Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Guided Walk

If you’re visiting Hampshire and craving a taste of authentic Portsmouth history, the Old Portsmouth Guided Walk offers a well-balanced, engaging way to explore this seaside town’s storied past. For around the price of a good lunch, you get about 90 minutes of walking with a knowledgeable guide, plus a chance to enjoy some local ale and explore a historic pub afterward. The tour begins in the iconic Sally Port Inn and takes you through centuries of maritime stories, hidden alleys, and key landmarks that make Old Portsmouth such a special place.

What we especially love about this experience is the personal touch from guides who bring stories to life—whether it’s tales of Admiral Lord Nelson’s last walk or uncovering little-known corners of the area. Plus, the opportunity to wander through four floors of antiques housed above the pub feels like stepping into a living museum, adding a layer of charm and discovery.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves about 90 minutes of walking over uneven streets, so comfortable shoes are essential. Also, since access to some historic sites like the cathedral or garrison church isn’t included, those interested in visiting interiors might need to plan additional time.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and those wanting a laid-back, authentic experience of Portsmouth’s historic heart. It’s especially suited for visitors who appreciate guides with real knowledge—reviewers have praised guides like Dave for their welcoming, informative style.

Key Points

Historical walking tour: Discover the streets where centuries of maritime stories unfold.
Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides enhance the experience with local tales.
Visit to Sally Port Inn: Enjoy a welcome tea or coffee and explore a historic pub turned antiques museum.
Hidden gems: Discover lesser-known corners and stories, including Admiral Nelson’s last walk.
Time for reflection: After the walk, relax with a drink and explore the antiques across four floors.
Accessibility & practicality: The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes practical tips about footwear and weather preparedness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Guided Walk

When we think about Portsmouth, it’s often the naval history and ships like the HMS Victory that come to mind. But for a deeper, more personal understanding of this maritime town, a guided walk through Old Portsmouth unlocks a treasure trove of stories, sights, and secrets.

This tour, offered by Sally Port Tours, is designed to be both entertaining and educational, with an itinerary that balances iconic landmarks with hidden corners most travelers might miss. Starting at the historic Sally Port Inn—an hotel steeped in history—you’ll be welcomed with tea or coffee and biscuits before setting out on a 90-minute walk through cobbled streets and historic alleys.

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What to Expect on the Tour

The tour begins with a safety briefing at the Sally Port Inn, located at 57-58 High Street. From there, your guide—possibly someone like Dave, who’s been praised for his welcoming and knowledgeable approach—is your personal storyteller, unraveling Portsmouth’s maritime and social history.

The guided walk clocks in at about 1.5 hours, taking you past key sites and lesser-known spots. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about Admiral Lord Nelson, including details of his last walk, adding a personal, human element to the city’s naval fame. Guides often share fascinating snippets about local legends, conflicts, and personalities, making history feel alive.

Visiting the Sally Port and Beyond

The tour doesn’t just stop at storytelling. After the walk, you return to the Sally Port Inn, where you’re encouraged to explore the four floors of antiques—more like a museum—housing items ranging from weaponry to maritime artifacts from the last three centuries. This part of the experience adds context and tangibility to the stories you’ve heard, allowing you to get up close with pieces of Portsmouth’s past.

On the first floor, experts from Sally Antiques are available to discuss weapons and equipment used in conflicts across centuries—an unexpected treat if you’re interested in military history. The pub itself is a relaxed spot to reflect, with options to sample local ales, lagers, and especially the renowned rum.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start: At the historic Sally Port Inn, where your guide greets you with refreshments.
Safety briefing: A quick 30-minute overview and introduction to the route.
Guided walk: 1.5 hours exploring Old Portsmouth, covering landmarks, hidden alleys, and storytelling.
Visit to the antiques shop: An hour to browse and discuss with experts about historic weapons and equipment.
Debrief: A discussion about ‘Buster’ Crabb, adding an intriguing local figure to your knowledge.
End: Back at the Sally Port Inn, completing the loop.

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The Experience Through the Lens of Past Participants

Reviewers consistently highlight the informative guides as a standout feature. One reviewer, Shaun, raved about his guide Dave, describing him as “very knowledgeable and welcoming,” and mentioned that he learned “a lot on the tour.” Similarly, Johan appreciated the tour for its depth, saying, “We have learned a lot about Old Portsmouth. Great tour. Nothing to complain about.”

The walk itself is praised for being engaging and accessible, though participants note that comfortable shoes are a must due to cobbles and uneven surfaces. Since the tour is not suitable for under 18s and involves some stairs, those with mobility considerations should plan accordingly.

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Practical Aspects & Tips

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for some mobility needs.
It’s best to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the weather—an umbrella or raincoat might be wise.
Bring a camera to capture hidden corners and interesting artifacts.
No food is included during the tour, but guides are happy to point out nearby eateries.
The tour ends with optional exploration of the antiques, which can be a delightful addition for those interested in history or collectibles.

Is It Worth the Price?

At a moderate cost, you’re paying primarily for the expert guidance and the immersive experience. Compared to other activities in Portsmouth, it offers excellent value—especially given the combination of storytelling, sightseeing, and the chance to relax with a drink afterward. The added bonus of exploring a historic pub and museum makes it feel like a full cultural package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This guided walk is ideal for history enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by maritime stories and local legends. It’s well-suited for adults and older teens who enjoy walking, storytelling, and exploring authentic settings. If you prefer guided experiences that combine walking with museums or antique shops, this tour hits all those marks. Due to its manageable length and focus on storytelling, it’s perfect for visitors wanting a relaxed but insightful glimpse into Portsmouth’s past.

The Sum Up

In a city renowned for ships and battles, the Old Portsmouth Guided Walk offers a refreshing way to connect with the local history on a personal level. The guides’ knowledge, combined with the chance to see lesser-known corners and explore a historic pub filled with antiques, makes this experience rich and memorable. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or someone simply wanting to soak in Portsmouth’s unique character, this tour provides genuine value.

The experience’s relaxed pace and intimate storytelling make it a true highlight for many visitors. It’s a solid choice if you’re eager to see Portsmouth beyond the waterfront and learn about the people and stories that shaped it. And with the opportunity to relax with a good drink afterward, it’s a well-rounded, authentic taste of this historic port.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to licensing restrictions.

How long does the guided walk last?
The walking portion lasts about 1.5 hours, with additional time for visiting the antiques shop and debrief.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though some parts involve stairs—so check with the provider if you have special needs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, given the cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. Weather-appropriate clothing is also advised.

Are food options available during the tour?
No, food is not provided, but the guide can point you toward nearby eateries.

Will I get to see inside historic buildings?
Not during this tour. The visit focuses on outside sights and stories; interior visits are not included due to time constraints.

Can I visit the cathedral or garrison church?
Not during this tour. These sites are outside the scope of the scheduled walk.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers have praised guides like Dave for their friendliness and depth of knowledge.

What’s included in the price?
A guided walk, tea or coffee with biscuits at the start, a debrief, and access to the antiques shop.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot online through GetYourGuide, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Guided Walk invites you to experience the city’s past through the eyes of local storytellers, making history not just educational but genuinely engaging.