The Portsmouth Guest Guide

the Portsmouth

2013 Issue 1 www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Become a cultural tourist, delve into history and shop to your heart’s content.

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the Portsmouth

2013

Welcome Welcome to the first ever Portsmouth Guest Guide.

O

ur aim is to share some ideas on how to spend your time in Portsmouth and in particular Southsea – we hope you will enjoy exploring the UK’s only island city.

As you will see there’s plenty to experience in Portsmouth – whether it be visiting the popular attractions at the Historic Dockyard (including the recently opened Mary Rose Museum) or discovering the miles of beach that runs along the Southern end of the isle of Portsea, you are sure to have plenty of fun during your visit.

To help you plan your days out, we’ve compiled a few handy itineraries (see page 4) and our cover artist Dave Thompson shares his favourite haunts on page 8.

We wanted to show what a funky, creative place Southsea is today – and a visit to the Strong Island website is highly recommended. www.strongisland.co.uk We hope you enjoy your time in Portsmouth ...

Jo Andrews

PAGE 4

Itineraries

6 Portsmouth Museums 8

Dave Thompson

10 Albert Road 11 Spinnaker Tower

The Portsmouth Visitor Information Service is located within

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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Royal Marines Museum

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Mozzerella Joes Competition

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Tenth Hole Cafe

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Aspex Gallery

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Make Craft

the D-Day Museum on Southsea

18 Blue Reef Aquarium

Seafront and our highly trained staff

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have a wealth of information at their

20 Hampshire Top Attractions

fingertips to help you make the most of your stay in the city: Tel: 023 9282 6722

Like a tea tray

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The Isle of Wight with Wightlink

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Hamble Valley

Email vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Managing Director The Marketing Collective

Hampshire Top Attractions gives the city visitor a taste of the great places to visit whether your on holiday or looking for a family day out on your doorstep. Its also packed with special offer vouchers. Ask your venue reception for a copy.

he Portsmouth Guest Guide is published by T The Marketing Collective Ltd. Telephone 023 80001655.

Information correct at the time of publication. The Marketing Collective Ltd. do not endorse any of the products and service presented in the Guide, and cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience incurred as a result of changes to advertised information. Always check details before making arrangements. With thanks to: Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Hoteliers Association & Kate Thompson.

Printed by Halcyon Print Management 01435 868890 www.themarketing-collective.com MD & Editor Jo Andrews | Designer Tina Scahill.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide is distributed within members of the Greater Portsmouth Hoteliers Association and Portsmouth & Southsea Hoteliers Association.

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Itineraries

Here’s a handy guide to making the most of your stay in Portsmouth. We’ve a list of must do’s and a few ideas to take you off the beaten track.

Itinerary One

Itinerary Two

Seaside Fun for All the Family:

of musicians at the Band Stand. Pack a

Shopping, shopping, shopping:

The UK’s only island city boasts a

picnic and prepare to enjoy great music,

There’s no doubting the attraction of

magnificent promenade running from

a party atmosphere and one of the best

Gunwharf Quays when it comes to

Eastney to Old Portsmouth.

backdrops in the world. (You will see

shopping. Once the former home of

Along the length of the beach are a

everything from warships to sailing ships,

HMS Vernon, the Royal Navy’s Torpedo

plethora of attractions for all ages – many

hovercrafts, ferries and pleasure boats

Branch, the site now boasts 90 designer

evoke memories of traditional seaside

traversing the Solent).

outlets at this great location with easy

holidays of the past with swan-shaped

Clarence Pier boasts fourteen rides and

parking – and after you’ve finished with

pedaloes on Canoe Lake and the nearby

attractions that will have you screaming

the shops, there are wonderful bars and

pitch and putt. The Tenth Hole, a popular

with delight – and just next door you can

restaurants to revive you.

cafe sitting alongside the course, is well

see the world’s longest running and only

Nearby is Commercial Road which

known for its eye-poppingly large cakes

commercial hovercraft service in Europe.

houses all the major high street names

and is a great place for breakfast too.

It is the quickest way to get to the Isle of

and the Cascades Shopping Centre.

Southsea Castle is the place where Henry

Wight and a popular pastime is to watch

While in Southsea you will find Knight and

VIII watched the Mary Rose sink, now

as the crafts land on the beach.

Lee (John Lewis) in the Palmerston Road

it’s a great place to visit and the kids will

There is a fascinating walk from Clarence

precinct along with a large Debenhams

have hours of fun exploring the passages

Pier to Old Portsmouth. You can follow

department store.

below ground.

the route along the raised section with

If you prefer to shop in independent

The Yellow Kite cafe is based at the

the harbour to one side and the old town

boutiqes, head for Marmion Road and

castle and uses the best local fair trade

to the other and see such landmarks as

Albert Road where you will find everything

ingredients. It is a splendid place to stop

Portsmouth Cathedral, the Square Tower

from antiques, artworks and artisan

for a bite to eat and it’s also worth noting

(often open for arts and crafts/vintage

chocolates. Take the time to wander and

a champagne bar is open every Friday

events) and the Round Tower where

enjoy the laid-back, atmosphere.

evening from 6pm to 9pm during the

generations have welcomed home their

At the end of a shopping spree, make

summer.

sailor sweethearts, waving as the navy

your way to the Belle Isle in Osborne

Every weekend throughout the summer

ships pass close-by

Road for great food, a buzzing

there is live music from an assortment

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atmosphere and a pitcher of Sangria.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Itineraries

Itinerary Three Creative Portsmouth:

garage on the right hand side with a

With its long association with great

spectacular piece of his work. (Take the

authors such as Charles Dickens and Sir

time to watch My Dog Sighs - A Can is

Arthur Conan Doyle, Portsmouth’s literary

Born on Vimeo).

heritage is well known.

