Portsmouth is a city that wears its maritime and historic charm proudly. Its narrow streets, centuries-old pubs, and iconic landmarks make it a fantastic place for walking tours. We especially love the Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour for its lively stories of sailors and quirky facts. Its compact size makes exploring on foot both practical and rewarding, giving you a chance to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Whether you’re interested in history, local legends, or ghostly tales, Portsmouth offers a variety of guided walks that truly bring the city’s character to life.
While wandering the streets, you’ll find that Portsmouth’s blend of heritage and seaside charm makes it ideal for walking tours. The city’s rich naval history, combined with its maritime sights, provides the perfect backdrop for stories that entertain and educate. Plus, many tours, like the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour, include access to secret spots and lesser-known corners of the city. If you’re looking for an engaging way to explore Portsmouth, these guided walks are a smart, scenic choice.
1. Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour
At number 1, the Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour offers a lively 1.5-hour journey through 2000 years of history. Priced at just $13.47 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to get to know the city’s stories of heroes, villains, and sailors. The tour starts at The Hard Interchange, a central spot, making it easy to join. The guide brings Portsmouth’s past alive with tales about its residents, pirates, and infamous figures, giving you a real sense of what life once was.
This tour stands out for its engaging storytelling and the mix of quirky facts that make history fun. Visitors rave about guide Steve, who is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and capable of making even the most serious facts entertaining. Key highlights include lively snapshots of sailors’ lives and top photo opportunities around Portsmouth’s historic sites. The tour’s short duration makes it ideal for quick explorations, especially if you’re on a tight schedule but want a meaningful taste of the city’s maritime roots. Bottom line: It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a friendly, well-priced intro.
2. Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour
Coming in at number 2, this Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour earns a perfect 5/5 rating from 16 reviews. For $16.84, it’s slightly pricier but delivers a thorough, engaging 1.5-hour look at over 900 years of local stories—some humorous, some chilling. Led by Samuel, a Portsmouth local and history teacher, the tour explores the diabolical past of Old Portsmouth and uncovers secrets tucked away behind the Blue plaques.
What makes this tour standout is Samuel’s passion and knowledge, which brings history to life with stories you won’t find in guidebooks. It’s ideal for families, history buffs, or anyone curious about Portsmouth’s darker side. Visitors appreciate the relaxed, question-friendly pace and the chance to see sights that aren’t always on the tourist map. One reviewer said, “Samuel is an excellent teacher, making everything interesting and fun.” If you enjoy stories with a dash of horror and humor, this walk is a superb choice. Bottom line: Best for those wanting a deep dive into Portsmouth’s more sinister tales.
3. Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Guided Walk
Number 3 on our list is the Old Portsmouth Guided Walk, a single-day experience that covers the area’s heritage in detail. Starting at 57-58 High Street, the tour includes a 30-minute safety briefing, followed by a 1.5-hour walk, and ends with a one-hour visit to the historic Sally Port Inn. This tour emphasizes the stories of Admiral Nelson’s last walk and explores hidden corners of the cobbled streets.
This guided walk shines for its focus on local anecdotes and the chance to explore the historic streets with a knowledgeable guide. The inclusion of the Sally Port Inn allows visitors to see a genuine historic building up close. Reviewers, like one enthusiastic visitor, remark on how much they learned and appreciated the guide’s friendly approach. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Old Portsmouth in just a day, especially those interested in military history and local legends. Bottom line: Ideal for a full, immersive day of history with access to iconic landmarks.
4. The Portsmouth Ghost Walk
For those fascinated by the spooky side of Portsmouth, the Ghost Walk is a must-do. It’s a 1.5-hour tour starting at Square Tower, winding through spooky streets and ending at Round Tower. For $20.20 per person, this walk dives into Portsmouth’s darker past, exploring tales of smugglers, pirates, and ghostly encounters.
This experience is perfect for fans of paranormal stories who want a fun, thrilling evening. The guide uses humor and suspense to keep everyone entertained, making it suitable for adults and older children. The highlight is the spooky atmosphere created as you stroll through illuminated streets, hearing tales that mix history with legends. Reviewers praise the guide’s performance, noting humor and storytelling skill. If you enjoy a mix of history and ghostly fun, this tour packs a punch. Bottom line: Great for those seeking a fun, spooky evening walk with a dash of local lore.
$20.20 per person
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Portsmouth
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend exploring. For a quick, friendly introduction, the Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour provides great value. If you’re after a deeper dive into Portsmouth’s darker secrets, the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour offers more storytelling and access to lesser-known sites. For a full day of exploration, the Old Portsmouth Guided Walk is ideal, especially if you’re interested in Admiral Nelson’s last walk. And if ghost stories are your thing, the Ghost Walk combines entertainment with tales of pirates and spirits.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel months, to secure your preferred time slot. Think about your walking stamina and interest level; some tours are more relaxed, while others are packed with stories and historical detail.
Final Thoughts
Portsmouth’s range of guided walks offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer quick snapshots of its maritime past, a spooky ghost story, or an in-depth exploration of its secret corners, these tours deliver memorable experiences. We suggest starting with the Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour for a friendly, affordable introduction. For those craving a richer story, the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour is a fantastic choice.
Remember, Portsmouth’s charm unfolds best when you take your time and explore on foot. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these engaging, locally led walks. Enjoy your visit and happy exploring!