the Portsmouth
2013 Issue 1 www.visitportsmouth.co.uk
Become a cultural tourist, delve into history and shop to your heart’s content.
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the Portsmouth
2013
Welcome Welcome to the first ever Portsmouth Guest Guide.
O
ur aim is to share some ideas on how to spend your time in Portsmouth and in particular Southsea – we hope you will enjoy exploring the UK’s only island city. As you will see there’s plenty to experience in Portsmouth – whether it be visiting the popular attractions at the Historic Dockyard (including the recently opened Mary Rose Museum) or discovering the miles of beach that runs along the Southern end of the isle of Portsea, you are sure to have plenty of fun during your visit. To help you plan your days out, we’ve compiled a few handy itineraries (see page 4) and our cover artist Dave Thompson shares his favourite haunts on page 8. We wanted to show what a funky, creative place Southsea is today – and a visit to the Strong Island website is highly recommended. www.strongisland.co.uk We hope you enjoy your time in Portsmouth ...
Jo Andrews
PAGE 4
Itineraries
6 Portsmouth Museums 8
Dave Thompson
10 Albert Road 11 Spinnaker Tower
The Portsmouth Visitor Information Service is located within
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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
14
Royal Marines Museum
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Mozzerella Joes Competition
15
Tenth Hole Cafe
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Aspex Gallery
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Make Craft
the D-Day Museum on Southsea
18 Blue Reef Aquarium
Seafront and our highly trained staff
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have a wealth of information at their
20 Hampshire Top Attractions
fingertips to help you make the most of your stay in the city: Tel: 023 9282 6722
Like a tea tray
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The Isle of Wight with Wightlink
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Hamble Valley
Email vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk www.visitportsmouth.co.uk
Managing Director The Marketing Collective
Hampshire Top Attractions gives the city visitor a taste of the great places to visit whether your on holiday or looking for a family day out on your doorstep. Its also packed with special offer vouchers. Ask your venue reception for a copy.
he Portsmouth Guest Guide is published by T The Marketing Collective Ltd. Telephone 023 80001655. Information correct at the time of publication. The Marketing Collective Ltd. do not endorse any of the products and service presented in the Guide, and cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience incurred as a result of changes to advertised information. Always check details before making arrangements. With thanks to: Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Hoteliers Association & Kate Thompson. Printed by Halcyon Print Management 01435 868890 www.themarketing-collective.com MD & Editor Jo Andrews | Designer Tina Scahill.
The Portsmouth Guest Guide is distributed within members of the Greater Portsmouth Hoteliers Association and Portsmouth & Southsea Hoteliers Association.
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Itineraries
Here’s a handy guide to making the most of your stay in Portsmouth. We’ve a list of must do’s and a few ideas to take you off the beaten track.
Itinerary One
Itinerary Two
Seaside Fun for All the Family:
of musicians at the Band Stand. Pack a
Shopping, shopping, shopping:
The UK’s only island city boasts a
picnic and prepare to enjoy great music,
There’s no doubting the attraction of
magnificent promenade running from
a party atmosphere and one of the best
Gunwharf Quays when it comes to
Eastney to Old Portsmouth.
backdrops in the world. (You will see
shopping. Once the former home of
Along the length of the beach are a
everything from warships to sailing ships,
HMS Vernon, the Royal Navy’s Torpedo
plethora of attractions for all ages – many
hovercrafts, ferries and pleasure boats
Branch, the site now boasts 90 designer
evoke memories of traditional seaside
traversing the Solent).
outlets at this great location with easy
holidays of the past with swan-shaped
Clarence Pier boasts fourteen rides and
parking – and after you’ve finished with
pedaloes on Canoe Lake and the nearby
attractions that will have you screaming
the shops, there are wonderful bars and
pitch and putt. The Tenth Hole, a popular
with delight – and just next door you can
restaurants to revive you.
cafe sitting alongside the course, is well
see the world’s longest running and only
Nearby is Commercial Road which
known for its eye-poppingly large cakes
commercial hovercraft service in Europe.
houses all the major high street names
and is a great place for breakfast too.
It is the quickest way to get to the Isle of
and the Cascades Shopping Centre.
Southsea Castle is the place where Henry
Wight and a popular pastime is to watch
While in Southsea you will find Knight and
VIII watched the Mary Rose sink, now
as the crafts land on the beach.
Lee (John Lewis) in the Palmerston Road
it’s a great place to visit and the kids will
There is a fascinating walk from Clarence
precinct along with a large Debenhams
have hours of fun exploring the passages
Pier to Old Portsmouth. You can follow
department store.
below ground.
the route along the raised section with
If you prefer to shop in independent
The Yellow Kite cafe is based at the
the harbour to one side and the old town
boutiqes, head for Marmion Road and
castle and uses the best local fair trade
to the other and see such landmarks as
Albert Road where you will find everything
ingredients. It is a splendid place to stop
Portsmouth Cathedral, the Square Tower
from antiques, artworks and artisan
for a bite to eat and it’s also worth noting
(often open for arts and crafts/vintage
chocolates. Take the time to wander and
a champagne bar is open every Friday
events) and the Round Tower where
enjoy the laid-back, atmosphere.
evening from 6pm to 9pm during the
generations have welcomed home their
At the end of a shopping spree, make
summer.
sailor sweethearts, waving as the navy
your way to the Belle Isle in Osborne
Every weekend throughout the summer
ships pass close-by
Road for great food, a buzzing
there is live music from an assortment
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atmosphere and a pitcher of Sangria.