On Albert Road, there’s plenty of street art

Rudyard Kipling also lived for a time in

to admire, remember to look up and you

the city, you will find a house in Campbell

might see something quite unexpected.

Road which bears a blue plaque to mark

At 1 Albert Road is the immensely popular

his time in the city from 1871-77.

Garage Lounge – perfect for morning

Portsmouth is still a creative city, with a

coffee, wonderful lunches or fantastic tea

thriving contemporary art scene. Turner

and cake.

Prize winning artist Grayson Perry

Or why not wander through the

studied for a BA in fine art at Portsmouth

Palmerston Road precinct to sample the

Polytechnic and it is home now to a

delights of Like a Teatray in the Sky on

thriving creative scene.

Osborne Road. Great food, lovely people,

Keep your eyes peeled on a Friday for

a fun vibe and some of the most delightful

pieces of artwork left dotted about the

crockery you are ever likely to see.

city for an appreciative audience to take

On the August Bank Holiday weekend

home. My Dog Sighs (featured on BBC2’s

(24 -25) the Victorious Festival takes place

The Culture Show) is a great proponent of

at the Historic Dockyard with the likes of

the free art scheme and you can see more

Level 42, Maximo Park, The Cribs and

of his work by visiting www.mydogsighs.

Charlotte Church – great music, stalls,

co.uk. To see some of his spectacular

fashion and fun.

wall art in the flesh, walk down Exmouth

www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

Road from Albert Road, past the colourful

If you want to know more about the

terraced houses towards Marmion Road

creative vibe going on in Portsmouth look

and just before the junction there is a

no further than www.strongisland.co.uk for all the quirky goings on in the city.

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Portsmouth

museums D-Day Museum

impressive museum is a memorable and

of Wight and Solent before enjoying

Portsmouth’s D-Day Museum is the

truly moving experience.

locally-sourced healthy eating options

UK’s only museum dedicated solely

Situated on the seafront and open

at the Yellow Kite café. This free

to covering all aspects of the D-Day

daily the museum is also home to

seafront attraction is open from March

landings in Normandy, France, on

Portsmouth Visitor Information Service.

to October.

6 June 1944. D-Day was a turning point

www.ddaymuseum.co.uk

www.southseacastle.co.uk

in the Second World War, and a

Open daily 10.30am -5.00pm (5.30pm

Open Tues – Sun, March – October,

moment when the course of world

April – Sept), last admission 30 mins

10am – 5pm, last admission 30 mins

events depended on the allied troops

before closing. Admission charge.

before closing. Free entry.

taking part. footage, shown in the museum’s small

theatre, captures the wartime mood.

Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part

Portsmouth City Museum

Personal accounts and the stories of

of a series of fortifications built by King

With free admission Portsmouth

the individuals who took part are an

Henry VIII to protect the country from

City Museum is a popular attraction

integral part of the museum.

invaders. This fascinating site is where

for the whole family. You’ll discover

At the heart of the museum,

the king watched his favourite warship,

the interactive ‘A Study in Sherlock:

commemorating the D-Day landings in

the Mary Rose, tragically capsize and

Uncovering the Arthur Conan Doyle

1944, the 272 foot (83 metre) Overlord

sink in 1545.

Collection’ where you can turn detective

Embroidery is the world’s longest

Explore the underground tunnels,

and follow the trail of the ultimate

embroidery of its kind and the modern

ramparts and enjoy panoramic views

sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, and his

equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry. This

from the top of the Keep to the Isle

creator Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived

A dramatic film-show using archival film

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Southsea Castle

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: History Comes to Life

and worked in Portsmouth. Download this thrilling free experience as you follow in the footsteps of Sherlock on a

Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum

the colder part of the year. www.portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk Open Tuesday to Sunday plus Bank

navigational trail. Use your smart phone

The great author was born in

Holiday Mondays, 10am – 5,00pm

to download Magnifying Sherlock

Portsmouth in 1812. You can learn more

(5.30pm April – Sept), last admission 30

for free from the Portsmouth Writers’

about the celebrated author of Oliver

mins before closing. Free entry.

App, or hire out an iPod from the City

Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and many

Museum reception desk.

other novels by visiting the Charles

The ‘Story of Portsmouth’ looks at how

Dickens Birthplace Museum. This small

life has changed in the city over the

house in the heart of the city is where

Eastney Beam Engine House

centuries and a fine and decorative

the great author’s life started and is

Home to a pair of James Watt beam

art gallery features a wide range of

a fascinating look into his humble

engines and reciprocal pumps, restored

materials from the 17th century to the

beginnings.

to their 1887 condition.

present day.

www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

From March to September 2013

Open Tues – Sunday + Bank Holiday

The engine house is open the last

you can visit the ‘Teddy Bear Story’

Mondays April – Sept, 10am – 5.30pm

full weekend of every month (except

exhibiton from the V&A Museum of

Last admission 30 mins before closing

December), 1pm – 5pm. Please phone

Childhood, which celebrates the most

Admission charge.

to check the engines are in steam.

popular and loved toy in the world. This

Free admission.

