Overview:
Situated in Hampshire and south of England, Portsmouth is famous for being the premiere seaside towns in the United Kingdom, home to the oldest docks globally. But you can be the most committed landlubber on the planet and still have a terrific time at a Portsmouth stag do. An odd, quirky mix of land and sea, ancient and modern will make your Portsmouth stag weekend one to remember!
Getting around:
One of the city of Portsmouth's most convenient features is its layout. It is so densely designed that you will be able to reach many of your desired destinations on foot very easily. The city contains several different self-contained sections with many bars and restaurants close together, such as near the Student Union or around Palmerston Road. Of course, if walking is not your preference, there are also plenty of buses and taxes available for a reasonable price. In Portsmouth, you will always be able to get to the party punctually during your stag do!
Must See/Must Do:
• Head to the incredible Blue Reef Aquarium
• Spinnaker Tower is not a sight you want to miss while in Portsmouth - climb it while you are there and take in the entire city
• Gunwharf Quay has some of the most unique night hotspots you will find anywhere!
• Renaissance Trail offers a beautiful walk with no guides needed
• The waterbus will give you a very unique tour of the harbor and Portsmouth coast
• The premiere sight in Portsmouth is a tour of Lord Nelson's ship from the Battle of Trafalgar, the HMS Victory
History and Culture:
Portsmouth has a colourful and long-standing history with the Romans and the Normans ruling this land in ancient times. Also, Admiral Nelson actually launched his famous naval expedition that culminated at the Battle of Trafalgar from Portsmouth harbour. During World War I and World War II, Portsmouth was bombed, leading to a rebuilding campaign and, more recently, a city beautification campaign.
Nightlife:
Many of the self-contained sections of Portsmouth we mentioned earlier would work great for a stag party all on their own. Gunwharf Quay is definitely the most popular of these sections. It features many large clubs (Highlights and Tiger Tiger are both very popular), small cozy pubs and ritzy bars, a casino and plenty of restaurants – all the ingredients for a wild night to stage your Portsmouth stag do!
Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth's most popular hotspot, is certainly not the only one available. Bablyon is also popular amongst fans of an 80's retro scene, or Guildhall Walk for those who like a fun, casual and affordable atmosphere for their stag party.
Eating and Drinking:
In addition to these nightlife venues, you will find many different restaurants and bars that cater to any taste imaginable. The list of Portsmouth’s culinary offerings is simply extensive. For great food and music in one place, Rosie's Vineyard is a great option. Or proceed to Bamboo for terrific Asian food. While enjoying your Portsmouth stag weekend, make sure to set aside some time to just explore and sample the great food the city has to offer!
Sport:
The Guildhall Walk bars are always especially busy after a football game at nearby Fratton Park. Dogs is also a popular after-game hotspot. If there is one thing you should know about Portsmouth, it is that variety is king. Any taste and any budget is certain to find exactly what they are looking for in Portsmouth. To set up your stag weekend, go for a Pompey match guaranteed to move your stag brethren to their feet while cheering!