The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Itineraries
Itinerary Three Creative Portsmouth:
garage on the right hand side with a
With its long association with great
spectacular piece of his work. (Take the
authors such as Charles Dickens and Sir
time to watch My Dog Sighs - A Can is
Arthur Conan Doyle, Portsmouth’s literary
Born on Vimeo).
heritage is well known.
On Albert Road, there’s plenty of street art
Rudyard Kipling also lived for a time in
to admire, remember to look up and you
the city, you will find a house in Campbell
might see something quite unexpected.
Road which bears a blue plaque to mark
At 1 Albert Road is the immensely popular
his time in the city from 1871-77.
Garage Lounge – perfect for morning
Portsmouth is still a creative city, with a
coffee, wonderful lunches or fantastic tea
thriving contemporary art scene. Turner
and cake.
Prize winning artist Grayson Perry
Or why not wander through the
studied for a BA in fine art at Portsmouth
Palmerston Road precinct to sample the
Polytechnic and it is home now to a
delights of Like a Teatray in the Sky on
thriving creative scene.
Osborne Road. Great food, lovely people,
Keep your eyes peeled on a Friday for
a fun vibe and some of the most delightful
pieces of artwork left dotted about the
crockery you are ever likely to see.
city for an appreciative audience to take
On the August Bank Holiday weekend
home. My Dog Sighs (featured on BBC2’s
(24 -25) the Victorious Festival takes place
The Culture Show) is a great proponent of
at the Historic Dockyard with the likes of
the free art scheme and you can see more
Level 42, Maximo Park, The Cribs and
of his work by visiting www.mydogsighs.
Charlotte Church – great music, stalls,
co.uk. To see some of his spectacular
fashion and fun.
wall art in the flesh, walk down Exmouth
www.victoriousfestival.co.uk
Road from Albert Road, past the colourful
If you want to know more about the
terraced houses towards Marmion Road
creative vibe going on in Portsmouth look
and just before the junction there is a
no further than www.strongisland.co.uk for all the quirky goings on in the city. 5
Portsmouth
museums D-Day Museum
impressive museum is a memorable and
of Wight and Solent before enjoying
Portsmouth’s D-Day Museum is the
truly moving experience.
locally-sourced healthy eating options
UK’s only museum dedicated solely
Situated on the seafront and open
at the Yellow Kite café. This free
to covering all aspects of the D-Day
daily the museum is also home to
seafront attraction is open from March
landings in Normandy, France, on
Portsmouth Visitor Information Service.
to October.
6 June 1944. D-Day was a turning point
www.ddaymuseum.co.uk
www.southseacastle.co.uk
in the Second World War, and a
Open daily 10.30am -5.00pm (5.30pm
Open Tues – Sun, March – October,
moment when the course of world
April – Sept), last admission 30 mins
10am – 5pm, last admission 30 mins
events depended on the allied troops
before closing. Admission charge.
before closing. Free entry.
taking part. footage, shown in the museum’s small
theatre, captures the wartime mood.
Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part
Portsmouth City Museum
Personal accounts and the stories of
of a series of fortifications built by King
With free admission Portsmouth
the individuals who took part are an
Henry VIII to protect the country from
City Museum is a popular attraction
integral part of the museum.
invaders. This fascinating site is where
for the whole family. You’ll discover
At the heart of the museum,
the king watched his favourite warship,
the interactive ‘A Study in Sherlock:
commemorating the D-Day landings in
the Mary Rose, tragically capsize and
Uncovering the Arthur Conan Doyle
1944, the 272 foot (83 metre) Overlord
sink in 1545.
Collection’ where you can turn detective
Embroidery is the world’s longest
Explore the underground tunnels,
and follow the trail of the ultimate
embroidery of its kind and the modern
ramparts and enjoy panoramic views
sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, and his
equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry. This
from the top of the Keep to the Isle
creator Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived
A dramatic film-show using archival film
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Southsea Castle
The Portsmouth Guest Guide: History Comes to Life
and worked in Portsmouth. Download this thrilling free experience as you follow in the footsteps of Sherlock on a
Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum
the colder part of the year. www.portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk Open Tuesday to Sunday plus Bank
navigational trail. Use your smart phone
The great author was born in
Holiday Mondays, 10am – 5,00pm
to download Magnifying Sherlock
Portsmouth in 1812. You can learn more
(5.30pm April – Sept), last admission 30
for free from the Portsmouth Writers’
about the celebrated author of Oliver
mins before closing. Free entry.
App, or hire out an iPod from the City
Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and many
Museum reception desk.
other novels by visiting the Charles
The ‘Story of Portsmouth’ looks at how
Dickens Birthplace Museum. This small
life has changed in the city over the
house in the heart of the city is where
Eastney Beam Engine House
centuries and a fine and decorative
the great author’s life started and is
Home to a pair of James Watt beam
art gallery features a wide range of
a fascinating look into his humble
engines and reciprocal pumps, restored
materials from the 17th century to the
beginnings.
to their 1887 condition.
present day.
www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk
www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk
From March to September 2013
Open Tues – Sunday + Bank Holiday
The engine house is open the last
you can visit the ‘Teddy Bear Story’
Mondays April – Sept, 10am – 5.30pm
full weekend of every month (except
exhibiton from the V&A Museum of
Last admission 30 mins before closing
December), 1pm – 5pm. Please phone
Childhood, which celebrates the most
Admission charge.
to check the engines are in steam.
popular and loved toy in the world. This
Free admission.