based on real animals to modern

Cumberland House Natural History Museum

character and designer bears. There is

Portsmouth is a very special place for

programme to suit all ages with a focus

also a teddy themed interactive area

wildlife in Britain. It has many different

on family fun in the summer months

especially for children and families to

habitats in a very small area, and at

contact us for more information or go

explore – with a Three Bears’ House

Portsmouth Natural History Museum

online.

and woodland story telling area with

you can explore them all. Between May

books, dressing up and other activities.

and September you can walk through

Contact Us:

Secret Egypt will follow this exhibition,

the butterfly house filled with living

For full details please call

opening October 2013.

insects and plants. The temperature

023 92826722 or look online at

www.portsmouthcitymuseums.

is kept at a high level so that we can

www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

co.uk Open Tues – Sunday + Bank

support exotic butterflies as well as

or email

Holiday Mondays April – Sept, 10am –

some beautiful foreign plants. In winter

vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

5.30pm, Oct – March, 10am – 5pm, last

months it is still possible to search for

Closures: All museums are closed

admission 30 mins before closing.

caterpillars under the palm leaves but

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,

Free admission.

the butterflies themselves do not fly in

Boxing Day & New Year’s Day.

touring exhibition explores the history of the teddy bear from the first designs

Events The museums have a varied event

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The cover image for the Portsmouth Guest Guide was created by Southsea artist Dave Thompson. He shares his inspiration and love of Portsmouth in this interview with Kate Thompson.

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Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Focus on Art

Dave Thompson references and build up the image that

of glamour, recreated in the muted

way. My pictures are quite architectural.

tones of 1930s travel art.

The skill is in taking the images right

Southsea based artist Dave Thompson

back to basics. What’s left out is more

certainly knows how to capture a mood

important almost than what is left on

with his images that depict key sites in

the page, it’s about strong lines and

the island city he has called home for

shadows.

the past 30 years.

“And of course every image has my

He explained: “We came here 30

trademark seagulls,” he said.

years ago from Newcastle. We had

Ironically in the past Dave was

just finished a three month road trip

commissioned to create the artwork for

of America and wanted to settle by

bus timetables for London Transport

the sea, and Southsea fitted the bill

following in the footsteps of some of the

perfectly.”

great artists who created travel posters

Dave has worked as a commercial

for the Underground.

artist for many years with advertising

Dave worked with Rick and Helen

agencies and for the past 20 years as a

Steenhuis at the Hiscock Gallery in

freelance illustrator. He uses the latest

Southsea to promote his images of

digital technology to create his artworks

Portsmouth – and his works can also

but draws on an artistic background.

be bought at their White Dog Gallery

“The effects I used to create by air-

in Lee-on-the-Solent as well as other

brushing can all be done on an iMac

selected galleries.

now. When I started out, cut and paste

His views of Portsmouth and beyond

was exactly that, you cut things out with

have proved so popular that his body

a scalpel and glued them down to build

of work now includes scenes from

up an image. “You can achieve so much

Brighton and London.

on a screen now but I’m glad I come

Looking to the future Dave has more

from an art background.”

local scenes to capture and is even

Dave admits his style has been

thinking about doing more images with

influenced by the artists who were

people.

famous for creating the travel posters

“It has been great to see how my

for the London Underground. He

images have taken off – there is a great

admires the work of Norman Wilkinson.

appeal for all things retro,” he said.

“I work from good photographic

The artist himself: Dave Thompson

MY inspiration

*images here are by Norman Wilkinson

His retro artworks revisit a bygone age

Dave’s Top Tips for places to visit

Best Shops: “I love the feel of Albert Road. The shops are independent and interesting - I’m often to be found on a Friday night with my wife having a drink at the Vaults.”

Best Restaurant: “I’m partial to a curry and we really enjoy a meal at the Thai restaurant in Albert Road called Hong Kong - the food is really excellent.”

Best View in Southsea: “It’s got to be the Solent - there’s always so much going on.”

Dave’s work can be viewed online at www.hiscockgallery.co.uk or by visiting the Hiscock Gallery in Stanley Street, Southsea.

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Albert Road “If you crave the true spirit and culture of Southsea look no further than Albert Road, a diverse mix of alternative and independent shops, bars, cafes, live music venues, vintage clothes and antique shops, with the crowning glory The Kings Theatre standing as a beacon to mark this historic and interesting place. A bohemian area people truly love and care about and frequented by musicians artists and actors, an environment for creativity to prosper where all are welcome. Alternative artworks adorn many of the buildings, “Little Camden on the Coast” ? “A new Brighton Lanes?” NO

We love Albert Road Southsea, “ its like a village by the sea”

Albert Road is unique and retains its true Portsmouth identity. This is why 100,000 people came to celebrate our wonderful street on Love Albert Road Day 2009” That’s how Ian Parmiter sums up why Albert Road is so special. He recently caused a stir by piling all the old suitcases his shop is well known for selling one on top of the other to create a teetering tower of luggage and then took pride of place astride the golden dog that graces the rooftop of his shop.

Ian is regularly featured in the plethora

Head Hairdressing

Little Johnny Russels

head is the best barbers in Portsmouth, offering top quality men’s hairdressing at an affordable price. With free wi-fi, filter coffee, great tunes, comfy sofas & late opening Monday to Friday. Phone for an appointment or simply sit & soak up the experience that is head!

Enjoy a relaxing cold beer or glass of wine in the garden, evening DJs and live music and late license at weekends. Gourmet burgers, salads and jacket potatoes are served on Saturdays and Sundays and in winter, enjoy Sunday roast near the open log fire.

53, Albert Road,Portsmouth,PO5 2SF

12 – 14 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH Tel: 02392 826 502 www.littlejohnnyrussells.com

of TV programmes that encourage us

Tel: 07867 527693 or 07788 270643

all to become amateur antiques experts

www.headhairdressing.co.uk

- Put Your Money Where your Mouth Is and Antiques Road Trip. Ian is self taught and in his third decade of trading, specialising in quirky antiques, architectural items and 20th Century Design.

A colourful character well known locally for his sartorial flair that sees him favour natty

Parmiters Antiques

Strong Island

tweeds and a stylish peroxide mallen streak,

for the past 25 years. The Love Albert Road

Extraordinary & Unusual items purchased, Entire house contents bought, top prices paid, Art & Sculpture, Vintage Luggage, Militaria, Medals & all types of

Festivals he pioneered attracted thousands

Coins, China & Glass”

Portsmouth & Southsea’s No.1 Cultural Resource. Unfunded and independent, Strong Island is a local online resource designed to promote, showcase and inform people about the cities cultural scene.

Ian has worked tirelessly to promote the street that has been home to his business

Find us in Albert Road Southsea Open 7 days a week soak up the vibe. His cool role as the Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm Sun 11am to 4pm unofficial Ambassador Tel: 02392293040 or 07850131414 of Albert Road led to him being honoured by Portsmouth City Council with a Civic Award. www.ianparmiter.co.uk of people to listen to the live music and

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Be it past, present or future Strong Island keeps you up to date with photos, interviews and articles about the city. contact@strong-island.co.uk

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About

View things differently at the top of Britain’s best viewing tower – the stunning 170 metre tall icon on the South Coast.

Spinnaker Tower and watch the rain clouds roll in, from the comfort of Café in the Clouds, 105 metres above the sea. The effects

Spinnaker Tower

of the changing

offers views of one of

weather on the sea

the most fascinating

and sky makes the

sea and landscapes,

view even more

spanning 23 miles

spectacular.

and over 1700 years

If you’re feeling

of history. The new

brave you can

i-VIEW interactive

venture across the

screens bring the view

amazing glass Sky

to life, and to your

Walk, with virtually

fingertips. By using

nothing between

incredible gigapixel panoramic photos,

you and the waves below – dare you

this interactive view interpretation

walk on air?! Then head up to the Sky

allows you to zoom in to get a better

Deck - open to the elements and the

look at points of interest in the view

energising sea breeze, it’s a real hair

Venue details:

– including Nelson’s Victory and the

raising experience!

Spinnaker Tower

famous Mary Rose wreck site – as well

Spinnaker Tower is located in Gunwharf

Gunwharf Quays,

giving the history and stories behind

Quays shopping outlet centre and just

Portsmouth, PO3 TT

them.

a few minutes walk from Portsmouth

www.spinnakertower.co.uk

There’s no need to miss out on inspiring

Historic Dockyard.

sea views if your trip to the seaside brings on the rain - head instead for 11

Portsmouth Guest Guide: History

Portsmouth

Historicsails Dockyard into a

New Era

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The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Heritage

T

hese are exciting times to visit Portsmouth

warships in the world - Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS

Historic Dockyard following the opening of a

Warrior 1860. Their appeal endures because of the graphic

brand new Museum for the Mary Rose, thirty

and moving stories associated with them. But it’s more

years after she was watched on television by

than that. It’s the social history about life on-board and in

millions being raised from The Solent.

the wider society; the bravery and heroism of generations

The £35 million project to build an

of serving personnel and their families and their compelling

internationally-renowned museum and complete the

stories; the technology that meant Britain led the world

conservation, reunites the hull of the Mary Rose with many of

and the anecdotes which have fashioned our language for

the 19,000 Tudor artefacts recovered from the seabed and is

centuries.

a truly mesmerising experience.

This year also sees continuing work on the new Babcock

Showcasing the very best in 21st century

galleries at the National Museum of the

architecture and construction, and the

Royal Navy, due to open in spring 2014,

finest collection of 16th century artefacts

the centenary of the start of World War I,

in the world, for the first time visitors

marking the Navy’s vital role.

can see the ship with its preserving

HMS – Hear My Story will be the major

sprays switched off and witness the final

exhibition situated in the brand new

phase of the hull’s conservation through

galleries, telling the undiscovered stories

windows into a ‘hotbox’ as up to 100 tons

from the ordinary men, women and ships

of water is now removed from the ship’s

which have made the Navy‘s amazing

timbers.

history over the last 100 years, the

New galleries contain some of the

century of greatest change.

thousands of objects recovered, in

Image taken by: Steve Wallace

context, running the length of the ship,

Add the interactive Action Stations where visitors can fly a helicopter or climb the

corresponding to deck levels so visitors

UK’s tallest indoor climbing tower and a

can experience what the decks would have looked like

Harbour Tour that brings passengers up close and personal

moments before the Mary Rose sank. Six themed galleries

with modern Royal Navy

tell the personal stories and working lives of the crew on

warships, showing why

board.

Portsmouth remains

The Mary Rose is in very distinguished company at

one of the world’s most

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as it’s the only place in

important harbours;

the world where visitors can feel at first-hand what it was

then it’s clear why

really like to serve and fight on board the ships that shaped

Portsmouth Historic

Britain’s history – alongside modern warships of the Royal

Dockyard often appears

Navy. It’s a full day out that stays with all ages forever.

as people’s favourite

The three ships featured are among the most famous

museum!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visitor Centre Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ. Visitor Centre (open daily between 10am - 5pm) 023 9283 9766 www.historicdockyard.co.uk

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Royal Marines Museum The Royal Marines Museum, with its stunning seafront location and vast picnic lawns, celebrates the history of the Royal Marines from their origins in 1664 to present day. Formerly the Officers Mess, the magnificent, stately buildings provide the perfect setting to explore and learn about the thrilling stories of the extraordinary people who have become the elite fighting force – the Royal Marines.

Through a series of interactive displays and

Royal MArines Museum, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9PX 023 9281 9385 www.royalmarines

a trip down memory lane in our WW2 home front kitchen.

Marvel at the extensive collection and unrivalled archive exhibits gathered from around the world to illustrate the remarkable acts of heroism and bravery of the Royal Marines. Featuring over 8000 distinctive medals, the highlight of the Medal Room is the complete collection of all 10 Victoria Crosses awarded to Marines, first in 1854 to the more recent in 1945.

This family friendly Museum has hands-on interactive games, simulators, sight/sound and touch experiences and a new assault course. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor activities including demonstrations and children’s participatory holiday

exhibition galleries spreading

and half term events from ‘Rescue Mission’ and ‘Making the

over three floors, you can follow

Peace’ to ‘Midnight Strike’ and ‘Commando Fit’ all included

a Commando recruit through Venue details:

sounds of tropical swamps, and there’s even a snake, or take

in the ticket price. Finish your visit by climbing aboard the

his gruelling training and on to

rigid raider and assault course whilst enjoying lunch in our

deployment around the world;

award winning café the Quartermaster’s Kitchen or a browse

creep through the jungle and

in our Museum shop. Visit as many times as you like, free,

experience the sights and

for a whole year by gift aiding your admission ticket.

The museum features an extensive family events calendar and regular special exhibitions, see our website for more details.

museum.co.uk

Win a Meal for Four at Mozzarella Joes Walking along Southsea beach is sure to give you an appetite, and there is no better place to stop for a tasty bite to eat than Mozzarella Joes.

No other eaterie on the beach has a better view of the Solent, you can watch the ships and sailing boats go passing by as you tuck into freshly baked pizza, tasty pasta or delicious burgers.

We are giving away a meal for four to enjoy, and all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is email info@themarketing-collective.com and quote Portsmouth Guest Guide competition. Closing date 31st December. Winner will be drawn before the 31st January 2014 and the meal must be taken before the 31st March 2014

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The Tenth Hole

The Portsmouth Guest Guide:Eat and be Merry

Here’s a real gem, tucked away in sunny Southsea – and well worth a visit.

The Tenth Hole is the tea rooms adjoining Southsea Golf Links and it is a joy to behold. Run by a young and enthusiastic team, the cafe situated on Eastern Parade is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike. Especially at the weekend when they like to sit outside and enjoy everything from a cooked breakfast, tasty lunch or sumptuous tea.

Breakfasts include the traditional

grabs your attention. The selection of

full-English variety as well as smoked

cakes includes everything from coffee

salmon and scrambled eggs served

and walnut sponge to cheesecakes,

on a toasted English muffin, Billy’s

pavlovas and a particular treat known

Breakfast Burger (sausage meat burger,

as chocolate lumpy, bumpy cake.

2 rashers of crispy bacon, and a fried

The cafe is so keen on its cake it has

egg in a toasted muffin) or Croque

a featured confection of the week – at

Madame (toasted bloomer bread,

the time of writing it was a delicious

topped with hand carved ham, rarebit

chocolate and custard choux ring with

sauce & a fried egg).

strawberries.

In addition to doorstep sandwiches and

A perfect visit has to include a round on

jacket potatoes, you can also choose

the links – they date back to 1914 and

from a lunch menu that includes the

in the cafe, there are some great photos

Tenth Hole salad (roasted butternut

of genteel folk tackling the torment of

squash, beetroot, toasted pinenuts,

the nine hole course.

goat’s cheese, spicy cous cous) and

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never swung

quiche of the day (with coleslaw, salad

a golf club before, you are sure to enjoy

& new potatoes).

time spent making your way around

Renowned for its eye-popping display

the course. The pitch and putt is open

of cakes, the Tenth Hole can also

seven days a week from 8am and the

satisfy your palate with tasty, good

last tee off is at 5.30pm (adults £3.70,

quality food as well as blow you away

concessions £3.50).

with a towering confection of cream

And not just a game for a sunny day, it’s

and sponge.

almost more fun in inclement weather

You can order high tea which includes

with the wind blowing off the sea and

a round of sandwiches, choose from:

the thought of a yummy breakfast at

Venue details:

ham & mustard mayo; egg mayonnaise

the Tenth Hole to come.

The Tenth Hole, Eastern

or cheddar & chilli jam; two mini scones

Another nice touch is the hot water

Parade, Southsea,

served with clotted cream and jam and

bottles and blankets for those brave

Portsmouth, PO4 9RF

a selection of delectable sweet treats.

enough to opt for al fresco lunch or tea

02392 830 009

High Tea costs £10 per person and

when the sun isn’t shining.

www.thetenthhole.co.uk

includes a pot of tea or mug of coffee.

To find out more about what’s going on

As you walk into the Tenth Hole it is

at the Tenth Hole go to

the variety of cakes that immediately

www.thetenthhole.co.uk 15

Aspex Gallery Formed in 1981 in the heart of Southsea, Aspex moved to the historic Vulcan Building in Gunwharf Quays in 2006. They specialise in exhibiting the work of exciting local, national and international emerging artists, alongside a thriving participation programme that encourages people of all ages to get involved with art, craft and creative activities.

