Once
upon a time,
before the town of Portsmouth was founded, this coastline was made
up of creeks, low-lying marsh and water. Over the centuries the coastline
has altered, but the town's position here on the south coast, its
proximity to the open sea, coupled with control of the harbour and
its entrance, have secured Portsmouth's place in history as one of
the world's great anchorages and a rendezvous for British shipping
in times of war for over 800 years
Visitor Information
In order for you to enjoy your visit fully, the last entry to all our museums is half an hour before the published closing time.
For a complete listing of admission charges for our museums click here>
D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea
PO5 3NT
Open daily except 24-26 December
April - October 10.00am - 5.30pm
November - March 10.00am - 5.00pm
FREE ADMISSION for Portsmouth library card holders!
From 1 November 2009 to 31 January 2010, holders of a Portsmouth City Council library card - and their families - get into the D-Day Museum for free. You must bring the card with you when you visit the museum.
City Museum & Records Office
Museum Road
Portsmouth
PO1 2LJ
Open daily except 24-26 December
April - October 10.00am - 5.30pm
November - March 10.00am - 5.00pm
Charles Dickens Birthplace
393 Old Commercial Road
Portsmouth
PO1 4QL
Open daily mid-April - September, 10.00am - 5.30pm
(Please contact us to confirm exact opening date in April)
Also open on Charles Dickens' Birthday, 7 February 10.00am - 5.00pm
Southsea Castle
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea
PO5 3PA
Open daily April - September, 10.00am - 5.30pm
October - March closed except to pre-booked groups
Natural History Museum
Cumberland House
Eastern Parade
Southsea
PO4 9RF
Open daily except 24 - 26 December
April - October 10am-5.30pm
November - March 10am-4pm
