With many historic landmarks and monuments, most of which are related to its naval history, Portsmouth and its surrounding areas are a must-see for visitors. The best way to do that is to hire a car from the popular car rental UK provider- TravelCar.
Portsmouth offers a galore of transport options, however, car rentals appear to be the most popular choice.
Pricing & availability
TravelCar’s presence at airports, train stations, and other busy places is much lauded and much sought after. Its self-drive car hire Portsmouth gives visitors and travelers the option to drive across the city, exploring the sights and sounds according to their whims and fancies. With pickup and drop-off locations at convenient places, visitors can schedule their trip in the manner they want. TravelCar’s car rentals are easily the best around when compared to the other providers in the rental space- their rental rates are not prohibitive, the cars are in superb condition, various types of rentals are available and the service is the best. Moreover, TravelCar makes it a point to focus on visitor comfort and safety regardless of whether they opt for the budget car rental Portsmouth or the luxury car hire Portsmouth. Lots of reasons then, to choose TravelCar over other providers.
Ease of service
For TravelCar, its customers are always top priority. Hence, everything including the booking process is streamlined to suit them to a T. Starting from the booking to the hiring of the rental car, TravelCar provides support and enhances the sense of ease and simplicity. Extra features and add-ons if requested are fitted into the vehicle without a second request, quietly and efficiently. The rental provider is genuine about wanting to give visitors the best deal possible and does so without making a song and dance about it. Everyone is accommodated, even those who find it difficult to hire a rental car. TravelCar’s rent a car Portsmouth under 25 is very popular with youngsters. So, if you are looking out to enjoy your trip, choose the best car rental in Portsmouth- TravelCar.
Great customer service
Good customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction are the hallmarks of a seasoned and well-meaning provider. That’s what TravelCar stands for- premium service and quality support. Its car rental rates are easily the lowest around the rental space, all cars have safety features installed and they are comfortable to drive. Staff and customer personnel are ever ready to answer queries and attend customer issues should they surface. In fact, they go one step further and actually suggest the kind of car you should hire, depending on the city and how far you can stretch. The TravelCar assurance is a valid one- so rely on the provider to cater to your several needs.
It’s not surprising that every individual’s needs are different when it comes to hiring a rental car. That’s why TravelCar is equipped to satisfy almost anyone. Regardless of whether they want a fuel-efficient, fast car that has low rental rates such as the Mini, Economy or Compact car or the spacious, bigger and roomier intermediate or Full-size car, TravelCar does oblige. To go a little further, it’s even positioned to offer luxury or special cars to those whose signature is style and show.
Portsmouth’s naval history is visible everywhere-
Emirates Spinnaker Tower
This 170-meter iconic tower high above the Solent is located at the waterfront. This attraction at Gunwharf Quays affords an amazing view of the city and its harbor. In fact, it allows you to even view the south coast and the Isle of Wight. The tower has three observations and a cafe right up in the clouds. If you walk across the glass skywalk, you can use the interactive touchscreen to learn some secrets of the landscape and sea. Use the rib boat simulator and navigate around the harbor and if you’re brave enough experience freefall by jumping off a platform that’s 25 feet above sea level. Don’t worry- you will be in a harness and have a crash mat too! If you’re up to a virtual reality experience check out the Altitude- you can feel what it’s like to walk outside this amazing tower with a 90 meter drop down to the harbor that’s below you.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
This historic dockyard.is full of ships, museums and boat trips- You can see the Victorian majestic HMS Warrior 1860 as the ship floats on water- in case you don’t know, this ship was the largest battleship during that period. Get aboard HMS Victory and watch the battle of Trafalgar unfold or if you’re in a mood to experience the extreme living conditions of the ship’s officers, get aboard the HMS M.33 and test your skills at the Action Stations. Fly in a simulated helicopter and climb the 28-foot wall, test your balance on Sky Tykes, board a waterbus and see the GoSport Explosion Museum and the submarine museum.