based on real animals to modern
Cumberland House Natural History Museum
character and designer bears. There is
Portsmouth is a very special place for
programme to suit all ages with a focus
also a teddy themed interactive area
wildlife in Britain. It has many different
on family fun in the summer months
especially for children and families to
habitats in a very small area, and at
contact us for more information or go
explore – with a Three Bears’ House
Portsmouth Natural History Museum
online.
and woodland story telling area with
you can explore them all. Between May
books, dressing up and other activities.
and September you can walk through
Contact Us:
Secret Egypt will follow this exhibition,
the butterfly house filled with living
For full details please call
opening October 2013.
insects and plants. The temperature
023 92826722 or look online at
www.portsmouthcitymuseums.
is kept at a high level so that we can
www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk
co.uk Open Tues – Sunday + Bank
support exotic butterflies as well as
or email
Holiday Mondays April – Sept, 10am –
some beautiful foreign plants. In winter
vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
5.30pm, Oct – March, 10am – 5pm, last
months it is still possible to search for
Closures: All museums are closed
admission 30 mins before closing.
caterpillars under the palm leaves but
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,
Free admission.
the butterflies themselves do not fly in
Boxing Day & New Year’s Day.
touring exhibition explores the history of the teddy bear from the first designs
Events The museums have a varied event
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The cover image for the Portsmouth Guest Guide was created by Southsea artist Dave Thompson. He shares his inspiration and love of Portsmouth in this interview with Kate Thompson.
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Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...
The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Focus on Art
Dave Thompson references and build up the image that
of glamour, recreated in the muted
way. My pictures are quite architectural.
tones of 1930s travel art.
The skill is in taking the images right
Southsea based artist Dave Thompson
back to basics. What’s left out is more
certainly knows how to capture a mood
important almost than what is left on
with his images that depict key sites in
the page, it’s about strong lines and
the island city he has called home for
shadows.
the past 30 years.
“And of course every image has my
He explained: “We came here 30
trademark seagulls,” he said.
years ago from Newcastle. We had
Ironically in the past Dave was
just finished a three month road trip
commissioned to create the artwork for
of America and wanted to settle by
bus timetables for London Transport
the sea, and Southsea fitted the bill
following in the footsteps of some of the
perfectly.”
great artists who created travel posters
Dave has worked as a commercial
for the Underground.
artist for many years with advertising
Dave worked with Rick and Helen
agencies and for the past 20 years as a
Steenhuis at the Hiscock Gallery in
freelance illustrator. He uses the latest
Southsea to promote his images of
digital technology to create his artworks
Portsmouth – and his works can also
but draws on an artistic background.
be bought at their White Dog Gallery
“The effects I used to create by air-
in Lee-on-the-Solent as well as other
brushing can all be done on an iMac
selected galleries.
now. When I started out, cut and paste
His views of Portsmouth and beyond
was exactly that, you cut things out with
have proved so popular that his body
a scalpel and glued them down to build
of work now includes scenes from
up an image. “You can achieve so much
Brighton and London.
on a screen now but I’m glad I come
Looking to the future Dave has more
from an art background.”
local scenes to capture and is even
Dave admits his style has been
thinking about doing more images with
influenced by the artists who were
people.
famous for creating the travel posters
“It has been great to see how my
for the London Underground. He
images have taken off – there is a great
admires the work of Norman Wilkinson.
appeal for all things retro,” he said.
“I work from good photographic
The artist himself: Dave Thompson
MY inspiration
*images here are by Norman Wilkinson
His retro artworks revisit a bygone age
Dave’s Top Tips for places to visit
Best Shops: “I love the feel of Albert Road. The shops are independent and interesting - I’m often to be found on a Friday night with my wife having a drink at the Vaults.” Best Restaurant: “I’m partial to a curry and we really enjoy a meal at the Thai restaurant in Albert Road called Hong Kong - the food is really excellent.” Best View in Southsea: “It’s got to be the Solent - there’s always so much going on.” Dave’s work can be viewed online at www.hiscockgallery.co.uk or by visiting the Hiscock Gallery in Stanley Street, Southsea.
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Albert Road “If you crave the true spirit and culture of Southsea look no further than Albert Road, a diverse mix of alternative and independent shops, bars, cafes, live music venues, vintage clothes and antique shops, with the crowning glory The Kings Theatre standing as a beacon to mark this historic and interesting place. A bohemian area people truly love and care about and frequented by musicians artists and actors, an environment for creativity to prosper where all are welcome. Alternative artworks adorn many of the buildings, “Little Camden on the Coast” ? “A new Brighton Lanes?” NO
We love Albert Road Southsea, “ its like a village by the sea”
Albert Road is unique and retains its true Portsmouth identity. This is why 100,000 people came to celebrate our wonderful street on Love Albert Road Day 2009” That’s how Ian Parmiter sums up why Albert Road is so special. He recently caused a stir by piling all the old suitcases his shop is well known for selling one on top of the other to create a teetering tower of luggage and then took pride of place astride the golden dog that graces the rooftop of his shop. Ian is regularly featured in the plethora
Head Hairdressing
Little Johnny Russels
head is the best barbers in Portsmouth, offering top quality men’s hairdressing at an affordable price. With free wi-fi, filter coffee, great tunes, comfy sofas & late opening Monday to Friday. Phone for an appointment or simply sit & soak up the experience that is head!
Enjoy a relaxing cold beer or glass of wine in the garden, evening DJs and live music and late license at weekends. Gourmet burgers, salads and jacket potatoes are served on Saturdays and Sundays and in winter, enjoy Sunday roast near the open log fire.
