The underrated UK city that has 'Dubai-like structure' that hardly any Brits ever visit
The history and stunning landscapes of this English city make it an ideal staycation destination, according to the author of a new travel guide.
Portsmouth has long been seen as the gateway to the Isle of Wight and France but one author of a travel guide has claimed that the southern city is much more.
Peter Naldrett, author of Bright Lights, Big Cities, has visited every UK city to find out what makes each one special.
Mr Naldrett says that although it is a handy gateway to the continent, it shouldn’t be overlooked as a staycation destination in its own right.
He told Sun Online Travel: "A lot of people will just go through Portsmouth and use it for transit but they should really stay for an extra day or two.
"You should tack those days on either side of your holiday because Portsmouth is just a treasure trove in its own right, with plenty of fascinating museums."
Don't miss... UK holiday spot 'happier than Barcelona' with 'no end of picturesque villages' [LATEST]
One of the most eye-catching landmarks is Spinnaker Tower, a 170-metre structure which Mr Naldrett describes as giving the city “an air of Dubai”.
On a clear day, views from the top provide visitors with up 23 miles of views, whilst those of a more adventurous persuasion are able to abseil down to the ground from April through to September.
Portsmouth, a city with historic links to the Royal Navy, is awash with military history and several attractions that will fascinate the entire family.
The Historic Dockyard allows tourists to visit the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s flagship battleship which sank whilst fighting the French in the Battle of the Solent in 1545.
The Tudor warship had laid at the bottom of the sea for over 400 years until modern technology allowed it to be raised to the surface in 1982.
Don't miss...
Pretty seaside city named 'most walkable' in Britain and 'best' place to live [LATEST]
Beautiful little English town named the 'most underrated in the UK' [LATEST]
I stayed at holiday destination that is one of UK's best kept locations [LATEST]
Mr Naldrett encourages visitors to walk underneath the hull for an unforgettable experience that allows you to gaze up at the mammoth vessel.
No visit is complete without also visiting Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory, one of the oldest and best-known battleships.
The vessel was the scene of Lord Nelson’s death at the battle of Trafalgar, with the spot where he is said to have died commemorated by a plaque.
Other attractions include modern battleships, allowing visitors to compare the advances in technology since the days of the Tudors and Nelson, as well as the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, the Museum of Naval Firepower and a Harbour Tour.
Mr Naldrett added: “You don't need to be a military enthusiast to enjoy Portsmouth either because everything is simply fascinating.”
The city’s Gunwharf Keys offers excellent shopping and restaurant locations, with plenty of discounted luxury items to be found thanks to its outlet status.
Direct trains to Portsmouth run from London Waterloo and take just over two hours.
It lies only 70 miles from London Gatwick making it driveable in around 90 minutes and is within an hours drive of coastal towns such as Bournemouth and Worthing.
