Portsmouth really should be on your itinerary for 2026, as this year marks a centenary of city status.
On 21 April 1926 (the same day the future Queen Elizabeth II was born), King George V formally conferred city status upon Portsmouth - after quite a few requests! Now, 100 years on, Portsmouth is celebrating the big anniversary with a host of events running throughout the year.
Whether you've been considering a visit to Portsmouth, are one of our regulars, or have never been before - now is the ideal time to take a trip to the coast.
Here's a taste of some of the best things to do in Portsmouth this year.
Unmissable events in Portsmouth this year
Across the year there are art festivals, live music performances, interactive workshops, and plenty more - all under the banner of Portsmouth100.
A dedicated website has been set up to collate them all in one place: portsmouth100.co.uk.
Of course, Portsmouth doesn't need a big anniversary year to host some truly exceptional events. The city's regular programme of things to do is ongoing through 2026, with huge festivals, sailing events and family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Seek out a pride of lions
Over two months this summer, Portsmouth's centenary will be marked with the arrival of a pride of lions, as a new sculpture trail heads to the city.
More than 40 talented artists with a connection to Portsmouth have been tasked with decorating lion sculptures in their own, unique styles.
From beautiful painted designs to quirky nods to local life and culture, there will be a great selection to seek out and tick off. A dedicated app will help you do just that, with interactive displays to unlock as you find each of the sculptures.
The Pride of Portsmouth roars into life between 13 July and 13 September.
Enjoy live music at Victorious Festival
There's the return of Victorious Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with The Black Keys, Richard Ashcroft and Kasabian as its headliners for 2026. Elsewhere on the line up you'll find the likes of Faithless, Scissor Sisters, Rudimental, Sigrid, Dizzee Rascal, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Jessie J, and more.
In its new September slot for 2026 you also have the ever-popular Portsmouth International Kite Festival, which brings fliers from across the world to Southsea Seafront, showcasing their expert skills and awe-inspiring creations. Seeing the sky above Southsea come to life with all manner of colourful designs is really a sight to behold.
Run for glory at the Great South Run
For fitness fans there's the Great South Run, bringing tens of thousands of runners each year to test themselves against the picturesque 10-mile course - which takes in (among others) Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Southsea Seafront and Old Portsmouth.
Portsmouth's world-class attractions
If you've been holding off visiting some of Portsmouth's attractions (as you'll 'get round to it one day') - what better time is there than now?
Discover Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Once you're here you can visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where one ticket gets you entry to a host of world-famous ships and world-class museums.
See the remains of Henry VIII's beloved Mary Rose up close - and even go through the air lock to be in the same room as the ship itself. Or climb on board HMS Warrior, the ship that never actually fired a shot in anger, but was still so fast, so heavily defended and so well-armed that it was said to have made all other warships obsolete the moment it took to the water.
There's also HMS Victory - Nelson's flagship and the oldest warship on earth still in active commission. That said, ongoing conservation work means that Victory is far from being seaworthy right now, but that does offer a different glimpse into this naval icon - with visitors to the Dockyard now able to witness up close the science, technology and engineering that goes into protecting historic ships for generations to come.
Go shopping at Gunwharf Quays
If retail therapy is more your bag then head to Gunwharf Quays. The waterfront outlet centre is home to some 90 designer outlets, as well as 30 bars and restaurants, located alongside its very own marina that offers majestic views out across the Solent. Snap up a bargain then toast a day well spent with some food and drink overlooking the water.
Explore The D-Day Story and Southsea Castle
Wander across to Southsea and you'll find The D-Day Story and Southsea Castle a literal stone's throw from one another.
The former is the UK's only museum dedicated solely to the 1944 campaign that was said to have turned the tide of World War Two and hastened its end by some years. Inside you'll find a host of artefacts, as well as personal testimonies from those who crossed the Channel. Outside sits LCT 7074, a fully preserved Tank Landing Craft from D-Day that carried up to 10 tanks and their crew members (before taking on a second life post-war as a floating nightclub in Birkenhead!).
Meanwhile, Southsea Castle is Henry VIII's very own fortification, where he was reported to have watched the Battle of the Solent - and the sinking of his beloved Mary Rose. The infamous monarch is also said to have helped design the castle itself, with its unusual bends and angles (used to give archers better sightlines and fewer blind spots) inspired by designs more typically seen in continental Europe at that time.
Refuel at independent restaurants
If all that exploring has worked up an appetite, a trip across Southsea Common will bring you to a number of independent pubs, bars and restaurants - as well as places to catch some evening entertainment, including the iconic Wedgewood Rooms and historic Kings Theatre.
Plan your trip to Portsmouth
Ready to join the celebrations? The Visit Portsmouth website has more information on all the above, as well as exhaustive event listings for what's going on right across the centenary year and beyond. It's also where you can see accommodation options, travel information and even create your very own bespoke itinerary.
visitportsmouth.co.uk
About the author
David Howells is Digital Marketing Manager at Visit Portsmouth - the official visitor guide for the Great Waterfront City. Living and working in Portsmouth, David spends as much time as he can seeking out the best places to eat and supporting grassroots live music.
