Portsmouth’s walking tours deliver history efficiently and without tourist traps. The standout Old Portsmouth Historical Tour packs 900 years of stories into a guide-led experience that’s worth every minute.
We love the Quirky Smartphone Heritage Tours for independent travelers – they let you explore at your own pace while uncovering local secrets through your phone.
The Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour is our top pick, offering the most thorough look at 2,000 years of local heritage with stops at major landmarks. These tours bring Portsmouth’s maritime and military past to life in ways guidebooks can’t.
Check out our ranked list of Portsmouth’s best walking tours below.
Good To Know
The Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour offers a 1.5-hour journey through over 900 years of the city’s rich history, led by a passionate local history teacher.
Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours provide a unique and immersive way to explore Portsmouth’s vibrant culture, with tours focused on wartime secrets, maritime heritage, and local lore.
The Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour covers 2,000 years of the city’s storied history, including access to the Historic Dockyard and the iconic Spinnaker Tower.
The Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour – an Infernal Den of Diabolical Demons explores the lesser-known, sinister past of Portsmouth, guided by a passionate local historian.
The Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth is a tailored small-group tour, family-friendly, and accessible for wheelchair users and mobility scooters.
Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour
The Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour provides visitors with a captivating 1.5-hour journey through over 900 years of the city’s rich history. Guests will discover the diabolical past of Old Portsmouth, uncover the truth about Admiral Nelson, and explore stories beyond what’s found in history books and on plaques.
Led by a passionate local history teacher, the tour is highly rated by past travelers for its informative and entertaining content. At just £380 per person, this wheelchair-accessible tour offers excellent value, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
The meeting point is the Landport Gate, directly opposite the bus stop outside Tesco Express in Old Portsmouth.
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Portsmouth: Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours
Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours in Portsmouth offer visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history through the power of modern technology. These tours utilize a smartphone app to guide participants on self-guided walks, unveiling the intriguing stories and hidden gems that have shaped Portsmouth’s past.
Whether you’re seeking to uncover the city’s wartime secrets, explore its maritime heritage, or simply experience the quirkier side of local lore, these tours provide a unique and immersive way to connect with the city’s vibrant culture. With the flexibility to explore at your own pace, you’ll discover Portsmouth’s historic charm like never before.
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Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour
For those seeking a deeper dive into Portsmouth’s storied past, the Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour offers an unparalleled experience. Led by a guide with over 40 years of local expertise, this 1.5-hour tour takes you on a captivating journey through the city’s 2,000-year history.
From the ancient Roman ruins to the modern-day naval dockyard, you’ll uncover the quirky tales and hidden gems that shaped Portsmouth’s rich heritage. With access to the Historic Dockyard and the iconic Spinnaker Tower, this tour promises an immersive exploration of the city’s past.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this walking tour is the perfect way to experience the true essence of Portsmouth.
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Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour – an Infernal Den of Diabolical Demons
Embarking on the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour promises an intriguing descent into the city’s diabolical underbelly. Guided by a passionate local historian, this 2-3 hour journey explores the lesser-known, sinister past of Portsmouth. Visitors will discover landmarks like the medieval Round Tower, while learning captivating stories of the area’s dark history.
The tour is suitable for both locals and travelers, with accessibility features like wheelchair and stroller access. With 44 excellent reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this walking tour offers an immersive experience for up to 15 travelers. Don’t miss the chance to uncover Portsmouth’s infernal den of diabolical demons on this unique historical excursion.
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Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth
Visitors looking to uncover Portsmouth’s rich history can join the Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth, led by knowledgeable local guides. This tailored small-group tour is family-friendly, with stories and historical tidbits to engage all ages.
The accessible route welcomes wheelchair users and mobility scooters, though it doesn’t visit the Historic Dockyard or board ships. Starting at the convenient Hard Interchange, the tour is near public transport and accessible by car.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, this highly recommended tour boasts a 99% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence from Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tours.
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Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth (APP/GPS)
The self-guided Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth, offered through the WalknTours app, lets adventurous travelers uncover the city’s eerie past at their own pace. Using GPS and an EMF reader, the tour starts at Ceres Bakery, where guests can learn about the building’s ghostly residents.
It then moves to the Sheaffe Street Inn Tavern, known for its haunted tales, and ends at the Portsmouth Brewery, which is said to be home to a resident spirit. Available 24/7 from May to December, this smartphone-guided experience offers a unique way to explore Portsmouth’s supernatural side. With over 50 positive reviews, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a spooky adventure.
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Travelers can frequently enjoy Portsmouth’s rich naval history through the private guided walking tour offered by Travelusion Tours. This 1 to 7-hour experience takes guests on a wheelchair and stroller-accessible journey from Southsea Castle to Gunwharf Quays.
Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insights into the city’s naval past. Bottled water is available upon request, and the tour runs daily from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, operating year-round. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can secure their spot while staying flexible.
Whether seeking a private experience or simply interested in Portsmouth’s naval heritage, this walking tour provides an engaging and accessible way to explore the city.
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Gardens of Portsmouth Walking Tour
For those seeking to enjoy the verdant beauty of Portsmouth, the Gardens of Portsmouth Walking Tour offers an engaging exploration of the city’s blooming wonders. Led by an expert guide, this 1-hour tour takes visitors on a stroll through the charming flower gardens of Portsmouth, including a stop at the Prescott Park Fountains. Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour is a delightful experience for all.
However, prospective travelers should be cautious, as a recent review has reported a scam involving a no-show guide. The tour’s overall positive rating and the inclusion of gratuities make it a promising option for those interested in discovering Portsmouth’s natural splendor.
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Private Walking Tour of Portsmouth
Immerse oneself in Portsmouth’s rich naval and military history with the Private Walking Tour. This 2-hour excursion takes guests on a journey through the city, exploring its storied past.
Led by knowledgeable guides fluent in Spanish and English, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all. Discover the impact of World War II on Portsmouth and admire the picturesque seaside views of the English Channel. Experience authentic city life along the way.
The tour route is included, though hotel pickup/drop-off, food, and gratuities are not. Meet the guide at the Hardt, just outside the Portsmouth Harbour train station, for this private group experience.
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The Sum Up
Portsmouth offers a variety of engaging walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history and quirky charm. From historical tours to haunted walks and naval expeditions, there’s something for all. Whether you prefer a guided experience or a self-guided adventure, you’ll discover the unique stories and hidden gems that make Portsmouth a fascinating destination.