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Institute of Tourists Guiding

MR 04676

Portsmouth Town Tours

Discover naval heritage and much more

Discover all that this maritime city has to offer

Portsmouth.  The city on an island, a natural harbour and a foremost maritime city.

The names Mary Rose, HMS Victory, Horatio Nelson, Spinnaker Tower just ooze salt water.

But Portsmouth is also the birthplace of Charles Dickens and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the location for the marriage of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza, and the murders of a Bishop and a Duke, and the departure point of the first settlers of Australia.

Hatches, matches and dispatches perhaps.  Let us explore.

 

 

Customise your tour

Create your ideal day by selecting any of the options from the table below. Choose your distance, time or type of activity. At any point, feel free to get in touch and we will help you build the perfect tour for you and your group.

Type of activityApproximate lengthAbility
Portsmouth's defences
75 minutes (1 mile, 1.5 kilometres)
Gentle - for all abilities and ages
Portsmouth beyond the maritime bits
2 hours (2 miles, 3 kilometres)
Medium - average level of fitness
Hatches, matches and dispatches - all the stories
Half day, up to 4 hours (3 to 4 miles (5 to 7 kilometres)
Medium - average level of fitness
Portsmouth in depth
Full day, up to 9 hours (distance variable)
Medium - average level of fitness

Discuss your unique needs for your trip?

Contact us

Nautical and non-nautical tour options

A 75 minute walk will allow us to explore Spice Island at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, and find out all about the various defences .

A longer walk takes us up the High Street to visit the cathedral, Nelson’s departure point, the Domus Dei and John Pounds’ shop.

These can be combined into a half day of exploration.

The full day options are almost endless.  As well as the walks, we could visit the Historic Dockyard (Mary Rose, HMS Victory or a harbour trip).  We could visit the D-Day Story at Southsea, along with Southsea Castle.

Here are just a few of Portsmouth's sights:

Qualifications and accreditations

  • Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding
  • Member of the British Guild of Tourist Guides
  • Blue Badge Guide for South and South East England 2011
  • Blue Badge Guide for South West England 2014
  • Member of Association of Wessex Tourist Guides
  • Member of Midsomer Tours
  • Guiding endorsement for Windsor and Eton
  • Accredited Tourist Guide Examiner

Andrew Lannerd

Transcendent Travel

For the past few years, Graham and the team at Tours 2 order have offered my clients a friendly, behind-the-scenes look at a variety of locations. I cannot recommend them enough for their professionalism, knowledge and approach, which is always well-received by my guests.

Canadian visitor

Toronto

Was very knowledgeable, and communicated to all of us easily and thoughtfully.

Michelle Patrick

Hobbs of Henley

Graham has been a Blue Badge guide on quite a few of our specialist river trips on the Thames. He is a very informative guide and professional and it is a pleasure to work with him”

HF Holidays guest

Graham is an excellent leader – knowledgeable, convivial, collaborative.

Discuss your unique needs for your trip?

Contact us

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Get in touch

If you have any questions about a tour, or if you're interested in booking, then don't hesitate to get in touch.