1

Become a cultural tourist, delve into history and shop to your heart’s content.

the Portsmouth

2013

Myriad font

www.visitportsmouth.co.ukIssue 1

2

3

Welcome

the Portsmouth

2013

Myriad font

Our aim is to share some ideas on how to spend your time in Portsmouth and in particular Southsea – we hope you will

enjoy exploring the UK’s only island city.As you will see there’s plenty to experience in Portsmouth – whether it be visiting the popular attractions at the Historic Dockyard (including the recently opened Mary Rose Museum) or discovering the miles of beach that runs along the Southern end of the isle of Portsea, you are sure to have plenty of fun during your visit.To help you plan your days out, we’ve compiled a few handy itineraries (see page 4) and our cover artist Dave Thompson shares his favourite haunts on page 8.We wanted to show what a funky, creative place Southsea is today – and a visit to the Strong Island website is highly recommended. www.strongisland.co.ukWe hope you enjoy your time in Portsmouth ...

Welcome to the first ever Portsmouth Guest Guide.

Jo AndrewsManaging Director The Marketing Collective

The Portsmouth Guest Guide is distributed within members of the Greater Portsmouth Hoteliers Association and Portsmouth & Southsea Hoteliers Association.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide is published by The Marketing Collective Ltd. Telephone 023 80001655.

Information correct at the time of publication. The Marketing Collective Ltd. do not endorse any of the products and service presented in the Guide, and cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience incurred as a result of changes to advertised information. Always check details before making arrangements. With thanks to: Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Hoteliers Association & Kate Thompson. Printed by Halcyon Print Management 01435 868890

www.themarketing-collective.com

MD & Editor Jo Andrews | Designer Tina Scahill.

Hampshire Top Attractions gives the city visitor a taste of the great places to visit whether your on holiday or looking for a family day out on your doorstep. Its also packed with special offer vouchers. Ask your venue reception for a copy.

The Portsmouth Visitor

Information Service is located within

the D-Day Museum on Southsea

Seafront and our highly trained staff

have a wealth of information at their

fingertips to help you make the most

of your stay in the city:

Tel: 023 9282 6722

Email vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

PAGE

4 Itineraries

6 Portsmouth Museums

8 Dave Thompson

10 Albert Road

11 Spinnaker Tower

12 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

14 Royal Marines Museum

14 Mozzerella Joes Competition

15 Tenth Hole Cafe

16 Aspex Gallery

17 Make Craft

18 Blue Reef Aquarium

19 Like a tea tray

20 Hampshire Top Attractions

22 The Isle of Wight with Wightlink

23 Hamble Valley

4

Here’s a handy guide to making the most of your stay in Portsmouth. We’ve a list of must do’s and a few ideas to take you off the beaten track.

Itinerary One Itinerary Two

Itineraries

seaside Fun for All the Family:The UK’s only island city boasts a

magnificent promenade running from

Eastney to Old Portsmouth.

Along the length of the beach are a

plethora of attractions for all ages – many

evoke memories of traditional seaside

holidays of the past with swan-shaped

pedaloes on Canoe Lake and the nearby

pitch and putt. The Tenth Hole, a popular

cafe sitting alongside the course, is well

known for its eye-poppingly large cakes

and is a great place for breakfast too.

Southsea Castle is the place where Henry

VIII watched the Mary Rose sink, now

it’s a great place to visit and the kids will

have hours of fun exploring the passages

below ground.

The Yellow Kite cafe is based at the

castle and uses the best local fair trade

ingredients. It is a splendid place to stop

for a bite to eat and it’s also worth noting

a champagne bar is open every Friday

evening from 6pm to 9pm during the

summer.

Every weekend throughout the summer

there is live music from an assortment

of musicians at the Band Stand. Pack a

picnic and prepare to enjoy great music,

a party atmosphere and one of the best

backdrops in the world. (You will see

everything from warships to sailing ships,

hovercrafts, ferries and pleasure boats

traversing the Solent).

Clarence Pier boasts fourteen rides and

attractions that will have you screaming

with delight – and just next door you can

see the world’s longest running and only

commercial hovercraft service in Europe.

It is the quickest way to get to the Isle of

Wight and a popular pastime is to watch

as the crafts land on the beach.

There is a fascinating walk from Clarence

Pier to Old Portsmouth. You can follow

the route along the raised section with

the harbour to one side and the old town

to the other and see such landmarks as

Portsmouth Cathedral, the Square Tower

(often open for arts and crafts/vintage

events) and the Round Tower where

generations have welcomed home their

sailor sweethearts, waving as the navy

ships pass close-by

shopping, shopping, shopping:There’s no doubting the attraction of

Gunwharf Quays when it comes to

shopping. Once the former home of

HMS Vernon, the Royal Navy’s Torpedo

Branch, the site now boasts 90 designer

outlets at this great location with easy

parking – and after you’ve finished with

the shops, there are wonderful bars and

restaurants to revive you.

Nearby is Commercial Road which

houses all the major high street names

and the Cascades Shopping Centre.

While in Southsea you will find Knight and

Lee (John Lewis) in the Palmerston Road

precinct along with a large Debenhams

department store.

If you prefer to shop in independent

boutiqes, head for Marmion Road and

Albert Road where you will find everything

from antiques, artworks and artisan

chocolates. Take the time to wander and

enjoy the laid-back, atmosphere.

At the end of a shopping spree, make

your way to the Belle Isle in Osborne

Road for great food, a buzzing

atmosphere and a pitcher of Sangria.

5

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Itineraries

Itinerary ThreeCreative Portsmouth:With its long association with great

authors such as Charles Dickens and Sir

Arthur Conan Doyle, Portsmouth’s literary

heritage is well known.

Rudyard Kipling also lived for a time in

the city, you will find a house in Campbell

Road which bears a blue plaque to mark

his time in the city from 1871-77.

Portsmouth is still a creative city, with a

thriving contemporary art scene. Turner

Prize winning artist Grayson Perry

studied for a BA in fine art at Portsmouth

Polytechnic and it is home now to a

thriving creative scene.

Keep your eyes peeled on a Friday for

pieces of artwork left dotted about the

city for an appreciative audience to take

home. My Dog Sighs (featured on BBC2’s

The Culture Show) is a great proponent of

the free art scheme and you can see more

of his work by visiting www.mydogsighs.

co.uk. To see some of his spectacular

wall art in the flesh, walk down Exmouth

Road from Albert Road, past the colourful

terraced houses towards Marmion Road

and just before the junction there is a

garage on the right hand side with a

spectacular piece of his work. (Take the

time to watch My Dog Sighs - A Can is

Born on Vimeo).

On Albert Road, there’s plenty of street art

to admire, remember to look up and you

might see something quite unexpected.

At 1 Albert Road is the immensely popular

Garage Lounge – perfect for morning

coffee, wonderful lunches or fantastic tea

and cake.

Or why not wander through the

Palmerston Road precinct to sample the

delights of Like a Teatray in the Sky on

Osborne Road. Great food, lovely people,

a fun vibe and some of the most delightful

crockery you are ever likely to see.

On the August Bank Holiday weekend

(24 -25) the Victorious Festival takes place

at the Historic Dockyard with the likes of

Level 42, Maximo Park, The Cribs and

Charlotte Church – great music, stalls,

fashion and fun.

www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

If you want to know more about the

creative vibe going on in Portsmouth look

no further than www.strongisland.co.uk

for all the quirky goings on in the city.

6

D-Day Museum Portsmouth’s D-Day Museum is the

UK’s only museum dedicated solely

to covering all aspects of the D-Day

landings in Normandy, France, on

6 June 1944. D-Day was a turning point

in the Second World War, and a

moment when the course of world

events depended on the allied troops

taking part.

A dramatic film-show using archival film

footage, shown in the museum’s small

theatre, captures the wartime mood.

Personal accounts and the stories of

the individuals who took part are an

integral part of the museum.

At the heart of the museum,

commemorating the D-Day landings in

1944, the 272 foot (83 metre) Overlord

Embroidery is the world’s longest

embroidery of its kind and the modern

equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry. This

impressive museum is a memorable and

truly moving experience.

Situated on the seafront and open

daily the museum is also home to

Portsmouth Visitor Information Service.

www.ddaymuseum.co.ukOpen daily 10.30am -5.00pm (5.30pm

April – Sept), last admission 30 mins

before closing. Admission charge.

Southsea CastleBuilt in 1544, Southsea Castle was part

of a series of fortifications built by King

Henry VIII to protect the country from

invaders. This fascinating site is where

the king watched his favourite warship,

the Mary Rose, tragically capsize and

sink in 1545.

Explore the underground tunnels,

ramparts and enjoy panoramic views

from the top of the Keep to the Isle

of Wight and Solent before enjoying

locally-sourced healthy eating options

at the Yellow Kite café. This free

seafront attraction is open from March

to October.

www.southseacastle.co.ukOpen Tues – Sun, March – October,

10am – 5pm, last admission 30 mins

before closing. Free entry.

Portsmouth City Museum With free admission Portsmouth

City Museum is a popular attraction

for the whole family. You’ll discover

the interactive ‘A Study in Sherlock:

Uncovering the Arthur Conan Doyle

Collection’ where you can turn detective

and follow the trail of the ultimate

sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, and his

creator Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived

PoRTsMouTH museums

7

Contact Us:

For full details please call

023 92826722 or look online at

www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

or email

vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Closures: All museums are closed

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,

Boxing Day & New Year’s Day.

and worked in Portsmouth. Download

this thrilling free experience as you

follow in the footsteps of Sherlock on a

navigational trail. Use your smart phone

to download Magnifying Sherlock

for free from the Portsmouth Writers’

App, or hire out an iPod from the City

Museum reception desk.

The ‘Story of Portsmouth’ looks at how

life has changed in the city over the

centuries and a fine and decorative

art gallery features a wide range of

materials from the 17th century to the

present day.

From March to September 2013

you can visit the ‘Teddy Bear Story’

exhibiton from the V&A Museum of

Childhood, which celebrates the most

popular and loved toy in the world. This

touring exhibition explores the history

of the teddy bear from the first designs

based on real animals to modern

character and designer bears. There is

also a teddy themed interactive area

especially for children and families to

explore – with a Three Bears’ House

and woodland story telling area with

books, dressing up and other activities.

Secret Egypt will follow this exhibition,

opening October 2013.

www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk Open Tues – Sunday + Bank

Holiday Mondays April – Sept, 10am –

5.30pm, Oct – March, 10am – 5pm, last

admission 30 mins before closing.

Free admission.

Charles Dickens’ Birthplace MuseumThe great author was born in

Portsmouth in 1812. You can learn more

about the celebrated author of Oliver

Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and many

other novels by visiting the Charles

Dickens Birthplace Museum. This small

house in the heart of the city is where

the great author’s life started and is

a fascinating look into his humble

beginnings.

www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.ukOpen Tues – Sunday + Bank Holiday

Mondays April – Sept, 10am – 5.30pm

Last admission 30 mins before closing

Admission charge.

Cumberland House Natural History MuseumPortsmouth is a very special place for

wildlife in Britain. It has many different

habitats in a very small area, and at

Portsmouth Natural History Museum

you can explore them all. Between May

and September you can walk through

the butterfly house filled with living

insects and plants. The temperature

is kept at a high level so that we can

support exotic butterflies as well as

some beautiful foreign plants. In winter

months it is still possible to search for

caterpillars under the palm leaves but

the butterflies themselves do not fly in

the colder part of the year.

www.portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.ukOpen Tuesday to Sunday plus Bank

Holiday Mondays, 10am – 5,00pm

(5.30pm April – Sept), last admission 30

mins before closing. Free entry.

Eastney Beam Engine HouseHome to a pair of James Watt beam

engines and reciprocal pumps, restored

to their 1887 condition.

www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

The engine house is open the last

full weekend of every month (except

December), 1pm – 5pm. Please phone

to check the engines are in steam.

Free admission.

EventsThe museums have a varied event

programme to suit all ages with a focus

on family fun in the summer months

contact us for more information or go

online.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: History Comes to Life

8

The cover image for the Portsmouth Guest Guide was created by southsea artist Dave Thompson. He shares his inspiration and love of Portsmouth in this interview with Kate Thompson.

9

His retro artworks revisit a bygone age

of glamour, recreated in the muted

tones of 1930s travel art.

Southsea based artist Dave Thompson

certainly knows how to capture a mood

with his images that depict key sites in

the island city he has called home for

the past 30 years.

He explained: “We came here 30

years ago from Newcastle. We had

just finished a three month road trip

of America and wanted to settle by

the sea, and Southsea fitted the bill

perfectly.”

Dave has worked as a commercial

artist for many years with advertising

agencies and for the past 20 years as a

freelance illustrator. He uses the latest

digital technology to create his artworks

but draws on an artistic background.

“The effects I used to create by air-

brushing can all be done on an iMac

now. When I started out, cut and paste

was exactly that, you cut things out with

a scalpel and glued them down to build

up an image. “You can achieve so much

on a screen now but I’m glad I come

from an art background.”

Dave admits his style has been

influenced by the artists who were

famous for creating the travel posters

for the London Underground. He

admires the work of Norman Wilkinson.

“I work from good photographic

references and build up the image that

way. My pictures are quite architectural.

The skill is in taking the images right

back to basics. What’s left out is more

important almost than what is left on

the page, it’s about strong lines and

shadows.

“And of course every image has my

trademark seagulls,” he said.

Ironically in the past Dave was

commissioned to create the artwork for

bus timetables for London Transport

following in the footsteps of some of the

great artists who created travel posters

for the Underground.

Dave worked with Rick and Helen

Steenhuis at the Hiscock Gallery in

Southsea to promote his images of

Portsmouth – and his works can also

be bought at their White Dog Gallery

in Lee-on-the-Solent as well as other

selected galleries.

His views of Portsmouth and beyond

have proved so popular that his body

of work now includes scenes from

Brighton and London.

Looking to the future Dave has more

local scenes to capture and is even

thinking about doing more images with

people.

“It has been great to see how my

images have taken off – there is a great

appeal for all things retro,” he said.

DAVE THOMPSONOh I do like to be beside the seaside...

Dave’s Top Tips for places To visiT

BEST SHOPS: “I love the feel of Albert Road. The shops are independent and interesting - I’m often to be found on a Friday night with my wife having a drink at the Vaults.”BEST RESTAuRANT:“I’m partial to a curry and we really enjoy a meal at the Thai restaurant in Albert Road called Hong Kong - the food is really excellent.”BEST VIEW IN SOuTHSEA: “It’s got to be the Solent - there’s always so much going on.”Dave’s work can be viewed online

at www.hiscockgallery.co.uk

or by visiting the Hiscock Gallery

in stanley street, southsea.

MY inspiration

The artist himself: Dave Thompson

*imag

es h

ere

are

by

Nor

man

Wilk

inso

n

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Focus on Art

10

Albert Road

artists and actors, an environment

for creativity to prosper where all are

welcome. Alternative artworks adorn

many of the buildings, “Little Camden on

the Coast” ? “A new Brighton Lanes?” NO

Albert Road is unique and retains its true

Portsmouth identity. This is why 100,000

people came to celebrate our wonderful

street on Love Albert Road Day 2009”

That’s how Ian Parmiter sums up why

Albert Road is so special. He recently

caused a stir by piling all the old suitcases

his shop is well known for selling one

on top of the other to create a teetering

tower of luggage and then took pride

of place astride the golden dog that

graces the rooftop of his shop.

Ian is regularly featured in the plethora

of TV programmes that encourage us

all to become amateur antiques experts

- Put Your Money Where your Mouth

Is and Antiques Road Trip. Ian is self

taught and in his third decade of trading,

specialising in quirky antiques, architectural

items and 20th Century Design.

A colourful character well known locally for

his sartorial flair that sees him favour natty

tweeds and a stylish peroxide mallen streak,

Ian has worked tirelessly to promote the

street that has been home to his business

for the past 25 years. The Love Albert Road

Festivals he pioneered attracted thousands

of people to listen to the live music and

soak up the vibe. His cool role as the

unofficial Ambassador

of Albert Road led to him being honoured by

Portsmouth City Council with a Civic Award.

“We love Albert Road Southsea, its like a village by the sea”

Little Johnny Russels

Enjoy a relaxing cold beer or glass of wine in the garden, evening DJs and live music and late license at weekends. Gourmet burgers, salads and jacket potatoes are served on saturdays and sundays and in winter, enjoy sunday roast near the open log fire.

12 – 14 Albert Road, southsea, Po5 2sH

Tel: 02392 826 502

www.littlejohnnyrussells.com

strong Island

Portsmouth & southsea’s No.1 Cultural Resource. unfunded and independent, strong Island is a local online resource designed to promote, showcase and inform people about the cities cultural scene.

Be it past, present or future strong Island keeps you up to date with photos, interviews and articles about the city.

contact@strong-island.co.uk

Head Hairdressing

head is the best barbers in Portsmouth, offering top quality men’s hairdressing at an affordable price. With free wi-fi, filter coffee, great tunes, comfy sofas & late opening Monday to Friday. Phone for an appointment or simply sit & soak up the experience that is head!

53, Albert Road,Portsmouth,Po5 2sF

Tel: 07867 527693 or 07788 270643

www.headhairdressing.co.uk

Parmiters Antiques

Extraordinary & unusual items purchased, Entire house contents bought, top prices paid, Art & sculpture, Vintage Luggage, Militaria, Medals & all types of

Coins, China & Glass”

Find us in Albert Road southsea open 7 days a week Mon-sat 10am to 5pm sun 11am to 4pm

Tel: 02392293040 or 07850131414

www.ianparmiter.co.uk

“if you crave the true spirit and culture of southsea look

no further than albert road, a diverse mix of alternative

and independent shops, bars, cafes, live music venues,

vintage clothes and antique shops, with the crowning

glory The Kings Theatre standing as a beacon to mark

this historic and interesting place. A bohemian area people

truly love and care about and frequented by musicians

11

View things differently at the top of Britain’s best viewing tower – the stunning 170 metre tall icon on the south Coast.Spinnaker Tower

offers views of one of

the most fascinating

sea and landscapes,

spanning 23 miles

and over 1700 years

of history. The new

i-VIEW interactive

screens bring the view

to life, and to your

fingertips. By using

incredible gigapixel panoramic photos,

this interactive view interpretation

allows you to zoom in to get a better

look at points of interest in the view

– including Nelson’s Victory and the

famous Mary Rose wreck site – as well

giving the history and stories behind

them.

There’s no need to miss out on inspiring

sea views if your trip to the seaside

brings on the rain - head instead for

Spinnaker Tower and watch the rain

clouds roll in, from the comfort of Café

in the Clouds, 105 metres above the

sea. The effects

of the changing

weather on the sea

and sky makes the

view even more

spectacular.

If you’re feeling

brave you can

venture across the

amazing glass Sky

Walk, with virtually

nothing between

you and the waves below – dare you

walk on air?! Then head up to the Sky

Deck - open to the elements and the

energising sea breeze, it’s a real hair

raising experience!

Spinnaker Tower is located in Gunwharf

Quays shopping outlet centre and just

a few minutes walk from Portsmouth

Historic Dockyard.

Venue details:

Spinnaker Tower

Gunwharf Quays,

Portsmouth, PO3 TT

www.spinnakertower.co.uk

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About

12

Portsmouth Guest Guide: History

PoRTsMouTH Historic Dockyard

sails into a

NEW ERA

13

These are exciting times to visit Portsmouth

Historic Dockyard following the opening of a

brand new Museum for the Mary Rose, thirty

years after she was watched on television by

millions being raised from The Solent.

The £35 million project to build an

internationally-renowned museum and complete the

conservation, reunites the hull of the Mary Rose with many of

the 19,000 Tudor artefacts recovered from the seabed and is

a truly mesmerising experience.

Showcasing the very best in 21st century

architecture and construction, and the

finest collection of 16th century artefacts

in the world, for the first time visitors

can see the ship with its preserving

sprays switched off and witness the final

phase of the hull’s conservation through

windows into a ‘hotbox’ as up to 100 tons

of water is now removed from the ship’s

timbers.

New galleries contain some of the

thousands of objects recovered, in

context, running the length of the ship,

corresponding to deck levels so visitors

can experience what the decks would have looked like

moments before the Mary Rose sank. Six themed galleries

tell the personal stories and working lives of the crew on

board.

The Mary Rose is in very distinguished company at

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as it’s the only place in

the world where visitors can feel at first-hand what it was

really like to serve and fight on board the ships that shaped

Britain’s history – alongside modern warships of the Royal

Navy. It’s a full day out that stays with all ages forever.

The three ships featured are among the most famous

warships in the world - Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS

Warrior 1860. Their appeal endures because of the graphic

and moving stories associated with them. But it’s more

than that. It’s the social history about life on-board and in

the wider society; the bravery and heroism of generations

of serving personnel and their families and their compelling

stories; the technology that meant Britain led the world

and the anecdotes which have fashioned our language for

centuries.

This year also sees continuing work on the new Babcock

galleries at the National Museum of the

Royal Navy, due to open in spring 2014,

the centenary of the start of World War I,

marking the Navy’s vital role.

HMS – Hear My Story will be the major

exhibition situated in the brand new

galleries, telling the undiscovered stories

from the ordinary men, women and ships

which have made the Navy‘s amazing

history over the last 100 years, the

century of greatest change.

Add the interactive Action Stations where

visitors can fly a helicopter or climb the

UK’s tallest indoor climbing tower and a

Harbour Tour that brings passengers up close and personal

with modern Royal Navy

warships, showing why

Portsmouth remains

one of the world’s most

important harbours;

then it’s clear why

Portsmouth Historic

Dockyard often appears

as people’s favourite

museum!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Visitor Centre

Victory Gate, HM Naval Base,

Portsmouth PO1 3LJ.

Visitor Centre (open daily

between 10am - 5pm)

023 9283 9766

www.historicdockyard.co.uk

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Heritage

Image taken by: Steve Wallace

14

The Royal Marines Museum, with its stunning seafront location and vast picnic lawns, celebrates the history of the Royal Marines from their origins in 1664 to present

day. Formerly the officers Mess, the magnificent, stately buildings

provide the perfect setting to explore and learn about

the thrilling stories of the extraordinary people who have become the elite fighting force – the Royal Marines.Through a series of

interactive displays and

exhibition galleries spreading

over three floors, you can follow

a Commando recruit through

his gruelling training and on to

deployment around the world;

creep through the jungle and

experience the sights and

sounds of tropical swamps, and there’s even a snake, or take

a trip down memory lane in our WW2 home front kitchen.

Marvel at the extensive collection and unrivalled

archive exhibits gathered from around the world to

illustrate the remarkable acts of heroism and bravery

of the Royal Marines. Featuring over 8000 distinctive

medals, the highlight of the Medal Room is the

complete collection of all 10 Victoria Crosses awarded

to Marines, first in 1854 to the more recent in 1945.

This family friendly Museum has hands-on interactive games,

simulators, sight/sound and touch experiences and a new

assault course. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor activities

including demonstrations and children’s participatory holiday

and half term events from ‘Rescue Mission’ and ‘Making the

Peace’ to ‘Midnight Strike’ and ‘Commando Fit’ all included

in the ticket price. Finish your visit by climbing aboard the

rigid raider and assault course whilst enjoying lunch in our

award winning café the Quartermaster’s Kitchen or a browse

in our Museum shop. Visit as many times as you like, free,

for a whole year by gift aiding your admission ticket.

The museum features an extensive family events calendar and

regular special exhibitions, see our website for more details.

Royal Marines Museum

Venue details:

Royal MArines

Museum, Southsea,

Hampshire, PO4 9PX

023 9281 9385

www.royalmarines

museum.co.uk

Win a Meal for Four at Mozzarella JoesWalking along Southsea beach is sure

to give you an appetite, and there is no

better place to stop for a tasty bite to

eat than Mozzarella Joes.

No other eaterie on the beach has a

better view of the Solent, you can watch

the ships and sailing boats go passing

by as you tuck into freshly baked pizza,

tasty pasta or delicious burgers.

We are giving away a meal for four to

enjoy, and all you have to do to be in

with a chance of winning is email

info@themarketing-collective.com

and quote Portsmouth Guest Guide

competition. Closing date 31st

December. Winner will be drawn

before the 31st January 2014 and

the meal must be taken before the

31st March 2014

15

The Tenth Hole is the tea rooms adjoining southsea Golf Links and it is a joy to behold. Run by a young and enthusiastic team, the cafe situated on Eastern Parade is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike. Especially at the weekend when they like to sit outside and enjoy everything from a cooked breakfast, tasty lunch or sumptuous tea.

Venue details:

The Tenth Hole, Eastern

Parade, Southsea,

Portsmouth, PO4 9RF

02392 830 009

www.thetenthhole.co.uk

The Tenth Hole

Here’s a real gem, tucked away in sunny southsea – and well worth a visit.

Breakfasts include the traditional

full-English variety as well as smoked

salmon and scrambled eggs served

on a toasted English muffin, Billy’s

Breakfast Burger (sausage meat burger,

2 rashers of crispy bacon, and a fried

egg in a toasted muffin) or Croque

Madame (toasted bloomer bread,

topped with hand carved ham, rarebit

sauce & a fried egg).

In addition to doorstep sandwiches and

jacket potatoes, you can also choose

from a lunch menu that includes the

Tenth Hole salad (roasted butternut

squash, beetroot, toasted pinenuts,

goat’s cheese, spicy cous cous) and

quiche of the day (with coleslaw, salad

& new potatoes).

Renowned for its eye-popping display

of cakes, the Tenth Hole can also

satisfy your palate with tasty, good

quality food as well as blow you away

with a towering confection of cream

and sponge.

You can order high tea which includes

a round of sandwiches, choose from:

ham & mustard mayo; egg mayonnaise

or cheddar & chilli jam; two mini scones

served with clotted cream and jam and

a selection of delectable sweet treats.

High Tea costs £10 per person and

includes a pot of tea or mug of coffee.

As you walk into the Tenth Hole it is

the variety of cakes that immediately

grabs your attention. The selection of

cakes includes everything from coffee

and walnut sponge to cheesecakes,

pavlovas and a particular treat known

as chocolate lumpy, bumpy cake.

The cafe is so keen on its cake it has

a featured confection of the week – at

the time of writing it was a delicious

chocolate and custard choux ring with

strawberries.

A perfect visit has to include a round on

the links – they date back to 1914 and

in the cafe, there are some great photos

of genteel folk tackling the torment of

the nine hole course.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never swung

a golf club before, you are sure to enjoy

time spent making your way around

the course. The pitch and putt is open

seven days a week from 8am and the

last tee off is at 5.30pm (adults £3.70,

concessions £3.50).

And not just a game for a sunny day, it’s

almost more fun in inclement weather

with the wind blowing off the sea and

the thought of a yummy breakfast at

the Tenth Hole to come.

Another nice touch is the hot water

bottles and blankets for those brave

enough to opt for al fresco lunch or tea

when the sun isn’t shining.

To find out more about what’s going on

at the Tenth Hole go to

www.thetenthhole.co.uk

The Portsmouth Guest Guide:Eat and be Merry

16

The seasons at Aspex are based around

questions – for example, Does Making

Things Make Us Human? or Where Does

Progress End? Exhibitions, talks and

participatory events are programmed

around these questions, helping explore

possible answers

with the help of their

visitors.

