IN 12-WEEKS, PORTSMOUTH WILL HOST AMERICA’S CUP RACING FOR THE THIRD TIME.

© Ian Roman

Portsmouth is a dynamic and vibrant waterfront city located on the South Coast of England in Hampshire. Here’s 12 things you (probably) didn’t know about the British city.

  1. Portsmouth is located on the South Coast of England, in Hampshire and is actually an ‘island. It’s known as the ‘Great Waterfront City’ 
  2. The Emirates ACWS Portsmouth Race Village Fanzone is centered around Southsea Castle, one of King Henry VIII's most famous fortifications. The fort dates back to 1544  
© Ricardo Pinto
  1. ‘The Camber’ is home to INEOS TEAM UK, the 22nd British Challenger. Can the team bring the Cup back home in 2021? 
© Shaun Roster
  1. The Emirates Spinnaker Tower is the modern emblem of Portsmouth. At 170 metres high it’s just over six times the height of an AC75 mast. It’s taller than Big Ben, the London Eye and Blackpool Tower. Head up pre racing for panoramic views of the Solent racecourse
© Shaun Roster
  1. Spitbank Fort is one of three Forts in the Solent and acted as a marker for the first America’s Cup race back in 1851. The two other Forts are No Man’s land and Horse Sand Fort, there’s luxury boutique hotels on Spitbank and No Man’s Land
  2. The America’s Cup started with a race around the IOW. Why not take advantage of our partners’ great offers and take a trip over? ‘Fly’ in under 10 minutes with Hovertravel or sail over with your car on one of Wightlink’s car ferries. Victoria of Wight, powered by hybrid energy, is the most environmentally-friendly ferry on the Solent
  3. Portsmouth is home to the Royal Navy and the country's newest and largest warships, HMS Queen Elizabeth & HMS Prince of Wales.
  1. The city also has a Historic Dockyard which houses three historic British warships; Henry VIII's beloved Mary Rose, Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860 – and you can visit all three!
  2. The D-Day Story is one of six museums run by Portsmouth Museums. The museum is at the entrance to the Race Village Fanzone and Saturday 6th June marks the 76th anniversary of D-Day 
  3. Portsmouth Football Club aka ‘Pompey’ was founded back in 1898, home matches are played at Fratton Park 
  4. Portsmouth is where the ‘Great South Run’ starts and finishes. The race takes place in October but at 0900 on Saturday 6th June, the weekly ‘park run’ takes place along Southsea Seafront - where participants can take on a timed 5k run (completely free!) The perfect way to start race day 3! 
  5. And Gunwharf Quays is the perfect place to end your race day. The waterfront development is home to over 90 ‘outlet’ stores and over 30 cafes, bars and restaurants