you arrive by train or bus. Look out for the Portsmouth of the Past board and banner, which mark the meeting spot. The nearby Gosport Ferry and other transport options mean you can easily fit this into a day of exploring Portsmouth.

The Tour Itself: What to Expect

This isn’t a typical sightseeing walk with a focus solely on grand monuments or museums. Instead, it’s about stories — lively, sometimes amusing, and often bizarre tales of Portsmouth’s residents and its naval legacy. Your guide, Steve, with his wealth of local knowledge, will guide you through the streets, sharing anecdotes, historical tidbits, and even some weird & bizarre facts that give you a fresh perspective on this seaside city.

Highlights of the Route

• Ancient Portsmouth: Learn about the Roman roots at Portus Adurni, the original site of Portchester Castle. We loved how the guide connected these ancient origins to the modern city.
• Development of Old Portsmouth: Moving into the medieval period and beyond, stories of how the area grew and changed over centuries come alive.
• Naval Power: The walk covers Portsmouth’s naval history, including its shipbuilding and dockyard, which played a key role in shaping the city’s identity.
• Modern Landmarks: While the walk doesn’t go inside the attractions, it offers interesting insights into sites like the aircraft carriers docked nearby and the historic dockyard.

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What Really Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the best things about this walk is the personal touch from your guide. Several reviews praise Steve’s friendly manner and deep knowledge, with one reviewer stating, “Steve gives us a great 1 1/2 hour tour… a very nice introduction to Portsmouth.” It’s clear that passionate guides make a big difference, bringing history to life with enthusiasm and personal stories.

The Experience for Families and Casual Visitors

Families will find this tour engaging, especially with the activity books for children, which help younger travelers stay interested with age-appropriate content. The fact that the tour is dog-friendly and accessible makes it inclusive for all kinds of visitors.

The Value and Price

At just $13.47 per person, this tour provides a good bang for your buck. You’re paying for a knowledgeable guide, a friendly atmosphere, and a walk through history that’s more lively than reading plaques or wandering alone. Keep in mind, if you want to explore Portsmouth’s attractions more deeply, there are paid entries for the dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower, and other sites, which this tour doesn’t include.

Real-World Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers consistently mention how informative and entertaining Steve is. For example, one notes, “Steve the guide was excellent full of information and stories,” emphasizing the personal touch. Another mentions the visual aids like photos and maps that help bring Portsmouth’s history to life.

Walking and Duration

Since the walk lasts about 1.5 hours, it’s perfect for a quick, yet meaningful overview. The route’s designed to be leisurely, with enough stops to catch your breath and take photos, making it suitable even for those who prefer a relaxed pace. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the walk covers several points of interest.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re into history, storytelling, and want to see Portsmouth in a relaxed, engaging way, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview, families wanting a fun and educational walk, or anyone on a budget looking for a meaningful activity.

People who appreciate local insights and enjoy uncovering quirky facts will find this a gem. However, if you’re after inside access to the dockyards or panoramic views from the Spinnaker Tower, you’ll need to plan additional visits.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and activity books are provided to keep them engaged. The relaxed pace makes it manageable for kids and families.

Does the tour include entry to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or other attractions?
No, the tour does not include entrance fees to attractions like the dockyard or Spinnaker Tower. It’s a guided walk through the city’s streets and stories.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 1.5 hours of walking, covering various points of interest around Old Portsmouth.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it’s wheelchair and scooter accessible, making it inclusive for those with mobility needs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your trip planning.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended. If the weather looks bad, contact the tour provider to see if the tour will be conducted indoors or rescheduled.

Final Thoughts

This Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour offers a friendly, affordable way to connect with the city’s history beyond the usual museums. With a knowledgeable guide, lively stories, and great photo opportunities, it’s well-loved by those who’ve experienced it. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy storytelling, quirky facts, and a casual walk through history.

While it doesn’t include entry to major sights, the value lies in the personal narratives and local insights that make Portsmouth’s streets and history come alive. It’s a solid choice for first-timers, families, and budget-conscious travelers who want a genuine feel for what makes Portsmouth special.

If you’re after a relaxed, engaging overview without the crowds or high prices, this tour might just be the perfect starting point for your Portsmouth visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: