Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a compact coastal city and unitary authority on the southern coast of England, largely sited on Portsea Island in Hampshire. Its skyline is dominated by the Spinnaker Tower and the city is unique for being one of the few major UK cities built on an island, with the harbour and surrounding waterways shaping its dense, maritime character.

Historically the home of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth hosts the famous Historic Dockyard where HMS Victory and the wreck of the Mary Rose attract visitors; shipbuilding, defence and port services still underpin the local economy alongside tourism and retail at places like Gunwharf Quays. The city also has a large student presence thanks to the University of Portsmouth, a diverse population and ongoing regeneration projects that balance a strong sense of community with the challenges of housing and urban renewal.