FME Logo
Background
Portsmouth Shore Excursions

Portsmouth Shore Excursions

UK & British Isles

4 & 5* Portsmouth Shore Excursions

Southampton Pre-Cruise Tour: London to Southampton via Stonehenge
Worry-free Shore Excursion
Likely to sell out

Southampton Pre-Cruise Tour: London to Southampton via Stonehenge

469

Duration: 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 191.98

Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, The City of Bath Day Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, The City of Bath Day Tour

468

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 12 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 989.68

Shared Departure Transfer from your London Hotel to the Airport
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Shared Departure Transfer from your London Hotel to the Airport

240

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 0.5 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 62.29

Private Tour to Stonehenge, Bath and The Cotswolds
Worry-free Shore Excursion
Likely to sell out

Private Tour to Stonehenge, Bath and The Cotswolds

182

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 10 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 1309.42

Private Windsor Castle and Stonehenge Day Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Windsor Castle and Stonehenge Day Tour

170

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 9 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 788.97

Private London Highlights Tour with Experienced Guide in Taxi
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private London Highlights Tour with Experienced Guide in Taxi

92

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 519.41

Private Cotswold Villages Day Tour see the beauty of the Villages
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Cotswold Villages Day Tour see the beauty of the Villages

91

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 10 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 826.35

Private London Evening Tour by Car
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private London Evening Tour by Car

37

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 152.26

Private Tour of Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Tour of Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

36

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 8 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 778.59

Southampton Cruise Term/ Hotel to London with Stopovers at Stonehenge & Windsor
Worry-free Shore Excursion
Likely to sell out

Southampton Cruise Term/ Hotel to London with Stopovers at Stonehenge & Windsor

31

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 12 - 13 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 1314.96

Private Guided Tour of Windsor Castle PLUS and History
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Guided Tour of Windsor Castle PLUS and History

29

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 7 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 899.71

Private Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury Stone Circle Day Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury Stone Circle Day Tour

25

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 9 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 825.31

 Private Beatles and London Rock Tour in Electric Taxi
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Beatles and London Rock Tour in Electric Taxi

22

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 553.67

Private driver tours to Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, or Oxford
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private driver tours to Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, or Oxford

18

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 9 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 961.99

Private Kent Castles and White Cliffs of Dover Day Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Kent Castles and White Cliffs of Dover Day Tour

17

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 10 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 823.58

Private Guided Full Day Downton Abbey Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Guided Full Day Downton Abbey Tour

15

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 10 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 1280.35

Beatles Walking Tour of London
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Beatles Walking Tour of London

15

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 269.91

Leeds Castle, Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover - Driver Guide
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Leeds Castle, Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover - Driver Guide

13

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 11 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 2401.53

Windsor Castle and Eton College Private Car with Driver Guide
Worry-free Shore Excursion
Likely to sell out

Windsor Castle and Eton College Private Car with Driver Guide

12

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 1138.97

Private Windsor Castle Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Private Windsor Castle Tour

12

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 617.68

Fully Guided History Tour of The City of Brighton
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Fully Guided History Tour of The City of Brighton

5

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 10 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 1038.12

 Harry Potter's Private London Taxi Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Harry Potter's Private London Taxi Tour

4

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 8 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 1009.06

James Bond Ultimate Spy Taxi Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

James Bond Ultimate Spy Taxi Tour

4

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 4 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 690.70

Stratford Upon Avon & Warwick Castle Private Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Stratford Upon Avon & Warwick Castle Private Tour

3

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 10 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 1238.83

It's Only Rock n Roll, but I like It Taxi Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

It's Only Rock n Roll, but I like It Taxi Tour

2

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 4 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 732.22

London: Full Day Private Tour Including Entry Passes
Worry-free Shore Excursion

London: Full Day Private Tour Including Entry Passes

2

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 8 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 726.69

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

18652

Duration: 11 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 110.87

London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs

London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs

10407

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 40.14

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

7399

Duration: 12 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 123.19

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

6673

Duration: 24 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 49.55

Related destinations to Portsmouth

What should I know if this is my first time visiting Portsmouth on a cruise?

Typically, Portsmouth is compact and easy to navigate from the cruise terminal, so first-time visitors can see several main sights even with a limited time ashore. Allow time for embarkation and tendering procedures, and be mindful of your cruise line’s reboarding deadline. Luggage policies and security checks can add minutes to transfers, so build in a buffer. Many visitors research transport options and local maps before arriving to make efficient use of their visit, and consider guided options that concentrate on a few highlights without extensive walking. Portsmouth shore excursions

Which attractions should I prioritise in Portsmouth?