53, Albert Road,Portsmouth,PO5 2SF
12 – 14 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH Tel: 02392 826 502 www.littlejohnnyrussells.com
of TV programmes that encourage us
Tel: 07867 527693 or 07788 270643
all to become amateur antiques experts
www.headhairdressing.co.uk
- Put Your Money Where your Mouth Is and Antiques Road Trip. Ian is self taught and in his third decade of trading, specialising in quirky antiques, architectural items and 20th Century Design. A colourful character well known locally for his sartorial flair that sees him favour natty
Parmiters Antiques
Strong Island
tweeds and a stylish peroxide mallen streak,
for the past 25 years. The Love Albert Road
Extraordinary & Unusual items purchased, Entire house contents bought, top prices paid, Art & Sculpture, Vintage Luggage, Militaria, Medals & all types of
Festivals he pioneered attracted thousands
Coins, China & Glass”
Portsmouth & Southsea’s No.1 Cultural Resource. Unfunded and independent, Strong Island is a local online resource designed to promote, showcase and inform people about the cities cultural scene.
Ian has worked tirelessly to promote the street that has been home to his business
Find us in Albert Road Southsea Open 7 days a week soak up the vibe. His cool role as the Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm Sun 11am to 4pm unofficial Ambassador Tel: 02392293040 or 07850131414 of Albert Road led to him being honoured by Portsmouth City Council with a Civic Award. www.ianparmiter.co.uk of people to listen to the live music and
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Be it past, present or future Strong Island keeps you up to date with photos, interviews and articles about the city. contact@strong-island.co.uk
The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About
View things differently at the top of Britain’s best viewing tower – the stunning 170 metre tall icon on the South Coast.
Spinnaker Tower and watch the rain clouds roll in, from the comfort of Café in the Clouds, 105 metres above the sea. The effects
Spinnaker Tower
of the changing
offers views of one of
weather on the sea
the most fascinating
and sky makes the
sea and landscapes,
view even more
spanning 23 miles
spectacular.
and over 1700 years
If you’re feeling
of history. The new
brave you can
i-VIEW interactive
venture across the
screens bring the view
amazing glass Sky
to life, and to your
Walk, with virtually
fingertips. By using
nothing between
incredible gigapixel panoramic photos,
you and the waves below – dare you
this interactive view interpretation
walk on air?! Then head up to the Sky
allows you to zoom in to get a better
Deck - open to the elements and the
look at points of interest in the view
energising sea breeze, it’s a real hair
Venue details:
– including Nelson’s Victory and the
raising experience!
Spinnaker Tower
famous Mary Rose wreck site – as well
Spinnaker Tower is located in Gunwharf
Gunwharf Quays,
giving the history and stories behind
Quays shopping outlet centre and just
Portsmouth, PO3 TT
them.
a few minutes walk from Portsmouth
www.spinnakertower.co.uk
There’s no need to miss out on inspiring
Historic Dockyard.
sea views if your trip to the seaside brings on the rain - head instead for 11
Portsmouth Guest Guide: History
Portsmouth
Historicsails Dockyard into a
New Era
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The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Heritage
T
hese are exciting times to visit Portsmouth
warships in the world - Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS
Historic Dockyard following the opening of a
Warrior 1860. Their appeal endures because of the graphic
brand new Museum for the Mary Rose, thirty
and moving stories associated with them. But it’s more
years after she was watched on television by
than that. It’s the social history about life on-board and in
millions being raised from The Solent.
the wider society; the bravery and heroism of generations
The £35 million project to build an
of serving personnel and their families and their compelling
internationally-renowned museum and complete the
stories; the technology that meant Britain led the world
conservation, reunites the hull of the Mary Rose with many of
and the anecdotes which have fashioned our language for
the 19,000 Tudor artefacts recovered from the seabed and is
centuries.
a truly mesmerising experience.
This year also sees continuing work on the new Babcock
Showcasing the very best in 21st century
galleries at the National Museum of the
architecture and construction, and the
Royal Navy, due to open in spring 2014,
finest collection of 16th century artefacts
the centenary of the start of World War I,
in the world, for the first time visitors
marking the Navy’s vital role.
can see the ship with its preserving
HMS – Hear My Story will be the major
sprays switched off and witness the final
exhibition situated in the brand new
phase of the hull’s conservation through
galleries, telling the undiscovered stories
windows into a ‘hotbox’ as up to 100 tons
from the ordinary men, women and ships
of water is now removed from the ship’s
which have made the Navy‘s amazing
timbers.
history over the last 100 years, the
New galleries contain some of the
century of greatest change.
thousands of objects recovered, in
Image taken by: Steve Wallace
context, running the length of the ship,
Add the interactive Action Stations where visitors can fly a helicopter or climb the
corresponding to deck levels so visitors
UK’s tallest indoor climbing tower and a
can experience what the decks would have looked like
Harbour Tour that brings passengers up close and personal
moments before the Mary Rose sank. Six themed galleries
with modern Royal Navy
tell the personal stories and working lives of the crew on
warships, showing why
board.
Portsmouth remains
The Mary Rose is in very distinguished company at
one of the world’s most
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as it’s the only place in
important harbours;
the world where visitors can feel at first-hand what it was
then it’s clear why
really like to serve and fight on board the ships that shaped
Portsmouth Historic
Britain’s history – alongside modern warships of the Royal
Dockyard often appears
Navy. It’s a full day out that stays with all ages forever.
as people’s favourite
The three ships featured are among the most famous
museum!
