Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Please note the tour does not enter the Historic Dockyard or go on board its ships.
Old Portsmouth represents over 800 years of history, playing a central part in Britain's role in world events.
The tour focuses on the stories of its people, their lives loves and losses, not dreary dates or boring buildings.
Your guide has extensive knowledge and can focus on your specific area of interest, whether they be World War 2, industrial archeology, or Portsmouth's people, for example.
It is suitable for all ages, with stories made relevant for children and teenagers. All content is age-appropriate. Fun facts make it memorable for children of all ages.
The tour can be accessed by people in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
We are dog friendly.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Your knowledgeable guide
What To Expect
HMS Warrior 1860
Our starting point of this unique part of British naval history. Please norte: We do not enter the dockyard or visit any ships.
Spinnaker Tower
Spinnaker Tower a world-famous tower
Options
Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth
Reviews
152 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Friendly and informative walking tour - highly recommended!
owlibird,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve was really friendly knowledgeable and informative, he clearly enjoys what he does and donates the money he is given to Cancer research UK. Only a shame that more people weren’t with us to benefit from his knowledge and raise more money for charity today. Thanks Steve!
Great history lesson.
Daniel H,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent learning experience and good fun. Thoroughly engaging guide (Steve) who clearly enjoys the whole history of Portsmouth and imparts many good anecdote and gem of information.
Excellent introduction to historic Portsmouth.
S7140XLmargareth,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We contacted Portsmouth of the Past at short notice to ask if a tour could be possible on a specific date. We had a prompt reply to confirm that if an early afternoon suited it would be possible. Steve contacted us to say where and when we should meet and sent a useful reminder on the day. It transpired that this was to be a private tour for just the 2 of us. It was very informative as well as entertaining - and we were delighted to learn that half of our donation (there is no charge for the tour - just pay what you feel is appropriate) would go to Cancer Research UK. Very highly recommended.
Excellent Walking Tour of Old Portsmouth
jeffrQ6861ZK,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Organised the Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour a few days prior and sent an email with some queries. Steve responded pretty well straight away and the communication from him for the next few days was excellent. On Friday October 10th we met Steve at the designated spot and headed off. There was no one else on the tour so it was quite personal. Steve is a thorough professional that knows the history of the area extremely well, including number of anecdotes of the past. Whilst there is no charge for the tour we did contribute some money for him and his nominated charity (Cancer UK). Steve is an excellent guide of which I would highly recommend Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour, if you want an interesting tour of the old Portsmouth area.
Fun & informative walking tour of Old Portsmouth.
TessaPuma,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve was a great tour guide, with a wealth of knowledge about Old Portsmouth. He made the tour fun too with some humorous facts along the way. It took about 1.5 hours which was ideal for us. He also raises money for Cancer Research UK by donating any tips he receives to them. I would recommend taking the tour whether you are a local or a visitor
An Informative Tour of Portsmouth
rosemarygW4668DB,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We needed to kill time prior to our cruise ship departure and booked the guided walking tour for the early afternoon. Steve did an excellent job throughout our tour of Portsmouth. He has vast knowledge of the area and shared many stories and tidbits to make the experience more meaningful and enjoyable. We highly recommend him.
Tour of Portsmouth
Eric A,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An enjoyable walking tour. Steve was both knowledgeable and humorous with his stories of old Portsmouth. I would throughly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Portsmouth and wanting to learn a bit about the city.
Fascinating guided tour
Denandrog,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve is an excellent guide. We used to live in Portsmouth and Steve told us lots of surprising things we didn’t know. The walk was a gentle stroll around the back streets and hidden passageways of Old Portsmouth whilst Steve told us lots of numerous and interesting facts and stories. I would 100% recommend this tour.
Informative as well as humorous walking trip
SimoneO 11,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We decided to do this tour at the last moment. We were very pleased with the professionalism and knowledge of Steve the guide. The tour lasted 1.5 hours and was full of anecdotes and humour as well as historical facts. Would strongly recommend this walk to anyone visiting Portsmouth for the first time as it will give you an understanding of the city’s colourful history! I never realised how many famous people were born here !
So glad we spent this time with Steve
U623XHkarenc,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed a fabulously interesting walk with Steve last week. He is a great guide to Old Portsmouth, very knowledgeable, telling many tales about the characters that used to live there, and also explaining the origins of some well known phrases. Always great fun! Thanks Steve
From £10.00
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Operated by Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tours