Portsmouth Harbour Station Pier — Local services in Portsmouth

This is an amazing area of the coast on the South coast of England. I went there on the 6th August 2019 which was an splendid sunny day, but a bit windy and I regretted to leave my jean jacket in the boot of my car – it was parked too far to go back and get it, so take a light jacket in the summer and a heavy one, hat, gloves, umbrella, waterproof shoes/boots in the winter because by any area of the British coast is windy and fresh in the summer and very cold in the winter.

The interactive National Museum of the Royal Navy is at the dockyard, and nearby is the wooden warship HMS Victory. I didn’t get to visit the museum, but I am sure I will be going there soon, as I don’t have that many friends – and I will have to go and see my friend Vanessa soon.

I went to visit my friend that is half Venezuelan half Portuguese and she absolutely loves this city. We walk around the shopping area near the Emirates Spinnaker Tower which is a 170 meters tall observation tower in Portsmouth Harbour - I bought a Christmas present in August and took a few selfies for my social networks. I have read that the shape of this tower was chosen by Portsmouth residents from a selection of designs, and I found this to be very considerate by the local authorities/council (whoever allowed the locals to choose). Hopefully, if we get to have a tower around where I live, we may be asked to choose from a selection of cucumber to Spanish pepper shape towers!

The Spinnaker Tower is an impressive landmark of this area, and apparently, there is a 350-degree panoramic view of the South Coast from the viewing decks. Don’t ask me why is not a 360 degree and why you won't be able to see the 10 degrees missing - it may be because the tower's shape is like a drop of water hanging from a toothpick but upside down! (I don't particularly think the shape is beautiful but is good that all locals had the same bad taste when they chose this one!) I read about the "350" degrees and details of the purpose of the tower as I could not go up because the lift was damaged or in service the day I went. They offered us and the rest of visitors to go for free because of the reason mentioned, but when I asked the hostess how long it will take and she said 15 minutes and 500 steps, I decided to save one pound a day until I have 11, and go up next time. It was not easy to convince my friend not to go “for free” (It would have worn out my expensive brand sandals on the way up), she is short of money at the moment and when she heard “free” her eyes came out like Jim Carrey's eyes in the Mask!

I defiantly recommend it, as long as if you take money or a picnic, jacket, umbrella, comfy shoes, sunglasses, water, and plastic bags in case you buy something. Do not throw your plastic rubbish around there or anywhere, remember the plastic chaos we have created! Ps. don't forget to take selfies for...

Catamaran from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is very fast (just over 20 minutes) and very regular, and generally connects well with the train services at either end - in both cases it's just a short walk from the boat to the platform. I liked that we could buy one train ticket to take us all the way from London Waterloo to Shanklin (and could use a Network Railcard too).

One slight gripe: on the way back we got the 16:10 Sunday sailing from Ryde Pier Head which arrives at Portsmouth Harbour almost exactly as the 16:32 to London leaves, which is a little frustrating, as the next train is a slower one, so it ended up adding half an hour to our journey. You'd think either the train or the boat would consider changing their timetable to make this connection work - who else actually gets on the train from Portsmouth Harbour other than people...

Easy access directly by train, well sign posted for Gosport ferry to Gosport and Wightlink ferry to Isle of Wight. Very helpful and friendly staff who always go above and beyond to help.

Boarded Gosport ferry puchased tickets from a self service machine not easy someone had to help me. Ferry leaves every 15 mins. We had a great time, it was lovely to see the Spinnaker Tower from Gosport great views & breathing fresh air.

There is also a coach station on the harbour. You can walk to Gunwalf Quays underpass. There's a big car park well lit. Lots of outlets, top high street designer retail and eateries.

Wheelchair accessible entrance and can board ferries....