I want to learn about Portsmouth. What can you tell me?

Aerial shot of PortmouthLocation

The team delivering the workshops and the UP for It membership scheme is based at the University of Portsmouth. Portsmouth is an island city situated on the coast of Southern England and because of its sheltered position the weather is mild compared to other parts of England.

London, the capital city is just 80 minutes away by train and there are good road and rail communications to London, Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Portsmouth is the gateway to Europe with daily car and passenger ferries crossing to France and Spain and the many yachts and pleasure crafts reflect the Solent's reputation as one of the world's most popular sailing venues.

HMS Victory smallAttractions

Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard is one of the top ten heritage attractions in the UK and home to the world famous Mary Rose - the only 16th century warship on display anywhere in the world, HMS Victory - the oldest commissioned warship in the world, and HMS Warrior (1860) - the world's first iron hulled armoured battleship.

The Royal Garrison Church is also a great place to visit, built in 1212, it was destroyed by fire bombs on 10th January 1941 but the chancel survived. It was here that King Charles II married Catherine De Braganza in 1662.

The city is also filled with many other tourist attractions, especially along the seafront such as the fairground, the aquarium, the Royal Marine Museum and Southsea Castle which was built by Henry VIII in 1544 to protect Portsmouth Harbour.

ShoppingShopping and beach

Portsmouth has four miles of coastline, with award winning parks and gardens that stretch out before you. The seafront offers stunning views over the Solent and a changing panorama of yachts, boats and ships.

The seafront has lots of sports facilities and in the summer is host to concerts in the bandstand and an outdoor cinema. And there is a wide range of watersports you can get involved in on the Solent.

Portsmouth offers four distinctive shopping areas and hundreds of shops to satisfy even the most dedicated shoppers. Gunwharf Quays is a recent harbour development with over 65 designer outlet stores, fabulous restaurants, bars, casino, hotel and cinema.