At the heart of the

gallery is the Aspex

Café Bar – a family

friendly space with

plenty of room

for buggies, baby

changing facilities

and food warming

facilities. For the

grown-ups, a range of

mezze, paninis, homemade cakes are

available, alongside great illy coffee,

ales, ciders and specially selected

wines. If you are in the city for a

meeting, you can use the Café Bar for

informal get-togethers, or alternatively

you can hire a larger private space

within the gallery for more formal events.

It’s not only in the Café Bar where little

ones are catered for – Aspex have a

wide range of workshops for younger

visitors, including Art Clubs for 8-13

year olds running throughout the school

holidays, and Mini Makers for toddler to

8 year olds and their

parents on Saturday

mornings. They have

also started to offer

craft workshops for

adults, supported by

Make Craft Café in

Southsea, where you

can learn some of the

skills and techniques

used by the artists

and craftspeople in

the exhibitions.

Aspex is not only a great place for art &

the family…it also has a wide range of

gifts, greetings cards and more that you

won’t find anywhere else to buy in their

Craft & Design space!

And the best thing about Aspex is…

admission is FREE! Open 11-4 Daily

find out more at www.aspex.org.uk

Formed in 1981 in the heart

of southsea, Aspex moved to

the historic Vulcan Building in

Gunwharf Quays in 2006. They

specialise in exhibiting the work

of exciting local, national and

international emerging artists,

alongside a thriving participation

programme that encourages people

of all ages to get involved with art,

craft and creative activities.

Venue details:

Aspex The Vulcan

Portsmouth, PO1 3BF

023 9277 8080

www.aspex.org.uk

Open 11am - 4pm daily

Free admission

Aspex Gallery

17

Nikki Bates was inspired to launch Make

after winning a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style

competition following her graduation

from the University of Portsmouth.

“The idea for Make was born out of a

frustration I had as a student on the

first year of my degree in 2008. I was

studying for a degree in illustration

and found it difficult to get hold of

equipment I wanted for projects because

I wasn’t following a particular course.

“I was lucky that I was in a creative

setting and I could find ways to get

hold of the equipment I needed

but for a lot of people that’s sadly

not the case,” she said.

Make offers a one-of-a-kind creative

space for people who want to embrace

craft but do not have the equipment,

space and in some cases, the know-

how to pursue it in their own homes.

And you can enjoy a refreshing

cuppa and a delectable slice of cake

to help the creative process.

In the same vein as an Internet café,

customers can come to hire sewing

machines and space. Aside from this

there is also a chance to learn.

The ethos at Make is simple - it is based

within the local community, sourcing local

people and products where possible.

“I wanted to offer something

different to sitting in a school or a

community centre,” she said.

Workshops are taught by local

craft professionals – known as

‘Makers’- in subjects as varied as

dressmaking, knitting and crochet,

patchwork and making rag rugs.

There are Wednesday night social

gatherings when you can turn up

with a craft project of your own

and create in the company of other

crafters, Tuesday Mummy Mornings

and a children’s knitting group.

As well as the workshops ‘Make’

plays host to organised events such

as birthdays, corporate gatherings,

hen days and children’s parties.

‘Make’ is also a great space to unwind in,

meet like-minded crafters at one of their

social nights or just pop down during the

day and relax with your latest project.

Venue details:

Make 4 Albert Road,

Southsea, England, PO5 2SH

023 9282 2026

www.facebook.com/

makesouthsea

MAKE it Happen – Get Crafty in Southsea.

‘Make’ is an independent studio on Albert Road in Southsea offering craft workshops in a quirky and creative setting.

DID You KNoW...

It’s oFFICIAL crafting is good for your health. The Craft Council has proved, participating in crafts has an amazing effect on reducing stress levels and helping you to relax.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Arts and Culture

18

Portsmouth’s award-winning

Blue Reef Aquarium is a great place

for visitors of all ages to find out more

about the wonders of the deep -

whatever the weather.

Whether you‘re dodging the showers

or escaping the heat, Blue Reef’s

innovative displays, informative talks

and feeding demonstrations will keep

the family fully entertained.

At the aquarium’s heart is the giant

ocean tank where an underwater tunnel

offers incredibly close encounters with

puffer fish, triggerfish and hundreds of

vibrant tropical fish amid the beauty

of a recreated coral reef.

Over 50 other living displays reveal the

sheer variety of life in the deep, from

tropical sharks and stingrays to giant

lobsters, elegant seahorses and playful

otters.

Don’t forget your towel and a

bucket and spade to make the most

of the aquarium’s outdoor Blue Reef

Beach Club.

Overlooking the bustling Solent the club

boasts its very own 50-tonne sandy

beach and rockpool sandpit alongside

a splash play area.

Venue details:

Clarence Esplanade,

Southsea, Portsmouth

PO5 3PB

023 9287 5222

www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/

portsmouth

Wonders of the

DEEP

19

If you only see one thing in Southsea... – If you only get to enjoy one

thing in Southsea it has to be the

free concerts at the bandstand

by Southsea Castle. There’s

music, people, sunshine, a great

atmosphere and the Solent full

of little boats, Royal Navy ships,

helicopters – and the Isle of Wight.

Southsea Castle

www.southseacastle.co.uk

023 9282 7261

Where is the best place to see street art?– Fratton Park is one of the biggest

legal graffiti sites around and it

evolves on a weekly basis. From

the first weekend in August we will

be transforming the skate park on

Clarence Parade. It dates back to

the 1950s and is a really cool place

now being run as a charity.

Twinkle, twinkle, little bat How I wonder what you’re at! Up above the world you fly, Like a tea tray in the sky. Twinkle, twinkle, little bat How I wonder what you’re at!