Mary Rose
Mary Rose, built in 1509, is a ship of tremendous historical interest that sank in the Solent in 1545 during a battle. It was lifted from the seabed in 1982 and the remains are on display at the Museum. You can get a look at the thousands of artifacts that were recovered from the wreck- tools, musical instruments, personal items such as bowls and combs, Tudor objects recovered from the guns and so much more. You can actually recreate life on board at that time in a very authentic manner.
D-Day Museum
This museum tells the story of the Allied Invasion in 1944 and it’s full of personal stories of sacrifice, tactics, and courage. Galleries are full of exhibits pertaining to the second world war and all exhibits, interactive displays, film shows are directed towards re-living that period. The Overlord Embroidery sits at the center of the museum and pays rich tributes to those that participated in Operation Overlord. The embroidery is the largest of its kind in the world and is 272 feet in length. Maps, uniforms memorabilia of the world war find a place in the museum’s shop.
Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle was built in 1544 by Henry Viii and is also known as the Portsea Castle or the Chaderton Castle. It was a fort that was meant to protect the coasts of England and Portsmouth from intruders and invaders. For over 400 years it was an active military base. Much of the castle was destroyed in an explosion and it was renovated in the 1800s. It served as a military prison for some time and the lighthouse that was built then is still used by ships today. In 1960 the Castle was sold to the Portsmouth city council. A waterfront gifts shop, a microbrewery, and a courtyard restaurant and cafe add spice to the Castle.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Do you want to go on an undersea safari? Head towards the Blue Reef Aquarium near Portsmouth. You get to experience the colorful coral reefs and their inhabitants, the amazing underwater tunnel and the rainforests that contain some amazing amphibians. Sharks and jellyfish combine with other exotic creatures of the aquatic world and form a wonderful display in the undersea. Right at the heart of the aquarium is a huge, gigantic tropical reef tank that houses brightly-colored reef fish, stingrays, and tropical sharks too. The awesome part is being able to get close to these creatures and view them from the seabed. Play areas, splash pools, educational events, animal feeding add to the experience.
The Isle of Wight
This is situated on the English Channel and is about two miles from the coast of Hampshire in the village of Fishbourne. Amongst other things, you must visit the Shanklin chine- a leafy gorge- a rich haven of exotic and rare plants, waterfalls, winding woodlands and lots of wildlife. The cliffs and quarries are filled with dinosaur fossils. When the Chine is illuminated during the summer months, the sight is spellbinding.
Take time off to visit the beaches and promenades, the chalk downs and the sandstone ravines.
The National Motor Museum
For motor enthusiasts, this is a must see as it traces the history of motoring from the beginning till the current period. Cars of all types are on display here- historic sporting motors, F1 racers, classic cars and of course the modern race cars. You can explore the Montagu Palace House and also the Beaulieu Abbey, which is ruins today. There is an exhibition on Monastic Life in the ancient Abbey building.
Waltzing Waters at Ryde
A spectacular water show that creates amazing patterns of moving water that is synchronized to musical scores. It is known to be one of the “world’s most elaborate water, light and music production“. A fabulous gift shop that houses the most intricate of jigsaws and a coffee lounge add to the atmosphere.
Speed Limits for cars in the UK
| Motorways | 70 mph |
| Dual carriageways (roads divided by grassy areas or barriers) | 70 mph |
| Single carriageways (undivided roads) | 60 mph |
| Built up urban roads | 30 mph |
| Built up area near schools | 20 mph |
| Road with sharp bends | 50 mph |
The national speed limits apply in Portsmouth as well and you would have to drive on the Left side of the road. Some roads where a 30 mph speed limit was in force now have 20 mph signs.
Those entering Portsmouth from a European Union Country- existing license is valid
From outside the EU- license is valid for 12 months from the date of entry in the UK and you can drive any small vehicle
Insurance is a must--at least third-party insurance