Portsmouth to stop off

Mankysteve

Shortly making a trip to the IOW and would like some idea of where to stop for a few hours on the way back, doesn't need to child friendly as for three adult. We are National trust and English heritage members as well.

Thin our route will be Portsmouth-A34-m40-m42-M1

prowla

You could go around the old dockyard (signs are "Historic Seafront"), where the Victory is.

There is also the Gunwharfe Quays retail outlet.

pompeyrich

It really depends on what sort of thing you want, much as I love Portsmouth, I would say the historic dockyard needs at least the whole day, if not more to fully explore.

Gunwharf is right next to the IOW ferry port and as prowla says is a nice designer type outlet with lots of bars and eateries, the Spinnaker tower is accessed from there too.

You are spoiled for choice on your route home, starting from Portsmouth you will pass close to Winchester, large medieval cathedral and nice older style shopping, Newbury is another nice town to explore, then it's Oxford, no introduction needed. Biscester village for another designer outlet, then Stratford upon Avon, with all the Shakespeare stuff and quaint old buildings, or just a stroll, or punt, along the river, Ann hathaways cottage and much more.

As I said plenty of options to kill a couple of hours and all within a few minutes of your route North

PompeyPete

pompeyrich wrote: »

It really depends on what sort of thing you want, much as I love Portsmouth, I would say the historic dockyard needs at least the whole day, if not more to fully explore.

Gunwharf is right next to the IOW ferry port and as prowla says is a nice designer type outlet with lots of bars and eateries, the Spinnaker tower is accessed from there too.

Or, if it's a nice day have a wander down to Old Portsmouth. Take a packed lunch and sit on the Round Tower, take in the views out into The Solent and watch all the traffic on the water. Or for something more substantial to eat and a pint try the Spice Island Inn or Still & West pub...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUlUTH4oEnc

Getting there from the Wightlink Ferryport takes 5 minutes on foot. Exit, turn right onto White Hart Road past the small fishing port, carry on to the junction at the end, walk across and up the steps to the sea front, or turn right to the get to the camber and pubs mentioned above.

Went down there on our bikes with a packed lunch on Wednesday, and it was glorious.:)

vikingaero

The last couple of times we've been to the Dockyard we haven't been able to see everything in one day let alone a few hours. It would only be worth it if you plan to revisit within 1 year of your ticket.

Even shopping at Gunwharf Quays is a little bit "meh". I would suggest The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson which is about 7 miles out of Portsmouth and most of all is free!

PompeyPete

vikingaero wrote: »

Even shopping at Gunwharf Quays is a little bit "meh". I would suggest The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson which is about 7 miles out of Portsmouth and most of all is free!

You don't have to shop at Gunwharf, there's plenty to see for free, same as Old Portsmouth.

Take a packed lunch and away you go, lots of places to stop, sit, watch...all with a different vista.

I like Fort Nelson too, but best to check first whether there's anything going on there that might get in the way of a full visit.

ern1984

Beautiful travel and beautiful areas I once made ​​the entire coast from Portsmouth up to truro which is beautiful indeed a masterpiece !

missbiggles1

If you're travelling a distance north I'd give Portsmouth a miss as it won't break up the journey in any way. You don't say where you live and I don't know the road numbers but, if you say where is around your half way mark, you may get better suggestions.

PompeyPete

Mankysteve wrote: »

Think our route will be Portsmouth-A34-m40-m42-M1

pompeyrich wrote: »

You are spoiled for choice on your route home, starting from Portsmouth you will pass close to Winchester, large medieval cathedral and nice older style shopping, Newbury is another nice town to explore, then it's Oxford, no introduction needed. Biscester village for another designer outlet, then Stratford upon Avon, with all the Shakespeare stuff and quaint old buildings, or just a stroll, or punt, along the river, Ann hathaways cottage and much more.

As I said plenty of options to kill a couple of hours and all within a few minutes of your route North

missbiggles1 wrote: »

You don't say where you live and I don't know the road numbers but, if you say where is around your half way mark, you may get better suggestions.

Plenty of suggestions enroute from pompeyrich. I'll add Banbury and Warwick.