Where is the best place for a romantic meal?– We like Sant yagos round the

corner from the John Lewis store

in Palmerston Road precinct. The

service is great and the food and

cocktails are wicked.

Sant yagos

www.santyagos.co.uk

02392 179636

Like a tea tray in the SkyIt’s no surprise to discover Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is the favourite book of tearoom owner Nicky aka Lilou.Like a Teatray in the Sky takes its name from the poem by

Lewis Carroll and stepping over the threshold is like entering

a different world, which she has painstakingly put together

with partner Fark.

The mis-matched furniture, 70’s geometric prints, covetable

china cups and saucers all make for a creative space that is

immediately welcoming and intriguing.

You can guarantee an interesting soundtrack - often with a

gallic influence (think Nouvelle Vague or the soundtrack from

The Artist) – and then there is the Dodo expertly created on

the wall by street artist Fark.

Nicky along with her mum are responsible for the delicious

food on offer: stop for lunch and enjoy her attention to detail

and afternoon tea is nothing short of a work of art.

“We wanted to create an atmosphere where people can relax

– this is more than a tearoom and we love the fact it is still

evolving. “You will find writers, knitters, artists – and lots of

people who just like the vibe we’ve created here,” said Fark.

Venue details:

Like a Tea Tray In The Sky

31 Osbourne Road,

Southsea, PO5 3LR

02392 731903

Follow us on

Facebook / Twitter.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Inspiration

20

Family FunVisit Peppa Pig World at Paultons Theme Park,

home to more than 60 family rides and attractions as

well as a collection of exotic birds and animals.

The name’s Bond - James Bond … Share in some of

that 007 magic, when you visit the record-breaking

show at Beaulieu’s National Motor MuseumYou can let off some steam with a morning of physical

activity at the New Forest Activities Centre or journey

to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover where

you will find vultures, barn owls and hawks.

Sticking with the natural world, Marwell Zoo has an

astounding range of wildlife and prides itself on its

conservation work. While at Birdworld near Farnham you

can see Penguins feeding and free flying Kookaburras

Or take to the trees for an exhilarating adventure

experience with Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park

and Itchen Valley Country Park near Eastleigh.

Visit Staunton Country Park where the grand fishing

lake and sensory garden will entrance the whole

family, while the farm is a delight for youngsters.

Family-run Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst

has daily activities and plenty of cute animals.

A day at the seaside awaits you at Southsea Beach and

there’s always plenty of fun to be had at the Pyramids Centre with its pools and funky flumes. See spectacular

views from the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and if

you are brave enough, venture across the glass floor.

There are over 100 hands-on interactive science and

technology exhibits idea for all the family at Intech Science Centre and Planetarium in Winchester.

Gardeners WorldExplore 200 acres of beautiful gardens at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway in the New Forest, world-

famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons,

azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs.

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey is a 180-

acre garden paradise with a magnificent collection

of more than 42,000 plants and boasts one of the

largest Winter Gardens of its kind in Europe.

While the National Trust’s Mottisfont is set in glorious

grounds by the River Test., with a medieval priory

that was gradually changed into a country house.

Gilbert White’s House and Oates Museum nr Alton are

also well worth a visit. The naturalist is regarded as Darwin’s

inspiration and his house and gardens are a national treasure.

The New Forest Museum is packed full of displays

and activities about the New Forest National Park,

including a Family Fun Tree interactive exhibit.

Step Back in TimeWinchester is a spectacular cathedral city, where more than

15 centuries of Christian faith is captured in the glorious

architecture. After marvelling at Winchester Cathedral’s

history, why not stop for a cuppa at their elegant café? The

Great Hall in the city is home to ‘King Arthur’s Round Table’.

Close by in Alresford is the Watercress Railway Line

Discover & Explore

Visitors staying in Portsmouth are in a great position to explore the best that Hampshire has to offer. Whether you choose to take a short break or stay a little longer, there are plenty of adventures awaiting you – and here are just a few ideas to get you started...

21

www.ham

pshiretopattractions.co.uk

where you can climb aboard a carriage pulled by

either a steam or loco engine to travel through some

of the county’s famous watercress beds and alighting

at a number of character stations along the route.

Basing House in Basingstoke was once the country’s

largest private home, owned by the powerful courtier

William Paulet, Marques of Winchester. The Great

Barn, which dates back to Tudor times, is the

largest surviving, fully intact building of its kind.

Take a trip back to Victorian times with a visit to Milestone’s Museum in Basingstoke and explore a network of full size

streets inside a purpose built museum, telling the story of

Hampshire’s social, industrial and commercial history

Experience sights and sounds at Manor Farm, a

delightful historical working farm where children

can meet the animals, lend a hand in the farmhouse

or attend a Victorian school lesson.

Tudor House in Southampton tells over 800 years of

history with interactive guides and audio-visual displays,

which bring the house to life. The story of Southampton’s

maritime history is told at SeaCity Museum.

Situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of

the New Forest, you will find the unique and picturesque

village of Buckler’s Hard where warships for Nelson’s navy

were built. Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest story tells

the fascinating history of this unique village from its origins

as a port for importing sugar cane to its ship building.

Ahoy There...From Portsmouth explore the Isle

of Wight with Wightlink ferries or

if travelling from Southampton, red

funnel ferries and discover royal

residences, dramatic coastline and a

funky vintage vibe.

Just down the M27 is Southampton’s

neighbouring city of Portsmouth. Visit

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home

to the world-famous ships HMS Victory

and HMS Warrior 1860. 2013 will see

the opening of the new Mary Rose Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy boasts

a magnificent collection illustrating our proud naval heritage.

The Blue Reef Aquarium offers a dazzling undersea

safari and if you travel to the top of the iconic Spinnaker Tower you can take in stunning views of the Solent.

Along the beach to Eastney, you will find the Royal

Marines Museum with an extensive collection of

displays gathered from around the world.

A short trip across the water takes you to Gosport where

you will find the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. You

can get a real feel for the life of a submariner by going on

board HMS Alliance, a WW2 submarine. Also, Explosion! the

Museum of Naval Firepower which tells the story of naval

warfare from the days of gunpowder to modern missiles.

To find out more about these and numerous other attractions, please visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk For special offers and discount vouchers for more than 36 attractions visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk/offers

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About

22

Just 23 miles wide and 13 miles deep, the

diamond-shaped island boasts some of Britain’s

most varied countryside – more than half of it

classified an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Unspoiled landscape, miles of golden beaches

and dramatic cliffs are just some of the delights

to discover, and families in search of fun, animal-lovers,

walkers, cyclists, history buffs and people of all ages with

an interest in food, heritage, wildlife and scenery will find a

treat in store.

Famous in Victorian times as the favourite home of Queen

Victoria and notorious more recently for music festivals,

sailing, and the startling dinosaur finds on its crumbling south

coast, the Isle of Wight

is crammed with both

natural and man-made

attractions, and is also

now among Britain’s

leading regional food

centres. One of the few

places in the country

where apricots are

grown, the Isle of Wight

is also home to the earliest asparagus. It boasts Britain’s

largest crop of tomatoes, 12 different kinds of garlic, wild

bass from waters around Bembridge and a world-beating

blue cheese – all of them fresh, full of flavour and home-

grown for fewer food miles. In fact the Island is packed

with local food champions and, with their help, Wightlink

has plotted a route through scenic countryside to create the

Wight Taste Trail.

One of a collection of free themed guides, designed to cater

for the differing tastes of Isle of Wight visitors, the Wight Taste

Trail profiles the very best food producers on the Island as

well as showcasing restaurants, pubs, delicatessens and farm

shops dedicated to local produce. As well as spotlighting

local food champions and inspirational chefs, the guide gives

information on Farmers’ Markets to visit, locally-made ice

cream to try, the best places to buy fresh fish, and where to

find the Ultimate Island Cream Tea.

Other Wightlink guides include a 32-stop Wight History Trail

around the living history of the Island, Wight Safaris adventure

walking guide, and Secret Wight, featuring a range of outdoor

challenges in parts of the Island away from the well-trodden

tourist path.

GET a Taste of Wight

Venue details:

Wightlink

0871 376 1000

www.wightlink.co.uk/

wighttastetrail

Easily accessible by car or on foot, the Isle of Wight is just over half an hour from the mainland, travelling on Wightlink’s fleet of seven car and passenger ferries from Portsmouth –Fishbourne or Lymington–Yarmouth or on its passenger-only catamaran service from Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde Pier Head.

23

From coast to countryside, whether your passion is heritage, culture, shopping or a fun-filled family day out, the world-renowned Hamble Valley has it all. Located to the east of Portsmouth, this area of outstanding natural beauty is quite literally at your feet.Known as the Strawberry Coast, The

Hamble Valley is set alongside the

stunning River Hamble, tucked between

the bustling cities of Southampton,

Winchester and Portsmouth

and stretching along 25 miles of

Hampshire’s coastline.

There is so much on offer with a variety

of unique family attractions from Manor

Farm, the Victorian working farm which

was the setting for the BBC’s Wartime

Farm series to Bursledon Windmill

and Bursledon Brickworks. Discover

delightfully quaint villages and charming

towns and over 1500 acres of unspoilt

countryside with five country parks.

Enjoy beautiful waterside vistas and

amble through woodlands, marshes and

meadows on one of the many walking

trails including the Strawberry Trail,

a long distance walk along the River

Hamble, the Cobbett Trail, a short walk

around the village of Botley and the

Hamble Rail Trail.

Hamble River events take place

throughout the year, attracting

world class yachtsmen and racing

enthusiasts. Competition within the

sailing world is strong and many sailors

come to showcase their skills.

Events include Hamble Week, the

Hamble Winter & Spring Series, the

Bursledon Regatta and national World

Series competitions.

The essence of a sailing lifestyle

is captured through the marinas,

chandleries, restaurants and boutiques,

located along the shoreline. Indeed,

numerous opportunities present

themselves to way anchor and

investigate the local vintage ales.

The Hamble Valley welcomes families

and is a child-friendly destination with

plenty of free and low cost activities to

keep the young and the young at hear

entertained.

Whether you are on a romantic short

break or visiting for the week with

a young family, you’ll wish you had

discovered the Hamble Valley sooner.

For further information on

glorious days out on the

River Hamble or your personal

journey through the

Hamble Valley, visit

www.hamblevalley.comFollow us on Twitter @HambleValley

Share some family time

Great places to eat

Walk along the river

Heritage

see more of the Hamble Valley and take a virtual tour by scanning this QR code.

The Portsmouth Guest Guide: Out and About

24

Discover miles of smiles on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is perfect for a day trip or holiday. Whether you discover the 60 miles

of stunning coastline or visit one of the Island’s great tourist attractions, it’ll be an

unforgettable experience.

BLUE - 100C 68M 12kRED - 100M 63Y 29K

GREY - 80K

And the best way to visit is with Wightlink. Our car ferries can take you there in under 45 minutes

from Portsmouth whilst our foot passenger catamarans take around 22 minutes

from Portsmouth Harbour.

TO BOOK, CALL 0871 376 1000Calls cost 7p per minute, plus network extrasat least 1 hour before you wish to travel

wightlink.co.uk