The seasons at Aspex are based around

It’s not only in the Café Bar where little

questions – for example, Does Making

ones are catered for – Aspex have a

Things Make Us Human? or Where Does

wide range of workshops for younger

Progress End? Exhibitions, talks and

visitors, including Art Clubs for 8-13

participatory events are programmed

year olds running throughout the school

around these questions, helping explore

holidays, and Mini Makers for toddler to

possible answers

8 year olds and their

with the help of their

parents on Saturday

visitors.

mornings. They have

At the heart of the

also started to offer

gallery is the Aspex

craft workshops for

Café Bar – a family

adults, supported by

friendly space with

Make Craft Café in

plenty of room

Southsea, where you

for buggies, baby

can learn some of the

changing facilities

skills and techniques

and food warming

used by the artists

facilities. For the

and craftspeople in

grown-ups, a range of

the exhibitions.

Venue details:

mezze, paninis, homemade cakes are

Aspex is not only a great place for art &

Aspex The Vulcan

available, alongside great illy coffee,

the family…it also has a wide range of

Portsmouth, PO1 3BF

ales, ciders and specially selected

gifts, greetings cards and more that you

023 9277 8080

wines. If you are in the city for a

won’t find anywhere else to buy in their

www.aspex.org.uk

meeting, you can use the Café Bar for

Craft & Design space!

Open 11am - 4pm daily

informal get-togethers, or alternatively

And the best thing about Aspex is…

Free admission

you can hire a larger private space

admission is FREE! Open 11-4 Daily

within the gallery for more formal events.

find out more at www.aspex.org.uk

16

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Arts and Culture

MAKE

it Happen – Get Crafty in Southsea.

‘Make’ is an independent studio on Albert Road in Southsea offering craft workshops in a quirky and creative setting.

Nikki Bates was inspired to launch Make

there is also a chance to learn.

after winning a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style

The ethos at Make is simple - it is based

competition following her graduation

within the local community, sourcing local

from the University of Portsmouth.

people and products where possible.

“The idea for Make was born out of a

“I wanted to offer something

frustration I had as a student on the

different to sitting in a school or a

first year of my degree in 2008. I was

community centre,” she said.

Did You Know...

studying for a degree in illustration

Workshops are taught by local

and found it difficult to get hold of

craft professionals – known as

equipment I wanted for projects because

‘Makers’- in subjects as varied as

I wasn’t following a particular course.

dressmaking, knitting and crochet,

“I was lucky that I was in a creative

patchwork and making rag rugs.

setting and I could find ways to get

There are Wednesday night social

hold of the equipment I needed

gatherings when you can turn up

but for a lot of people that’s sadly

with a craft project of your own

It’s official crafting is good for your health. The Craft Council has proved, participating in crafts has an amazing effect on reducing stress levels and helping you to relax.

not the case,” she said.

and create in the company of other

Make offers a one-of-a-kind creative

crafters, Tuesday Mummy Mornings

space for people who want to embrace

and a children’s knitting group.

craft but do not have the equipment,

As well as the workshops ‘Make’

space and in some cases, the know-

plays host to organised events such

Venue details:

how to pursue it in their own homes.

as birthdays, corporate gatherings,

Make 4 Albert Road,

And you can enjoy a refreshing

hen days and children’s parties.

Southsea, England, PO5 2SH

cuppa and a delectable slice of cake

‘Make’ is also a great space to unwind in,

023 9282 2026

to help the creative process.

meet like-minded crafters at one of their

www.facebook.com/

In the same vein as an Internet café,

social nights or just pop down during the

makesouthsea

customers can come to hire sewing

day and relax with your latest project.

machines and space. Aside from this 17

Wonders of the

deep

Portsmouth’s award-winning

Blue Reef Aquarium is a great place for visitors of all ages to find out more about the wonders of the deep whatever the weather.

Whether you‘re dodging the showers or escaping the heat, Blue Reef’s innovative displays, informative talks and feeding demonstrations will keep the family fully entertained.

At the aquarium’s heart is the giant ocean tank where an underwater tunnel offers incredibly close encounters with puffer fish, triggerfish and hundreds of vibrant tropical fish amid the beauty of a recreated coral reef.

Over 50 other living displays reveal the sheer variety of life in the deep, from tropical sharks and stingrays to giant lobsters, elegant seahorses and playful otters.

Don’t forget your towel and a bucket and spade to make the most of the aquarium’s outdoor Blue Reef Beach Club.

Overlooking the bustling Solent the club boasts its very own 50-tonne sandy beach and rockpool sandpit alongside a splash play area.

Venue details: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3PB 023 9287 5222 www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/ portsmouth

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The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Inspiration

Like a tea tray in the Sky It’s no surprise to discover Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is the favourite book of tearoom owner Nicky aka Lilou.

gallic influence (think Nouvelle Vague or the soundtrack from

Like a Teatray in the Sky takes its name from the poem by

the wall by street artist Fark.

Lewis Carroll and stepping over the threshold is like entering

Nicky along with her mum are responsible for the delicious

a different world, which she has painstakingly put together

food on offer: stop for lunch and enjoy her attention to detail

with partner Fark.

and afternoon tea is nothing short of a work of art.

The mis-matched furniture, 70’s geometric prints, covetable

“We wanted to create an atmosphere where people can relax

china cups and saucers all make for a creative space that is

– this is more than a tearoom and we love the fact it is still

immediately welcoming and intriguing.

evolving. “You will find writers, knitters, artists – and lots of

You can guarantee an interesting soundtrack - often with a

people who just like the vibe we’ve created here,” said Fark.

The Artist) – and then there is the Dodo expertly created on

If you only see one thing in Southsea...

– If you only get to enjoy one thing in Southsea it has to be the free concerts at the bandstand

by Southsea Castle. There’s music, people, sunshine, a great

Where is the best place for a romantic meal?

atmosphere and the Solent full of little boats, Royal Navy ships, helicopters – and the Isle of Wight.

– We like Sant yagos round the

Southsea Castle

corner from the John Lewis store

www.southseacastle.co.uk

in Palmerston Road precinct. The

023 9282 7261

service is great and the food and cocktails are wicked.

Where is the best place to see street art?

Sant yagos www.santyagos.co.uk 02392 179636

– Fratton Park is one of the biggest legal graffiti sites around and it evolves on a weekly basis. From the first weekend in August we will be transforming the skate park on Clarence Parade. It dates back to the 1950s and is a really cool place now being run as a charity.

Venue details:

Twinkle, twinkle, little bat How I wonder what you’re at!

Up above the world you fly, Like a tea tray in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle, little bat How I wonder what you’re at!

Like a Tea Tray In The Sky 31 Osbourne Road, Southsea, PO5 3LR 02392 731903 Follow us on Facebook / Twitter.

19

Discover & Explore Visitors staying in Portsmouth are in a great position to explore the best that Hampshire has to offer. Whether you choose to take a short break or stay a little longer, there are plenty of adventures awaiting you – and here are just a few ideas to get you started...

Family Fun

There are over 100 hands-on interactive science and

home to more than 60 family rides and attractions as

Science Centre and Planetarium in Winchester.

Visit Peppa Pig World at Paultons Theme Park, well as a collection of exotic birds and animals.

The name’s Bond - James Bond … Share in some of that 007 magic, when you visit the record-breaking show at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum You can let off some steam with a morning of physical activity at the New Forest Activities Centre or journey to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover where you will find vultures, barn owls and hawks.

Sticking with the natural world, Marwell Zoo has an astounding range of wildlife and prides itself on its conservation work. While at Birdworld near Farnham you

technology exhibits idea for all the family at Intech

Gardeners World

Explore 200 acres of beautiful gardens at Exbury

Gardens and Steam Railway in the New Forest, worldfamous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs.

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey is a 180acre garden paradise with a magnificent collection of more than 42,000 plants and boasts one of the largest Winter Gardens of its kind in Europe.

While the National Trust’s Mottisfont is set in glorious grounds by the River Test., with a medieval priory

can see Penguins feeding and free flying Kookaburras

that was gradually changed into a country house.

Or take to the trees for an exhilarating adventure

Gilbert White’s House and Oates Museum nr Alton are

experience with Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park and Itchen Valley Country Park near Eastleigh.

Visit Staunton Country Park where the grand fishing lake and sensory garden will entrance the whole family, while the farm is a delight for youngsters.

Family-run Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst has daily activities and plenty of cute animals.

A day at the seaside awaits you at Southsea Beach and there’s always plenty of fun to be had at the Pyramids

Centre with its pools and funky flumes. See spectacular views from the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and if you are brave enough, venture across the glass floor.

20

also well worth a visit. The naturalist is regarded as Darwin’s inspiration and his house and gardens are a national treasure.

The New Forest Museum is packed full of displays and activities about the New Forest National Park, including a Family Fun Tree interactive exhibit.

Step Back in Time Winchester is a spectacular cathedral city, where more than 15 centuries of Christian faith is captured in the glorious architecture. After marvelling at Winchester Cathedral’s history, why not stop for a cuppa at their elegant café? The Great Hall in the city is home to ‘King Arthur’s Round Table’.

Close by in Alresford is the Watercress Railway Line

of the county’s famous watercress beds and alighting

of Wight with Wightlink Ferries or

at a number of character stations along the route.

if travelling from Southampton, Red

Basing House in Basingstoke was once the country’s

Funnel Ferries and discover royal

largest private home, owned by the powerful courtier

residences, dramatic coastline and a

William Paulet, Marques of Winchester. The Great

funky vintage vibe.

Barn, which dates back to Tudor times, is the

Just down the M27 is Southampton’s

largest surviving, fully intact building of its kind.

neighbouring city of Portsmouth. Visit

Take a trip back to Victorian times with a visit to Milestone’s Museum in Basingstoke and explore a network of full size

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the world-famous ships HMS Victory

streets inside a purpose built museum, telling the story of

and HMS Warrior 1860. 2013 will see

Hampshire’s social, industrial and commercial history

the opening of the new Mary Rose

Experience sights and sounds at Manor Farm, a

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From Portsmouth explore the Isle

.uk .co

Ahoy There...

either a steam or loco engine to travel through some

ns

where you can climb aboard a carriage pulled by

m

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About

Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy boasts

delightful historical working farm where children

a magnificent collection illustrating our proud naval heritage.

can meet the animals, lend a hand in the farmhouse

The Blue Reef Aquarium offers a dazzling undersea

or attend a Victorian school lesson.

Tudor House in Southampton tells over 800 years of

safari and if you travel to the top of the iconic Spinnaker Tower you can take in stunning views of the Solent.

history with interactive guides and audio-visual displays,

Along the beach to Eastney, you will find the Royal

which bring the house to life. The story of Southampton’s

Marines Museum with an extensive collection of

maritime history is told at SeaCity Museum.

displays gathered from around the world.

Situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of

A short trip across the water takes you to Gosport where

the New Forest, you will find the unique and picturesque

you will find the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. You

village of Buckler’s Hard where warships for Nelson’s navy

can get a real feel for the life of a submariner by going on

were built. Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest story tells

board HMS Alliance, a WW2 submarine. Also, Explosion! the

the fascinating history of this unique village from its origins

Museum of Naval Firepower which tells the story of naval

as a port for importing sugar cane to its ship building.

warfare from the days of gunpowder to modern missiles.

To find out more about these and numerous other attractions, please visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk

For special offers and discount vouchers for more than 36 attractions visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk/offers

21

Get a

Taste Wight of

Easily accessible by car or on foot, the Isle of Wight is just over half an hour from the mainland, travelling on Wightlink’s fleet of seven car and passenger ferries from Portsmouth –Fishbourne or Lymington–Yarmouth or on its passenger-only catamaran service from Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde Pier Head.

J

ust 23 miles wide and 13 miles deep, the

is also home to the earliest asparagus. It boasts Britain’s

diamond-shaped island boasts some of Britain’s

largest crop of tomatoes, 12 different kinds of garlic, wild

most varied countryside – more than half of it

bass from waters around Bembridge and a world-beating

classified an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

blue cheese – all of them fresh, full of flavour and home-

Unspoiled landscape, miles of golden beaches

grown for fewer food miles. In fact the Island is packed

and dramatic cliffs are just some of the delights

with local food champions and, with their help, Wightlink

to discover, and families in search of fun, animal-lovers,

has plotted a route through scenic countryside to create the

walkers, cyclists, history buffs and people of all ages with

Wight Taste Trail.

an interest in food, heritage, wildlife and scenery will find a treat in store.

One of a collection of free themed guides, designed to cater for the differing tastes of Isle of Wight visitors, the Wight Taste

Famous in Victorian times as the favourite home of Queen

Trail profiles the very best food producers on the Island as

Victoria and notorious more recently for music festivals,

well as showcasing restaurants, pubs, delicatessens and farm

sailing, and the startling dinosaur finds on its crumbling south

shops dedicated to local produce. As well as spotlighting

Venue details: Wightlink 0871 376 1000 www.wightlink.co.uk/ wighttastetrail

coast, the Isle of Wight

local food champions and inspirational chefs, the guide gives

is crammed with both

information on Farmers’ Markets to visit, locally-made ice

natural and man-made

cream to try, the best places to buy fresh fish, and where to

attractions, and is also

find the Ultimate Island Cream Tea.

now among Britain’s leading regional food centres. One of the few places in the country where apricots are grown, the Isle of Wight

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Other Wightlink guides include a 32-stop Wight History Trail around the living history of the Island, Wight Safaris adventure walking guide, and Secret Wight, featuring a range of outdoor challenges in parts of the Island away from the well-trodden tourist path.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About

Heritage

Walk along the river From coast to countryside, whether your passion is heritage, culture, shopping or a fun-filled family day out, the world-renowned Hamble Valley has it all. Located to the east of Portsmouth, this area of outstanding natural beauty is quite literally at your feet.

Hamble River events take place

Known as the Strawberry Coast, The

Bursledon Regatta and national World

Hamble Valley is set alongside the

Series competitions.

stunning River Hamble, tucked between

The essence of a sailing lifestyle

the bustling cities of Southampton,

is captured through the marinas,

Winchester and Portsmouth

chandleries, restaurants and boutiques,

and stretching along 25 miles of

located along the shoreline. Indeed,

Hampshire’s coastline.

numerous opportunities present

There is so much on offer with a variety

themselves to way anchor and

of unique family attractions from Manor

investigate the local vintage ales.

Farm, the Victorian working farm which

The Hamble Valley welcomes families

was the setting for the BBC’s Wartime

and is a child-friendly destination with

Farm series to Bursledon Windmill

plenty of free and low cost activities to

and Bursledon Brickworks. Discover

keep the young and the young at hear

delightfully quaint villages and charming

entertained.

towns and over 1500 acres of unspoilt

Whether you are on a romantic short

countryside with five country parks.

break or visiting for the week with

For further information on

Enjoy beautiful waterside vistas and

a young family, you’ll wish you had

glorious days out on the

amble through woodlands, marshes and

discovered the Hamble Valley sooner.

River Hamble or your personal

throughout the year, attracting world class yachtsmen and racing enthusiasts. Competition within the sailing world is strong and many sailors come to showcase their skills.

Events include Hamble Week, the Hamble Winter & Spring Series, the

Great places to ea

t

Share some family time

meadows on one of the many walking

journey through the

trails including the Strawberry Trail,

Hamble Valley, visit

a long distance walk along the River Hamble, the Cobbett Trail, a short walk around the village of Botley and the Hamble Rail Trail.

See more of the Hamble Valley and take a virtual tour by scanning this QR code.

www.hamblevalley.com Follow us on Twitter @HambleValley

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Discover miles of smiles on the Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight is perfect for a day trip or holiday. Whether you discover the 60 miles of stunning coastline or visit one of the Island’s great tourist attractions, it’ll be an unforgettable experience.

And the best way to visit is with Wightlink.

Our car ferries can take you there in under 45 minutes from Portsmouth whilst our foot passenger catamarans take around 22 minutes from Portsmouth Harbour.

TO BOOK, CALL 0871 376 1000

Calls cost 7p per minute, plus network extras at least 1 hour before you wish to travel

wightlink.co.uk

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