Portsmouth Harbour and Historic Dockyard
Recommended by
Our view
"Step back in time around the streets, quays and dockyards of Old Portsmouth."
Walk directions
From the car park, join the Millennium Promenade (Renaissance Trail) and cross the wooden footbridge. Follow the chainlink trail (marked on the paving) along the sea wall, walking away from Clarence Pier. Continue along the wall to the restored Square Tower and proceed to The Round Tower, both built during the 15th century to protect the dockyard. Walk through the tower and follow the chainlink paving down the steps onto Tower Street and into West Street, passing white weatherboarded Quebec House, to The Still and West pub and the Point, at the heart of Spice Island.
Curve right, following the chainlink along Broad Street, then left along Feltham Row, passing between the old fishing harbour and new housing developments to White Hart Road. Turn left, pass the Fish Market and continue ahead along Gunwharf Road, passing the Isle of Wight ferry terminal. Follow the chainlink left towards the terminal building, then turn right through an ornate metal gate. Follow the chainlink through a development of modern apartment blocks, passing the HMS Marlborough figurehead, and into the Gunwharf Quays shopping complex.
View all directions
Additional information
Terrain
- Sea wall defences, cobbled streets and pavements
Landscape
- Historic streets, docklands, busy harbour and waterfront
Dog friendliness
- Not suitable for dogs
Parking
- Pay-and-display at Clarence Pier car park (right of Amusement Park)
Toilets en route
- White Hart Road, Gunwharf Quays and the Hard
About the walk
Portsmouth has been the home of the Royal Navy for more than 800 years, playing a key role in the defence of the British Empire and synonymous with Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar (1805). It was from here that many of Britain’s naval heroes set sail, and their legacy lives on in Old Portsmouth, with...
Read more
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Royal Maritime Hotel
The Royal Maritime Club is one of the oldest hotels in Portsmouth. On offer are comfortable bedrooms and a whole host of leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, spa pool, bar, re...
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is a very pleasant inn with a shore-side location, which makes for a relaxing, friendly and comfortable place to stay. The inn provides a contemporary style throughout; be...
Seaview Hotel
There is an enduring appeal about Seaview, a quiet seaside village where the pace of life is unhurried. The hotel is just a few steps from the water's edge, a perfect place to relax and...
Hayling Island Holiday Park
With a peaceful village atmosphere, and three miles of award-winning Blue Flag beaches, Hayling Island Holiday Park is the perfect escape from hectic modern life. Explore the local area...
The Fishbourne
The Fishbourne is located in a picturesque and wooded enclave between the main towns of Ryde and Newport on the Isle of Wight. Situated close to the Wightlink Fishbourne to Portsmouth f...
St Helens Coastal Resort
St Helens Coastal Resort is very well placed upon the Island close to the coast and also very well placed to act a base for visiting the many local places of interest. A small, well-for...
Mill Rythe Holiday Park
Mill Rythe Holiday Village offers a variety of accommodation that meets and exceeds ever-increasing guest expectations. The central facilities with The Green Room and The Missing Squirr...
Whitefield Forest Touring Park
Whitefield Forest Touring Park is beautifully laid out in the Whitefield Forest, and offers a wide variety of pitches, including many fully serviced. The site is conveniently located on...
Places to eat nearby View all
