Portsmouth is vibrant: an historic maritime city with an edgy vibe thanks to its arts, independent businesses and lively student scene. However, its past is ever present and easily discovered with a stroll along Millennium Promenade. This runs for three kilometres between the Historic Dockyard (which in a recent study topped the list for the most fun educational visitor attraction in the South) and Southsea Castle (a fortification built by Henry VIII).
It leads through Gunwharf Quays, the waterside leisure and retail development that’s home to the landmark Spinnaker Tower, and crosses Vernon Creek, where ships were beached for repairs in the 12th century, and where you can now perch on an old torpedo. It passes through the Camber, Portsmouth’s original fishing settlement developed by the Normans, and still home to a small fishing fleet and fish markets.
Until the 1870s, when most of its defences were removed, Old Portsmouth was surrounded by walls and a deep moat. But the Long Curtain Battery is the only surviving section of the ramparts which once enclosed the old town.
The path continues along the esplanade and past Southsea Common. Bought by the town from the War Department in 1923, this vast open space is now enjoyed for picnics, kite flying and as the site of Victorious – described as the most beautifully located festival in the country.
History plus modern culture equals vibrancy.
Slap bang in the heart of the city, the University of Portsmouth has long been an asset, giving the city its zest and edge. Graduates include the university’s Chancellor Karen Blackett OBE, an experienced business leader, Paralympian Lauren Steadman MBE, and Ben Fogle, broadcaster, writer and adventurer.
Lauren Steadman says: ‘I love Portsmouth – it's got so much character, and I think you'd agree that it's cool.’
Karen Blackett comments: ‘I am incredibly proud to always be part of Portsmouth. It's part of my soul, it's part of who I am today, it's made me who I am today.’
Since the University first opened its doors in 1908 as a municipal college and public library, almost everything has changed about the organisation – except its ambition. Its original focus was on chemistry and engineering. It was only after World War II they began to teach arts and humanities, in response to a growing demand from students. In 1969 the college became Portsmouth Polytechnic and in 1992, after a decade as one of the largest and best performing polytechnics in the UK, it received university status.
Today the University continues to be a forward-looking, proactive establishment. It is working to improve its sustainability and become a climate positive university by 2030. It is also driving inclusiveness as a Stonewall Diversity Champion, as well as working with groups including Working Families, Time to Change, Mindful Employer, AccessAble and Disability Confident. The University is improving access to education by supporting children in care and care leavers, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, military service children in Portsmouth, and refugees and asylum seekers by becoming a University of Sanctuary.
Chris Chang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life), explains: ‘We're all about making a real difference right here in the city and the surrounding region. It's not just about being the University of Portsmouth — we're the University for Portsmouth. We were one of the first universities to develop a Civic Partnership Agreement with local community and regional partners. Our aim is to use our research, education, and expertise to benefit the community in every way we can. That means working hand-in-hand with local partners to improve health, sustainability, and inclusion, while also giving a boost to the local economy and enriching the social and cultural life of the area.’
Such community involvement is shown in a robust volunteering culture with students and staff contributing annually over 140,000 hours to 124 local organisations, significantly enhancing the area's social and cultural fabric.
The University also collaborates with local businesses, organisations and the public sector by offering free support, advice, and services to help grow the local business community.
In addition, they partner Portsmouth Football Club to increase local participation in higher education and provide work experience for students.
Chris Chang continues, ‘Portsmouth has so much to offer—beaches, great places to eat, cool indie shops, music venues, and plenty of green space... Coupled with our commitment to academic excellence and student support, it makes Portsmouth an ideal destination for university.’
As Portsmouth has over 7000 businesses, of which 80% are microbusinesses, Portsmouth City Council’s Economic Development team appreciate the challenges faced by startups and small businesses. In response they have set up affordable options such as the Portsmouth Pop Up shop scheme - allowing local entrepreneurs to test the waters of high street retail without the commitment of a long-term lease. They run taster markets, where e-tailers, and home businesses can test their products face to face; the next one is on Small Business Saturday, 30 November.
For those looking for more permanent space, the team run four Enterprise Centres which offer lower rents on flexible terms. Earlier this year, they also opened City Buildings – a derelict space that has been refurbished into modern co-working and office spaces.
Knowing a vibrant culture also positively impacts business, the Council organises events like Southsea Food Festival. This attracted over 47,000 visitors this year, highlights the city's diverse food scene and, even more importantly, fosters connections between producers and traders, strengthening local supply chains. A recent success story is Spice Island Chilli, which launched at Southsea Food Festival in 2015 and now has products stocked in over 170 stores nationwide.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, says: ‘We're committed to creating a thriving business environment where entrepreneurs can flourish, and businesses can grow. The Portsmouth Business Support Service, in partnership with Shaping Portsmouth, is a fantastic resource for businesses at all stages. It provides the support, guidance, and networking opportunities needed to succeed. Our focus on events like the Southsea Food Festival and initiatives like the Portsmouth Pop-Up Shop scheme demonstrate our commitment to supporting local businesses and creating a vibrant city centre. By fostering partnerships, encouraging innovation, and providing the necessary infrastructure, we're positioning Portsmouth as a prime location for businesses to thrive.’
From artist-led workshops to galleries and studios, Portsmouth is an exciting creative hub. Aspex Portsmouth, a visual arts and educational charity that has been bringing new art and ideas to the city for over 40 years, is part of this lively art scene. Aspex combines the city’s vibrant mix of old and new by focusing on contemporary artwork while being located in The Vulcan Building, considered the most impressive Georgian building in Gunwharf Quays.
Driven by its mission to cultivate art and creativity rooted in community, Aspex has played a pivotal role in supporting artists to realise their creative aspirations and inspiring audiences and communities through free access to art and creative activities.
It is part of a growing body of arts and cultural organisations and individuals committed to shaping the city’s creative and cultural identity.
Aspex’s winter season is packed with compelling exhibitions and immersive events. This includes the Platform Graduate Award (25 October-12 January) celebrating the region's next generation of contemporary artists. Artwork includes social documentary photography, textile sculptures, and large-scale installations united by the theme of colonies, sparking ideas and discussions.
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