Latest news with #HistoricDockyard


Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
British coastal city is among cheapest places to go on holiday in UK at £108
Holidaymakers can snag a night in Portsmouth for a mere £108 (Image: Westend61 via Getty Images) Brits eager to soak up the summer sun are eyeing weekend staycations, with many on the hunt for the most budget-friendly spots within the UK. Aqua, a credit card company, has divulged its top picks for the most economical UK destinations. Portsmouth emerges as a standout choice, boasting a blend of rich history, stunning scenery, and affordability. Aqua highlights: "From the historic charm of the Spinnaker Tower to the vibrant waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, this coastal city offers plenty to see and do without breaking the bank." This south coast haven is celebrated for its naval heritage and picturesque docks, ranking high among the UK's top three cost-effective staycation locations. Travellers can enjoy a night's stay in Portsmouth for as cheap as £108 (Image: Getty) According to the research by Aqua, holidaymakers can snag a night in Portsmouth for a mere £108, narrowly undercutting Eastbourne's £112 lodgings, and trailing just behind Blackpool's even more modest £82 rate, reports the Express. But it's not all about the savings; Portsmouth's enchanting historical quarters, especially the charming Old Town with its traditional cobblestone lanes, are drawing more and more Brits to discover its unique allure. One Tripadvisor reviewer highlighted the area's charm, mentioning the opportunity for a "nice walk to do and view the old town" and commending it for being "very well maintained," which "gives an idea of what it was like." This view was shared by fellow travellers, with one visitor describing it as "a lovely place for a chilled walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A great selection of pubs, shops and places to eat." For holidaymakers wanting a blend of heritage experiences and seaside relaxation, Portsmouth proves an excellent destination. The city offers walkable streets and numerous budget-friendly or complimentary attractions, alongside the obvious coastal pleasures. The Millennium Promenade connects major waterfront spots via a spectacular seaside route packed with family attractions including the Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower, and nearby Southsea Castle. 'Charming' UK coastal city is one of cheapest summer staycations with £108 stays (Image: Getty) The Historic Dockyard features engaging exhibitions and legendary vessels such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, creating an excellent full-day experience for youngsters and grown-ups alike. Budget-conscious visitors will appreciate that several on-site museums offer joint admission deals, enabling guests to discover various exhibitions. A brief walk leads to the Spinnaker Tower, which provides spectacular panoramas across Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight. Thrill-seekers can experience the glass-floor skywalk. Entry fees remain affordable, with reductions frequently offered for advance online purchases. Southsea Castle, built for Henry VIII, is nestled within stunning grounds and houses a modest museum that delves into its tumultuous past, including the accidental explosion that caused significant damage to the castle.


BBC News
28-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Armed Forces Day marked across South East
Armed Forces Day is being marked across the south-east of England on Saturday with events and of Kent's largest events will be at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, with parades and in Surrey will see a cathedral service as well as a veterans' drop-in at the town's fire station. A spokesperson for the all-day event in Littlehampton, West Sussex, said it would be "a day to honour those who serve and who have served in the Armed Forces". The ticketed event in Chatham begins at 10:00 BST and will see military parades, displays, bands and family activities for thousands of spectators.A parade in Ramsgate starts at the Sailors' Church in Military Road at 10:40 Surrey, a free family event is set to take place in Camberley across the town centre. In Steyne Gardens in Worthing, West Sussex, there will be military bands and displays from 10:00 BST.A gathering was held in Sandwich in Kent on Monday to mark the start of Armed Forces Week, which culminates in Saturday's events.


Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Picturesque UK coastal city one of cheapest summer staycations
One UK coastal city has been listed as one of the cheapest summer staycation destinations, with travellers able to enjoy a night's stay for just £108, according to a new study Brits keen to soak up the summer sun without venturing far are eyeing up weekend staycations, and they're on the hunt for a bargain. For those weighing their UK getaway options, it seems certain spots are emerging as wallet-friendly winners. Credit card company Aqua has revealed where thrifty travellers should be heading, with Portsmouth said to stand out for its deal for its history, stunning views, and affordability. Aqua explained: "From the historic charm of the Spinnaker Tower to the vibrant waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, this coastal city offers plenty to see and do without breaking the bank." Portsmouth, with its legendary maritime heritage and picturesque docks, is one of a trio of top budget-friendly staycation destinations across the nation. Visitors can enjoy Portsmouth without busting the budget, says the study, with a night's stay available for as little as £108, just ahead of Eastbourne's £112 accommodation, but a bit more than Blackpool's frugal £82 rate, reports the Express. However, it's not just about the price, as the postcard-worthy charm of the city's Old Town with its cobblestone lanes is pulling in Brits. One Tripadvisor user highlighted the charm of the area, picking out the "nice walk to do and view the old town" and praising it for being "very well maintained," which "gives an idea of what it was like." This sentiment was mirrored by other travellers, with one user describing it as "a lovely place for a chilled walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A great selection of pubs, shops and places to eat." For those seeking a blend of cultural activities and seaside relaxation, Portsmouth is a top pick. It offers a pedestrian-friendly layout and a range of free or reasonably priced attractions, not to mention a day out at the beach. The Millennium Promenade, connecting key seafront spots, is a breathtaking coastal path filled with family-friendly highlights such as the Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower and the nearby Southsea Castle. The Historic Dockyard is packed with interactive exhibits and iconic ships like HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, making it an ideal all-day destination for both children and adults. For those looking to get value for their money, many of the on-site museums offer combined ticket options, allowing visitors to explore multiple exhibits. A short walk away, the Spinnaker Tower provides stunning views over Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight. For the more daring, there's a glass-floor skywalk. Tickets are reasonably priced, and discounts are often available for online bookings. Southsea Castle, a historic fortress built for Henry VIII, is nestled amidst stunning grounds and houses a quaint museum that explains its tumultuous past, including an accidental explosion that caused significant damage to the castle.