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visitor Centre Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ. Visitor Centre (open daily between 10am - 5pm) 023 9283 9766 www.historicdockyard.co.uk
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Royal Marines Museum The Royal Marines Museum, with its stunning seafront location and vast picnic lawns, celebrates the history of the Royal Marines from their origins in 1664 to present day. Formerly the Officers Mess, the magnificent, stately buildings provide the perfect setting to explore and learn about the thrilling stories of the extraordinary people who have become the elite fighting force – the Royal Marines. Through a series of interactive displays and
Royal MArines Museum, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9PX 023 9281 9385 www.royalmarines
a trip down memory lane in our WW2 home front kitchen. Marvel at the extensive collection and unrivalled archive exhibits gathered from around the world to illustrate the remarkable acts of heroism and bravery of the Royal Marines. Featuring over 8000 distinctive medals, the highlight of the Medal Room is the complete collection of all 10 Victoria Crosses awarded to Marines, first in 1854 to the more recent in 1945. This family friendly Museum has hands-on interactive games, simulators, sight/sound and touch experiences and a new assault course. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor activities including demonstrations and children’s participatory holiday
exhibition galleries spreading
and half term events from ‘Rescue Mission’ and ‘Making the
over three floors, you can follow
Peace’ to ‘Midnight Strike’ and ‘Commando Fit’ all included
a Commando recruit through Venue details:
sounds of tropical swamps, and there’s even a snake, or take
in the ticket price. Finish your visit by climbing aboard the
his gruelling training and on to
rigid raider and assault course whilst enjoying lunch in our
deployment around the world;
award winning café the Quartermaster’s Kitchen or a browse
creep through the jungle and
in our Museum shop. Visit as many times as you like, free,
experience the sights and
for a whole year by gift aiding your admission ticket. The museum features an extensive family events calendar and regular special exhibitions, see our website for more details.
museum.co.uk
Win a Meal for Four at Mozzarella Joes Walking along Southsea beach is sure to give you an appetite, and there is no better place to stop for a tasty bite to eat than Mozzarella Joes. No other eaterie on the beach has a better view of the Solent, you can watch the ships and sailing boats go passing by as you tuck into freshly baked pizza, tasty pasta or delicious burgers. We are giving away a meal for four to enjoy, and all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is email info@themarketing-collective.com and quote Portsmouth Guest Guide competition. Closing date 31st December. Winner will be drawn before the 31st January 2014 and the meal must be taken before the 31st March 2014
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The Tenth Hole
The Portsmouth Guest Guide:Eat and be Merry
Here’s a real gem, tucked away in sunny Southsea – and well worth a visit. The Tenth Hole is the tea rooms adjoining Southsea Golf Links and it is a joy to behold. Run by a young and enthusiastic team, the cafe situated on Eastern Parade is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike. Especially at the weekend when they like to sit outside and enjoy everything from a cooked breakfast, tasty lunch or sumptuous tea.
Breakfasts include the traditional
grabs your attention. The selection of
full-English variety as well as smoked
cakes includes everything from coffee
salmon and scrambled eggs served
and walnut sponge to cheesecakes,
on a toasted English muffin, Billy’s
pavlovas and a particular treat known
Breakfast Burger (sausage meat burger,
as chocolate lumpy, bumpy cake.
2 rashers of crispy bacon, and a fried
The cafe is so keen on its cake it has
egg in a toasted muffin) or Croque
a featured confection of the week – at
Madame (toasted bloomer bread,
the time of writing it was a delicious
topped with hand carved ham, rarebit
chocolate and custard choux ring with
sauce & a fried egg).
strawberries.
In addition to doorstep sandwiches and
A perfect visit has to include a round on
jacket potatoes, you can also choose
the links – they date back to 1914 and
from a lunch menu that includes the
in the cafe, there are some great photos
Tenth Hole salad (roasted butternut
of genteel folk tackling the torment of
squash, beetroot, toasted pinenuts,
the nine hole course.
goat’s cheese, spicy cous cous) and
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never swung
quiche of the day (with coleslaw, salad
a golf club before, you are sure to enjoy
& new potatoes).
time spent making your way around
Renowned for its eye-popping display
the course. The pitch and putt is open
of cakes, the Tenth Hole can also
seven days a week from 8am and the
satisfy your palate with tasty, good
last tee off is at 5.30pm (adults £3.70,
quality food as well as blow you away
concessions £3.50).
with a towering confection of cream
And not just a game for a sunny day, it’s
and sponge.
almost more fun in inclement weather
You can order high tea which includes
with the wind blowing off the sea and
a round of sandwiches, choose from:
the thought of a yummy breakfast at
Venue details:
ham & mustard mayo; egg mayonnaise
the Tenth Hole to come.
The Tenth Hole, Eastern
or cheddar & chilli jam; two mini scones
Another nice touch is the hot water
Parade, Southsea,
served with clotted cream and jam and
bottles and blankets for those brave
Portsmouth, PO4 9RF
a selection of delectable sweet treats.
enough to opt for al fresco lunch or tea
02392 830 009
High Tea costs £10 per person and
when the sun isn’t shining.
www.thetenthhole.co.uk
includes a pot of tea or mug of coffee.
To find out more about what’s going on
As you walk into the Tenth Hole it is
at the Tenth Hole go to
the variety of cakes that immediately
www.thetenthhole.co.uk 15
Aspex Gallery Formed in 1981 in the heart of Southsea, Aspex moved to the historic Vulcan Building in Gunwharf Quays in 2006. They specialise in exhibiting the work of exciting local, national and international emerging artists, alongside a thriving participation programme that encourages people of all ages to get involved with art, craft and creative activities.
The seasons at Aspex are based around
It’s not only in the Café Bar where little
questions – for example, Does Making
ones are catered for – Aspex have a
Things Make Us Human? or Where Does
wide range of workshops for younger
Progress End? Exhibitions, talks and
visitors, including Art Clubs for 8-13
participatory events are programmed
year olds running throughout the school
around these questions, helping explore
holidays, and Mini Makers for toddler to
possible answers
8 year olds and their
with the help of their
parents on Saturday
visitors.
mornings. They have
At the heart of the
also started to offer
gallery is the Aspex
craft workshops for
Café Bar – a family
adults, supported by
friendly space with
Make Craft Café in
plenty of room
Southsea, where you
for buggies, baby
can learn some of the
changing facilities
skills and techniques
and food warming
used by the artists
facilities. For the
and craftspeople in
grown-ups, a range of
the exhibitions.
Venue details:
mezze, paninis, homemade cakes are
Aspex is not only a great place for art &
Aspex The Vulcan
available, alongside great illy coffee,
the family…it also has a wide range of
Portsmouth, PO1 3BF
ales, ciders and specially selected
gifts, greetings cards and more that you
023 9277 8080
wines. If you are in the city for a
won’t find anywhere else to buy in their
www.aspex.org.uk
meeting, you can use the Café Bar for
Craft & Design space!
Open 11am - 4pm daily
informal get-togethers, or alternatively
And the best thing about Aspex is…
Free admission
you can hire a larger private space
admission is FREE! Open 11-4 Daily
within the gallery for more formal events.
find out more at www.aspex.org.uk
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The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Arts and Culture
MAKE
it Happen – Get Crafty in Southsea.
‘Make’ is an independent studio on Albert Road in Southsea offering craft workshops in a quirky and creative setting. Nikki Bates was inspired to launch Make
there is also a chance to learn.
after winning a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style
The ethos at Make is simple - it is based
competition following her graduation
within the local community, sourcing local
from the University of Portsmouth.
people and products where possible.
“The idea for Make was born out of a
“I wanted to offer something
frustration I had as a student on the
different to sitting in a school or a
first year of my degree in 2008. I was
community centre,” she said.
Did You Know...
studying for a degree in illustration
Workshops are taught by local
and found it difficult to get hold of
craft professionals – known as
equipment I wanted for projects because
‘Makers’- in subjects as varied as
I wasn’t following a particular course.
dressmaking, knitting and crochet,
“I was lucky that I was in a creative
patchwork and making rag rugs.
setting and I could find ways to get
There are Wednesday night social
hold of the equipment I needed
gatherings when you can turn up
but for a lot of people that’s sadly
with a craft project of your own
It’s official crafting is good for your health. The Craft Council has proved, participating in crafts has an amazing effect on reducing stress levels and helping you to relax.
not the case,” she said.
and create in the company of other
Make offers a one-of-a-kind creative
crafters, Tuesday Mummy Mornings
space for people who want to embrace
and a children’s knitting group.
craft but do not have the equipment,
As well as the workshops ‘Make’
space and in some cases, the know-
plays host to organised events such
Venue details:
how to pursue it in their own homes.
as birthdays, corporate gatherings,
Make 4 Albert Road,
And you can enjoy a refreshing
hen days and children’s parties.
Southsea, England, PO5 2SH
cuppa and a delectable slice of cake
‘Make’ is also a great space to unwind in,
023 9282 2026
to help the creative process.
meet like-minded crafters at one of their
www.facebook.com/
In the same vein as an Internet café,
social nights or just pop down during the
makesouthsea
customers can come to hire sewing
day and relax with your latest project.
machines and space. Aside from this 17
Wonders of the
deep
Portsmouth’s award-winning
Blue Reef Aquarium is a great place for visitors of all ages to find out more about the wonders of the deep whatever the weather. Whether you‘re dodging the showers or escaping the heat, Blue Reef’s innovative displays, informative talks and feeding demonstrations will keep the family fully entertained. At the aquarium’s heart is the giant ocean tank where an underwater tunnel offers incredibly close encounters with puffer fish, triggerfish and hundreds of vibrant tropical fish amid the beauty of a recreated coral reef. Over 50 other living displays reveal the sheer variety of life in the deep, from tropical sharks and stingrays to giant lobsters, elegant seahorses and playful otters. Don’t forget your towel and a bucket and spade to make the most of the aquarium’s outdoor Blue Reef Beach Club. Overlooking the bustling Solent the club boasts its very own 50-tonne sandy beach and rockpool sandpit alongside a splash play area.
Venue details: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3PB 023 9287 5222 www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/ portsmouth
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The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Inspiration
Like a tea tray in the Sky It’s no surprise to discover Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is the favourite book of tearoom owner Nicky aka Lilou.
gallic influence (think Nouvelle Vague or the soundtrack from
Like a Teatray in the Sky takes its name from the poem by
the wall by street artist Fark.
Lewis Carroll and stepping over the threshold is like entering
Nicky along with her mum are responsible for the delicious
a different world, which she has painstakingly put together
food on offer: stop for lunch and enjoy her attention to detail
with partner Fark.
and afternoon tea is nothing short of a work of art.
The mis-matched furniture, 70’s geometric prints, covetable
“We wanted to create an atmosphere where people can relax
china cups and saucers all make for a creative space that is
– this is more than a tearoom and we love the fact it is still
immediately welcoming and intriguing.
evolving. “You will find writers, knitters, artists – and lots of
You can guarantee an interesting soundtrack - often with a
people who just like the vibe we’ve created here,” said Fark.
The Artist) – and then there is the Dodo expertly created on
If you only see one thing in Southsea... – If you only get to enjoy one thing in Southsea it has to be the free concerts at the bandstand by Southsea Castle. There’s music, people, sunshine, a great
Where is the best place for a romantic meal?
atmosphere and the Solent full of little boats, Royal Navy ships, helicopters – and the Isle of Wight.
– We like Sant yagos round the
Southsea Castle
corner from the John Lewis store
www.southseacastle.co.uk
in Palmerston Road precinct. The
023 9282 7261
service is great and the food and cocktails are wicked.
Where is the best place to see street art?
Sant yagos www.santyagos.co.uk 02392 179636
– Fratton Park is one of the biggest legal graffiti sites around and it evolves on a weekly basis. From the first weekend in August we will be transforming the skate park on Clarence Parade. It dates back to the 1950s and is a really cool place now being run as a charity. Venue details:
Twinkle, twinkle, little bat How I wonder what you’re at! Up above the world you fly, Like a tea tray in the sky. Twinkle, twinkle, little bat How I wonder what you’re at!
Like a Tea Tray In The Sky 31 Osbourne Road, Southsea, PO5 3LR 02392 731903 Follow us on Facebook / Twitter.
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Discover & Explore Visitors staying in Portsmouth are in a great position to explore the best that Hampshire has to offer. Whether you choose to take a short break or stay a little longer, there are plenty of adventures awaiting you – and here are just a few ideas to get you started...
Family Fun
There are over 100 hands-on interactive science and
home to more than 60 family rides and attractions as
Science Centre and Planetarium in Winchester.
Visit Peppa Pig World at Paultons Theme Park, well as a collection of exotic birds and animals. The name’s Bond - James Bond … Share in some of that 007 magic, when you visit the record-breaking show at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum You can let off some steam with a morning of physical activity at the New Forest Activities Centre or journey to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover where you will find vultures, barn owls and hawks. Sticking with the natural world, Marwell Zoo has an astounding range of wildlife and prides itself on its conservation work. While at Birdworld near Farnham you
technology exhibits idea for all the family at Intech
Gardeners World
Explore 200 acres of beautiful gardens at Exbury
Gardens and Steam Railway in the New Forest, worldfamous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey is a 180acre garden paradise with a magnificent collection of more than 42,000 plants and boasts one of the largest Winter Gardens of its kind in Europe. While the National Trust’s Mottisfont is set in glorious grounds by the River Test., with a medieval priory
can see Penguins feeding and free flying Kookaburras
that was gradually changed into a country house.
Or take to the trees for an exhilarating adventure
Gilbert White’s House and Oates Museum nr Alton are
experience with Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park and Itchen Valley Country Park near Eastleigh. Visit Staunton Country Park where the grand fishing lake and sensory garden will entrance the whole family, while the farm is a delight for youngsters. Family-run Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst has daily activities and plenty of cute animals. A day at the seaside awaits you at Southsea Beach and there’s always plenty of fun to be had at the Pyramids
Centre with its pools and funky flumes. See spectacular views from the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and if you are brave enough, venture across the glass floor.
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also well worth a visit. The naturalist is regarded as Darwin’s inspiration and his house and gardens are a national treasure. The New Forest Museum is packed full of displays and activities about the New Forest National Park, including a Family Fun Tree interactive exhibit.
Step Back in Time Winchester is a spectacular cathedral city, where more than 15 centuries of Christian faith is captured in the glorious architecture. After marvelling at Winchester Cathedral’s history, why not stop for a cuppa at their elegant café? The Great Hall in the city is home to ‘King Arthur’s Round Table’. Close by in Alresford is the Watercress Railway Line
of the county’s famous watercress beds and alighting
of Wight with Wightlink Ferries or
at a number of character stations along the route.
if travelling from Southampton, Red
Basing House in Basingstoke was once the country’s
Funnel Ferries and discover royal
largest private home, owned by the powerful courtier
residences, dramatic coastline and a
William Paulet, Marques of Winchester. The Great
funky vintage vibe.
Barn, which dates back to Tudor times, is the
Just down the M27 is Southampton’s
largest surviving, fully intact building of its kind.
neighbouring city of Portsmouth. Visit
Take a trip back to Victorian times with a visit to Milestone’s Museum in Basingstoke and explore a network of full size
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the world-famous ships HMS Victory
streets inside a purpose built museum, telling the story of
and HMS Warrior 1860. 2013 will see
Hampshire’s social, industrial and commercial history
the opening of the new Mary Rose
Experience sights and sounds at Manor Farm, a
etopattrac hir tio ps
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From Portsmouth explore the Isle
.uk .co
Ahoy There...
either a steam or loco engine to travel through some
ns
where you can climb aboard a carriage pulled by
m
The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About
Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy boasts
delightful historical working farm where children
a magnificent collection illustrating our proud naval heritage.
can meet the animals, lend a hand in the farmhouse
The Blue Reef Aquarium offers a dazzling undersea
or attend a Victorian school lesson. Tudor House in Southampton tells over 800 years of
safari and if you travel to the top of the iconic Spinnaker Tower you can take in stunning views of the Solent.
history with interactive guides and audio-visual displays,
Along the beach to Eastney, you will find the Royal
which bring the house to life. The story of Southampton’s
Marines Museum with an extensive collection of
maritime history is told at SeaCity Museum.
displays gathered from around the world.
Situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of
A short trip across the water takes you to Gosport where
the New Forest, you will find the unique and picturesque
you will find the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. You
village of Buckler’s Hard where warships for Nelson’s navy
can get a real feel for the life of a submariner by going on
were built. Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest story tells
board HMS Alliance, a WW2 submarine. Also, Explosion! the
the fascinating history of this unique village from its origins
Museum of Naval Firepower which tells the story of naval
as a port for importing sugar cane to its ship building.
warfare from the days of gunpowder to modern missiles.
To find out more about these and numerous other attractions, please visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk
For special offers and discount vouchers for more than 36 attractions visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk/offers
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Get a
Taste Wight of
Easily accessible by car or on foot, the Isle of Wight is just over half an hour from the mainland, travelling on Wightlink’s fleet of seven car and passenger ferries from Portsmouth –Fishbourne or Lymington–Yarmouth or on its passenger-only catamaran service from Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde Pier Head.
J
ust 23 miles wide and 13 miles deep, the
is also home to the earliest asparagus. It boasts Britain’s
diamond-shaped island boasts some of Britain’s
largest crop of tomatoes, 12 different kinds of garlic, wild
most varied countryside – more than half of it
bass from waters around Bembridge and a world-beating
classified an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
blue cheese – all of them fresh, full of flavour and home-
Unspoiled landscape, miles of golden beaches
grown for fewer food miles. In fact the Island is packed
and dramatic cliffs are just some of the delights
with local food champions and, with their help, Wightlink
to discover, and families in search of fun, animal-lovers,
has plotted a route through scenic countryside to create the
walkers, cyclists, history buffs and people of all ages with
Wight Taste Trail.
an interest in food, heritage, wildlife and scenery will find a treat in store.
One of a collection of free themed guides, designed to cater for the differing tastes of Isle of Wight visitors, the Wight Taste
Famous in Victorian times as the favourite home of Queen
Trail profiles the very best food producers on the Island as
Victoria and notorious more recently for music festivals,
well as showcasing restaurants, pubs, delicatessens and farm
sailing, and the startling dinosaur finds on its crumbling south
shops dedicated to local produce. As well as spotlighting
Venue details: Wightlink 0871 376 1000 www.wightlink.co.uk/ wighttastetrail
coast, the Isle of Wight
local food champions and inspirational chefs, the guide gives
is crammed with both
information on Farmers’ Markets to visit, locally-made ice
natural and man-made
cream to try, the best places to buy fresh fish, and where to
attractions, and is also
find the Ultimate Island Cream Tea.
now among Britain’s leading regional food centres. One of the few places in the country where apricots are grown, the Isle of Wight
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Other Wightlink guides include a 32-stop Wight History Trail around the living history of the Island, Wight Safaris adventure walking guide, and Secret Wight, featuring a range of outdoor challenges in parts of the Island away from the well-trodden tourist path.
The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About
Heritage
Walk along the river From coast to countryside, whether your passion is heritage, culture, shopping or a fun-filled family day out, the world-renowned Hamble Valley has it all. Located to the east of Portsmouth, this area of outstanding natural beauty is quite literally at your feet.
Hamble River events take place
Known as the Strawberry Coast, The
Bursledon Regatta and national World
Hamble Valley is set alongside the
Series competitions.
stunning River Hamble, tucked between
The essence of a sailing lifestyle
the bustling cities of Southampton,
is captured through the marinas,
Winchester and Portsmouth
chandleries, restaurants and boutiques,
and stretching along 25 miles of
located along the shoreline. Indeed,
Hampshire’s coastline.
numerous opportunities present
There is so much on offer with a variety
themselves to way anchor and
of unique family attractions from Manor
investigate the local vintage ales.
Farm, the Victorian working farm which
The Hamble Valley welcomes families
was the setting for the BBC’s Wartime
and is a child-friendly destination with
Farm series to Bursledon Windmill
plenty of free and low cost activities to
and Bursledon Brickworks. Discover
keep the young and the young at hear
delightfully quaint villages and charming
entertained.
towns and over 1500 acres of unspoilt
Whether you are on a romantic short
countryside with five country parks.
break or visiting for the week with
For further information on
Enjoy beautiful waterside vistas and
a young family, you’ll wish you had
glorious days out on the
amble through woodlands, marshes and
discovered the Hamble Valley sooner.
River Hamble or your personal
throughout the year, attracting world class yachtsmen and racing enthusiasts. Competition within the sailing world is strong and many sailors come to showcase their skills. Events include Hamble Week, the Hamble Winter & Spring Series, the
Great places to ea
t
Share some family time
meadows on one of the many walking
journey through the
trails including the Strawberry Trail,
Hamble Valley, visit
a long distance walk along the River Hamble, the Cobbett Trail, a short walk around the village of Botley and the Hamble Rail Trail.
See more of the Hamble Valley and take a virtual tour by scanning this QR code.
www.hamblevalley.com Follow us on Twitter @HambleValley
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Discover miles of smiles on the Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight is perfect for a day trip or holiday. Whether you discover the 60 miles of stunning coastline or visit one of the Island’s great tourist attractions, it’ll be an unforgettable experience. And the best way to visit is with Wightlink. Our car ferries can take you there in under 45 minutes from Portsmouth whilst our foot passenger catamarans take around 22 minutes from Portsmouth Harbour.
TO BOOK, CALL 0871 376 1000
Calls cost 7p per minute, plus network extras at least 1 hour before you wish to travel
wightlink.co.uk
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