Portsmouth - United Kingdom

**Discover Portsmouth: A City Steeped in History and Maritime Heritage** Located on the picturesque Portsea Island, off the south coast of England, Portsmouth is a city like no other. As the only English city not situated primarily on the mainland, Portsmouth boasts a unique blend of maritime history, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. With a population of 208,100, it's also the most densely populated city in the United Kingdom. **A Rich History** Portsmouth's storied past dates back to Roman times, with its strategic location making it an essential Royal Navy dockyard and base for centuries. The city was founded by Anglo-Norman merchant Jean de Gisors in the south-west area of Portsea Island, now known as Old Portsmouth. Visitors can still see remnants of this rich history at the stunning Cathedral of St Thomas, one of two cathedrals in the city. **Maritime Heritage** The city's maritime heritage is on full display at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the National Museum of the Royal Navy and a collection of historic warships, including the Mary Rose, Lord Nelson's flagship, and HMS Warrior, the world's oldest ironclad warship. The dockyard also boasts the world's oldest dry dock, "The Great Stone Dock," originally built in 1698. **Modern Attractions** Beyond its historical significance, Portsmouth offers a range of modern attractions, including the iconic Spinnaker Tower, which dominates the waterfront and provides breathtaking views of the city and harbor. Visitors can also explore Gunwharf Quays, a large retail outlet destination that has transformed the former shore establishment into a bustling hub of shopping and dining. **A Thriving City** Portsmouth is more than just its history; it's a thriving city with a vibrant cultural scene. The University of Portsmouth enrolls 23,000 students, making it an important center for education and innovation. The city also hosts various annual events at Southsea Common, a large open-air public recreation space. **Getting Around** Portsmouth is well-connected to the rest of southern England via its mainline railway stations, which provide regular services to London Victoria and London Waterloo. Portsmouth International Port is a major commercial cruise ship and ferry port, handling around three million passengers annually. **A City for Everyone** With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, Portsmouth has something for everyone. From the stunning waterfront and historic dockyard to the vibrant cultural scene and bustling shopping centers, this city is sure to captivate visitors and residents alike. Whether you're interested in maritime heritage, cultural attractions, or simply exploring a new city, Portsmouth is an excellent choice. **Awards and Recognition** Portsmouth has received high scores across various categories, including amenities (B), commute (B), health (B), culture (B-), childcare & education (B+), and noise (B). Its overall score of A reflects the city's exceptional quality of life and numerous attractions.
'''Clockwise from top''': the city viewed from Portsdown Hill; ; Portsmouth Guildhall; Portsmouth Cathedral; the Spinnaker Tower alongside Portsmouth Harbour; Gunwharf Quays; Portchester Castle; and Old Portsmouth

Clockwise from top: the city viewed from Portsdown Hill; ; Portsmouth Guildhall; Portsmouth Cathedral; the Spinnaker Tower alongside Portsmouth Harbour; Gunwharf Quays; Portchester Castle; and Old Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Portsmouth
Country: United Kingdom
Population: 248440
Metropolitan Population: 855,679 (South Hampshire)
Area: 40.25 square kilometre
Web: http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
Governingbody: Portsmouth City Council
Time Zone: GMT+0
Time Zone DST: Wednesday 8:30 am+1
Postal code: PO
Area code: 023