Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Guided Walk

If you’re visiting Portsmouth and want to get a real feel for its history beyond guidebooks, a guided walk through Old Portsmouth is a fantastic choice. This tour, offered by Sally Port Tours, promises a lively exploration of the city’s most historic streets, complete with stories, hidden corners, and a chance to relax at a classic pub. While I haven’t taken the tour myself, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-rounded, engaging experience that offers genuine value.

What makes this walk especially appealing? First, the knowledgeable guides make history come alive, sharing fascinating tales—including the story of Admiral Lord Nelson’s last walk—making history memorable. Second, the visit to the Sally Port Inn, with its four floors of antiques, feels more like a small museum, giving a tangible sense of the area’s storied past. Third, the tour’s relaxed pace includes a refreshment stop, which is perfect for recharging and soaking in the atmosphere. A potential drawback? The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues due to some uneven steps and short flights of stairs. This experience suits history buffs, curious travelers, and those looking for a blend of education and local charm.

Good To Know

• Engaging guides make the history accessible and fun
• Includes a visit to the Sally Port Inn, a historic pub and antique museum
• Focus on local stories like Admiral Nelson’s last walk and Buster Crabb’s debrief
• Accessible for most travelers (wheelchair accessible, but with some limitations)
• Ideal for those wanting authentic, insider insights in a relaxed setting
• Clarity on what’s included and excluded helps plan your visit effectively

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Old Portsmouth: A Detailed Look at the Tour

This guided walk is designed to walk you through centuries of Portsmouth’s history in roughly 90 minutes, starting at the historic Sally Port Inn. The experience aims to blend storytelling, sightseeing, and local culture, making it a well-rounded introduction to this part of Hampshire. We’ll break down what you can expect at each stage, and highlight what makes it special.

The Meeting Point: The Sally Port Inn

Your adventure begins at the Sally Port Inn, a pub with an illustrious past, located at PO1 2LU on the high street. From the moment you step inside, you’re stepping into a piece of history itself. The pub’s four floors serve as an antique shop and small museum, more akin to a treasure trove of local artifacts. It’s a perfect warm-up before the walk, with complimentary tea or coffee and biscuits, setting a cozy tone for your exploration.

The Safety Briefing and Introduction

After settling in, the group receives a safety briefing, likely lasting around 30 minutes. This is also where your guide—whose name isn’t specified but praised for their knowledge—will outline the route and give a quick overview of what’s to come. This initial chat helps set expectations and ensures everyone feels comfortable, especially in a group.

The Guided Walk: Discovering Hidden Gems and Stories

The heart of the experience is the 1.5-hour guided walk through Old Portsmouth’s narrow streets, historic pubs, and ancient landmarks. Expect your guide to be well-versed in local lore, pointing out details you might miss on your own. From the picturesque cobblestone lanes to remaining remnants of fortress walls, each corner has a story.

Authentic insights from previous guests highlight the quality of the guides. One reviewer called their guide “very knowledgeable and welcoming,” emphasizing the importance of having a passionate storyteller to truly bring the history alive. Expect to hear tales about Admiral Lord Nelson, particularly his last walk—an emotional and memorable part of the tour.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting the Historic Sites

While the tour does not involve entering the cathedral, garrison church, or tower—due to time constraints—you’ll get a sense of the area’s significance. The guide may point out these sites and share stories about their roles in Portsmouth’s past. The walk is paced so that you can appreciate the details without feeling rushed, ideal for those who enjoy absorbing local atmosphere at a leisurely pace.

The Debrief and the Museum Experience

Returning to the Sally Port Inn after your walk, the guide offers a debrief, including a discussion about Buster Crabb, a notable figure linked to Portsmouth’s maritime history. This personalized touch adds depth and context, making the experience more meaningful.

Following this, visitors are encouraged to explore the four floors of antiques and artifacts housed in the building. This part offers an immersive glimpse into Portsmouth’s past, with experts available to discuss weapons and equipment from conflicts spanning the past three centuries. It’s a bonus that makes the entire experience feel like a mini-museum visit, extending the value well beyond the walking portion.

Food, Drink, and Additional Experiences

The tour includes tea or coffee with biscuits at the start and the chance to sample ales, lagers, and especially rum at the Sally Port Inn. While there’s no dedicated food during the tour, the guide can point you towards plenty of nearby eateries, allowing for a casual lunch or snack afterward.

Note: The tour doesn’t cover entry into historic buildings like the cathedral or the garrison church, which might be a consideration if you’re especially interested in interior visits. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 18, mainly due to licensing restrictions.

The Value of the Portsmouth Old Town Walk

Considering the cost, this tour offers great value. For approximately 90 minutes of guided walking plus a visit to a historic pub and museum, the price includes refreshments, a professional guide, and access to the antique floors of the Sally Port Inn. It’s a flexible experience, with options to cancel up to 24 hours before without penalty, making it low-risk to book.

The small group size and personal attention from an experienced guide make it feel intimate and tailored. The fact that guides are informed about local stories, and that guests like Shaun appreciated the guide “Dave” for being welcoming and knowledgeable, underscores the quality of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys stories, prefers relaxed paced sightseeing, and loves discovering hidden corners of a city, this walk is perfect. History buffs will appreciate the detailed tales, especially about notable figures like Lord Nelson, while casual travelers will enjoy the local ambiance and the opportunity to relax in a historic pub. It’s especially suitable for those who want a guided experience that’s easy to follow and rich in storytelling.

However, those with mobility issues might want to prepare for some steps and uneven surfaces, as the tour involves a short flight of stairs and cobbled streets.

Final Thoughts

The Portsmouth Old Portsmouth Guided Walk offers a well-balanced mix of storytelling, sightseeing, and cultural highlights in a welcoming setting. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach make learning about the city’s past engaging and accessible. The addition of visiting the antique floors of the Sally Port Inn extends the experience into a tangible connection with history, making this tour more than just a walk.

For travelers looking for an authentic, insightful introduction to Portsmouth’s historic core, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly ideal for those who prefer a leisurely pace, value local stories, and enjoy a bit of museum-style exploration without the crowds and long queues.

To sum it up, if you’re after a meaningful way to connect with Portsmouth’s maritime past, this guided walk delivers. It’s a great choice for history lovers, curious explorers, and anyone who appreciates a friendly guide and charming surroundings.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not allowed due to licensing restrictions, but older teens might enjoy the stories if they’re interested in history.

How long does the walk last?
The guided walk itself takes about 90 minutes, with additional time for the debrief and exploring the antiques at the Sally Port Inn.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Sally Port Inn, located at 57-58 High St, and ends back there, making it easy to plan your day or grab a drink afterwards.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
It is wheelchair accessible, but note that there’s a short flight of ancient stone steps and some uneven surfaces that might pose challenges.

What’s included in the price?
You get tea or coffee with biscuits, a guided walk, the debrief talk on Buster Crabb, access to the antique floors, and samples of ale, lager, or rum.

Are there any food options during the tour?
No, food isn’t provided, but the guide can suggest nearby eateries.

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

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle are recommended.

Does the guide speak other languages?
The tour is in English only.

Are there any interior visits to historic buildings?
No, the tour doesn’t include entry into buildings like the cathedral or garrison church.

Overall, the Portsmouth Old Portsmouth Guided Walk is an engaging, informative, and charming way to see the city’s historic heart, especially if you value storytelling and local insights. It’s a memorable way to connect with Portsmouth’s maritime and cultural past without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

You can check if your dates are available here: