An Artist's Guide To Portsmouth And Southsea

Home to the birthplace of Charles Dickens and the Historic Dockyards, Portsmouth is a thriving city on the south coast of England, full of culture and history. Along with its seaside neighbour Southsea, the city hosts some unique attractions for culture lovers and buzzing artists alike.

1. Aspex Gallery

Art Gallery

Situated in the luxurious Gunwharf Quays, in close proximity to the harbour and the Spinnaker Tower, Aspex Gallery is the leading contemporary art gallery on Portsea Island. The creative hub dedicates itself to supporting emerging artists, and engages the public by hosting regular group exhibitions and participation events. Discover the range of mediums displayed, such as photography, painting and sculpture. Every two years, they hold a biennial open exhibition called EMERGENCY , which is always highly anticipated. Aspex Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday.

2. The Hotwalls Studios

Transformed in 2014, the city’s defence architecture in Old Portsmouth, Point Battery and Barracks, is now home to thriving and creative studios for artists, designers and makers. Working daily within the 13 rented studio spaces are individuals with varied areas of expertise creating and selling their products – from ReFold’s handmade textiles and Fay George’s pottery to Laura Bennett’s jewellery. Upon your visit to The Hotwalls Studios you will have the opportunity to watch them at work and purchase their pieces. Opening times can be dependent on artists.

Hotwalls Studios, Point Battery & Barracks, Broad Street, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Hotwalls Studios | © Ray Habens/Flickr

Festivals

Think arts, quirky crafts, food and live music all in one place by the seaside. The ever growing Victorious Festival is held on Southsea Common and Castle Field during August bank holiday weekend. With your ticket you gain access to a pre-announced lineup of music acts, artist market stalls and free entry into some of Southsea’s attractions – for example the D-Day museum – to soak up some history.

Likewise, Mayfly combines art and music in a one day pop-up festival on the first May bank holiday, running from midday until about 8pm. Entry is free and there is a full programme of live music and poetry lined up, as well as prints, paintings and photographs on sale.

Southsea Common, Southsea, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

The Square Tower, Broad Street, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQciyq8gob5/?taken-by=victoriousfest

3. Love Southsea

Take a wander down Palmerston Road on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month, where you will find the pedestrianised shopping precinct is dedicated to Love Southsea street markets. The event aims to support artists with stalls full of their authentic illustrations, jewellery, artwork and gifts. You can meet the stall owners and buy their work, or if you are an artist – why not book a pitch on Makers Row for yourself? The event runs from 9–5pm on Saturday and 10–4pm on Sunday.

Palmerston Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

4. Crafts in the Tower

The Square Tower, located close to the The Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth, is an arts and crafts venue that is home to Crafts in the Tower – a group of artists, designers and craftspeople. This community showcase their work every third Sunday of the month. Entrance to the event is free, and you’ll be able to explore two floors featuring handmade arts, crafts and a pop-up vintage tearoom. Crafts in the Tower usually runs from 11am until 4pm.

The Square Tower, Broad Street, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Portsmouth Harbour | © Ronald Saunders/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.