Exploring the rich history of Portsmouth is no easy feat, but the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour makes it an engaging and accessible experience. Led by local expert Samuel, this 1.5-hour journey takes participants on a captivating adventure through over 900 years of the city’s past, uncovering tales of piracy, espionage, and notable figures like Admiral Nelson. With a mix of humor and educational storytelling, the tour covers wheelchair-accessible routes, allowing visitors of all ages to discover Portsmouth’s intriguing heritage. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this coastal city, the tour promises an entertaining and enlightening experience.

Good To Know

  1. The 1.5-hour walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and explores over 900 years of captivating history in Old Portsmouth.

  2. The tour highlights the darker aspects of Portsmouth’s past, including piracy, espionage, and notorious local figures.

  3. The engaging tour guide, Samuel, a local history teacher, enhances the experience with his expertise, fluent storytelling, and ability to weave humor into the narratives.

  4. The tour is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and above, with some mobility needed to navigate uneven cobblestone surfaces.

  5. The tour is highly rated at 5/5 based on 14 reviews, praised for its informative and entertaining exploration of Portsmouth’s rich heritage.

Overview of the Walking Tour

The Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 900 years of the city’s captivating history.

This 1.5-hour activity explores the area’s dark past, notable figures, and connections to pirates, paupers, and princes. Priced from £37.6 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible and provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will stroll along approximately 1.5 miles, encountering some uneven cobblestone surfaces. The local history teacher, Samuel, brings the stories to life with his relaxed and fluent storytelling style, enhancing the educational experience.

With an impressive 5/5 rating from 14 reviews, this tour promises an informative and entertaining exploration of Old Portsmouth’s rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering 900 Years of History

Centuries-old tales of intrigue and adventure unfold as visitors embark on the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour.

Over 900 years of history come to life through the guide’s captivating narratives. Explore the area’s dark past and uncover the stories of notable figures, including the renowned Admiral Nelson and the infamous "Jack Nastyface."

Explore the mysteries of Portsmouth, learning about its connections to pirates, paupers, and even princes. From tales of coffee and espionage to the exploits of local rogues, each stop on the tour offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of this historic coastal town.

Dark Past and Notable Figures

As visitors explore the captivating history of Old Portsmouth, they’ll uncover the area’s dark past and learn about its most notorious figures.

From tales of piracy and espionage to the grisly stories of local rogues, the tour guide skillfully weaves together the shadier side of the city’s history. Participants will discover the connections between Portsmouth and famous figures like Admiral Nelson, as well as lesser-known characters like the infamous "Jack Nastyface."

These engaging narratives provide a glimpse into the city’s tumultuous past, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the resilience and complexity of Old Portsmouth’s rich heritage.

Mysteries of Portsmouth

Amidst the storied streets of Old Portsmouth, mysteries abound that captivate visitors.

From its connections to pirates and paupers to its ties to princes, this historic port city holds secrets that have intrigued generations.

Explore the murky past of the local rogues who once roamed these cobblestoned lanes, uncovering tales of espionage and intrigue.

Explore the city’s links to the high seas, where smugglers and scoundrels once plied their trade.

Unravel the enigmas that have long shrouded Portsmouth, where the scent of coffee mingles with the whispers of its scandalous history.

Discover the hidden gems that lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed by the curious explorer.

Stories of Coffee, Espionage, and Rogues

Though Old Portsmouth is steeped in centuries of history, its tales of coffee, espionage, and rogues captivate visitors with their air of intrigue.

Hear how a local coffee house served as a hub for clandestine activities, with spies and smugglers exchanging whispers over steaming cups.

Discover the mischievous antics of notorious scoundrels who haunted the city’s shadowy alleyways.

From daring robberies to ingenious scams, these stories of cunning and misbehavior shed light on the gritty underbelly of Portsmouth’s past.

As you wander the cobblestone streets, imagine the ghosts of these colorful characters lurking around every corner, their legacies etched into the fabric of this historic town.

Engaging Storytelling by the Guide

Samuel’s captivating storytelling style brings Old Portsmouth’s history to life. As a local history teacher, he exudes a passion for the city that shines through in his relaxed, fluent narration.

Travelers consistently praise his ability to engage the group, weaving together tales of pirates, paupers, and princes with a touch of humor.

Whether describing the area’s dark past or recounting the exploits of notable figures like Nelson and Jack Nastyface, Samuel effortlessly brings each story to life.

His commanding yet conversational delivery enhances the educational experience, leaving participants feeling immersed in Old Portsmouth’s mysteries and intrigues.

Accessibility and Tour Details

The walking tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing participants of all mobility levels to explore the rich history of Old Portsmouth.

The 1.5-hour tour covers approximately 1.5 miles, with some uneven surfaces like cobblestones. It departs from the Landport Gate, conveniently located across from a bus stop outside the Tesco Express on St Georges Road.

The tour is priced from £37.6 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you’re an adult or a child over 12, this engaging and informative experience promises to immerse you in the captivating past of this historic coastal city.

Participant Information and Customer Feedback

The Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age.

The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles, with some uneven surfaces like cobblestones, so a decent level of mobility is required.

Based on 14 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 5/5. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s relaxed and fluent storytelling style, which enhances the educational experience.

Travelers express great enjoyment and appreciation for the guide’s passion and deep knowledge of Portsmouth’s rich history, involving pirates, paupers, and princes.

The tour provides an informative and entertaining way to discover over 900 years of the city’s captivating past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is for adults and children over 12 years old and focuses on exploring the historical sights of Old Portsmouth on foot. The guide cannot accommodate dogs or other animals during the walking tour.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

There’s no minimum group size required for this tour. Travelers can join as individuals or small groups, and the tour operates even with just one participant. The guide will provide the same engaging experience regardless of group size.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Visitors can snap away to capture the historical sights and buildings along the route, though the guide may politely request they avoid disrupting the flow of the tour.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Snacks Along the Way?

The tour doesn’t include scheduled stops for souvenir or snack purchases. However, there are shops and eateries along the route, so you can explore those if you’d like to pick up any souvenirs or refreshments during the tour.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts, but seniors and students can still enjoy the walkthrough. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes it worth the full price, which covers the educational experience and historical insights.

Sum Up

The Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich past. Guided by the engaging storytelling of Samuel, participants can explore over 900 years of history, from piracy to espionage, and discover the intriguing mysteries that have shaped this coastal town. With wheelchair-accessible routes and consistently positive reviews, the tour provides an educational and entertaining experience for history enthusiasts of all ages.