Highlights include the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, where interactive displays tell centuries of naval history. The Spinnaker Tower provides panoramic views over the Solent and harbour, while Southsea Castle and the seafront offer a sense of coastal defence and leisure. Gunwharf Quays has shopping and eateries close to the waterfront for swift refreshment. Museum opening times can vary seasonally, so checking ahead helps plan a practical route that matches your available time and energy. Portsmouth tours

Should I choose a half-day or full-day excursion in Portsmouth?

Comparing half-day and full-day options depends on priorities and energy levels; a half-day suits visitors who want a focused visit to the dockyard and a harbour viewpoint, while a full-day allows time for additional museums, a stroll along Southsea, and relaxed meals. Half-day trips can minimise transit time and still cover signature sites, whereas full-day itineraries permit a more leisurely pace, possible visits to nearby attractions such as Portsmouth Cathedral and local galleries, and time for shopping or unhurried coastal walks. Portsmouth shore excursions

How rich is Portsmouth’s maritime history and where can I learn about it?

Centred on the Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth’s maritime heritage spans Tudor warships to modern naval vessels and has extensive displays and conservation projects accessible to visitors. The Mary Rose Museum uses artefacts and immersive exhibits to explain life aboard a 16th-century warship, while HMS Victory presents Nelson’s naval command and battles. Local museums and guided walks interpret shipbuilding, harbour development and naval strategy, offering layered context for the city’s role in British maritime history without needing specialist prior knowledge. Portsmouth tours

What natural scenery can I experience around Portsmouth?

Expect a mix of urban waterfront, open Solent views and nearby green spaces that make for varied short excursions from the port. The seafront promenades at Southsea and the viewpoints around the Spinnaker Tower showcase tidal channels, passing ferries and Isle of Wight glimpses on clear days. Short coastal walks, small beaches and harbour piers offer photographic opportunities and birdwatching, while short drives or local transport can reach quieter chalk cliffs and nature reserves along the Hampshire coastline for a contrast to the city’s maritime bustle. Portsmouth shore excursions

Are there particular foods or local cuisine I should try in Portsmouth?

Familiar local options include fresh seafood—mussels, fish and shellfish feature in many menus—alongside classic British dishes served in traditional pubs and contemporary cafés. Harbour-side eateries often offer daily catches and seasonal specials, and regional producers supply local ales, ciders and artisanal goods at markets or independent shops. For a quick taste of the area, sampling a seafood platter or a fish-and-chips meal near the waterfront provides a sense of place without a lengthy sit-down service, suitable for limited shore time. Portsmouth tours

What level of walking and physical activity should I expect on shore excursions?

Physical demands vary by itinerary: many walks around the Historic Dockyard and waterfront are on paved surfaces but can include steps, ramps and slopes, while coastal paths and castle grounds present uneven terrain. Excursions combining multiple sites may involve sustained walking and standing, so comfortable footwear and layered clothing are advisable. If mobility is limited, shorter routes or transport-based tours reduce exertion, and checking specific tour summaries for total walking distance and surface types helps choose an option that fits personal fitness levels. Portsmouth shore excursions

How accessible are Portsmouth attractions for passengers with mobility needs?

Accessibility standards differ between sites; major attractions such as the Historic Dockyard provide accessible entrances, lifts, accessible WC facilities and step-free routes where possible, but some historic ships and buildings retain steep steps or constrained spaces. Advance enquiries with museums or tour providers can clarify access routes, equipment availability and parking or drop-off arrangements. Many locations offer alternative ways to experience displays, such as audio guides or accessible galleries, enabling visitors with reduced mobility to still engage with the city’s maritime stories. Portsmouth tours

When is the best time of year to visit Portsmouth during a cruise stop?

Climate and visitor numbers influence the experience; late spring to early autumn offers milder weather and longer daylight for sightseeing and coastal walks, while shoulder seasons tend to be quieter with shorter queues at popular sites. Summer brings more frequent services and events but can be busier, so early morning or late afternoon visits can avoid peak crowds. Weather in the Solent can change quickly, so packing a light waterproof and flexible layers helps make the most of variable conditions regardless of season. Portsmouth shore excursions

Should I take a guided tour or explore Portsmouth independently?

Deciding between a guided option and independent exploration depends on priorities for context, pace and convenience; guided outings supply structured commentary, logistical coordination and often skip-the-line benefits, useful when time is limited or for deeper historical interpretation. Independent visits let you set your own schedule, linger where you prefer and respond spontaneously to weather or fatigue, though they require more pre-planning for transport and timings. Consider personal learning preferences, mobility and how much you want external narration versus self-directed discovery. Portsmouth tours

Which cruise lines visit Portsmouth?

Virgin Voyages, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Azamara will all visit Portsmouth this year.

What cruise ships will sail to Portsmouth in 2026?

Portsmouth will be visited by Scarlet Lady, Borealis, Azamara Quest and Valiant Lady.