Portsmouth has always been famed for shipbuilding and its naval links, a history it is proud of and which can be seen in attractions around the city. This is still very much true today, with defence being the city's biggest industry.
Based on the south coast of England, the Hampshire city of Portsmouth is, quite literally, the nation’s naval base. Populated by over 260,000, Portsmouth is the UK’s only island city and has used this status to develop as a dynamic and vibrant waterfront. As a result of this, the city is now amongst the most popular places to visit in Southern England. Particularly for history enthusiasts. Portsmouth is renowned as the birthplace of Charles Dickens and the home of both Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling at some point throughout their lifetimes. The array of amazing museums (including the popular interactive National Museum), cathedrals and historic sites is, therefore, unsurprising.
For any reason you wish to travel beyond the security of your Situ Portsmouth corporate accommodation, the city thankfully has great transport connections to a range of other major business locations. For instance, via the A3, Portsmouth is just an hour and a half car journey away from London. Whereas, the nearest international airport (Southampton) is only twenty miles to the northwest. Of course, the city has a port too. Thanks to Brittany Ferries - Portsmouth, anyone can travel over the English Channel to the Isle of Wight, almost anywhere along the southern coastline, and to destinations across Europe.
Portsmouth’s economy and business infrastructure has had no choice but to develop, to accommodate the city’s ever-growing population and status. After all, Portsmouth is now a UK and European gateway city, with the International Port being Britain’s best. Ultimately, for many years, the economy in Portsmouth has relied upon shipbuilding and the fact it is home to the Royal Navy. This is still often the reason that corporate travellers come in need of serviced apartments in Portsmouth today. Tourism also becoming a significant sector in the local economy also naturally creates a need for apartments.
Recent developments and ongoing reviews of annual economic strategies and plans can only be promising for both existing and start-up businesses. The Portsmouth City Council has a great range of business support options to choose from. Whether it is just simple advice for starting up, or information about potential funding and grants. Visit the Council’s website and their business page and learn more about how the thriving local economy and constantly expanding business infrastructure can prove to be an asset to your business conducting in ‘Pompey’.
Fantastic transport connections also make Portsmouth a great place for business. The nearby regional airports in Southampton and Bournemouth are practical, and the major roads connecting to the motorway network make accessing London and its major airports simple. The railway network in the city is also extensive, meaning Hampshire locations and beyond is never out of reach. Booking stays in Portsmouth aparthotels means having these ideal commuting options on guest’s doorsteps.
Naturally, a prime coastal location means Portsmouth has a distinctive, rich naval and maritime history. In fact, the city’s waterfront development has continued to revolve around its location and island status.
It all began though with the building of the Porchester Castle during the Roman period, which was then known as ‘Portus Adurni’. Later, it was described as ‘Portesmuda’ in Old English. However, many do not deem the official founding of the now-city until 1180. The believed founder was Jean De Gisors, an existing landowner on Portsea Island.
Despite only having a population of around 1,000 people by the thirteenth century, Portsmouth was still considered to be one of the country’s most important ports. Rapid developments naturally emerged since then, with generations of royal leaders implementing their own vision of what Portsmouth could become. By the seventeenth century, Portsmouth was a naval port and had its own dockyard.
With such prominence though does come periods of unrest and feuds. For instance, Portsmouth’s popularity as a tourist city made it susceptible to the impacts of plague outbreaks. Its status as a chief naval port also meant the chances of maritime conflict in the area was high. Despite this, Portsmouth continues to be a thriving city, to this day. The twenty-first century saw the opening of popular tourist sites; the Spinnaker Tower (2005), the Gunwharf Quays (2001) and the Pompey Centre (2003), making the city a hub for iconic tourist attractions. Each of these sites, as well as and the insightful Portsmouth Museum are all within easy walking distance of those who book stays in Portsmouth extended stay apartments.
It might be hard to look beyond the fact that Portsmouth is the UK’s only island city. Ultimately, however, the Hampshire hotspot is much like any other tourist destinations, blessed with an array of fantastic attractions and beautiful sights. It is for these reasons perhaps that Portsmouth short term accommodation is in such high demand.
The number of parks and excellent green spaces is surprising too, considering the density of the population. Most of these areas are based along the Portsmouth coastline; including Southsea Common, Milton Common and the Great Salterns Recreation Ground. They provide the perfect opportunities for corporates and their families to relax throughout a potentially busy business trip or relocation.
What maybe isn’t surprising is the huge variety of museums business travellers staying at Portsmouth accommodation can enjoy. Where do you start with museums in Portsmouth! To name a few, visitors to the city can explore HMS Victory, Portsmouth Museum, the Mary Rose and Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. These museums, and other historic sites, such as Southsea Castle, are all a great credit to the city. They allow anyone who visits the city a great opportunity to learn more about Portsmouth and rich history.
It's not just all about museums though in Portsmouth. For lovely English channel views, anyone can visit the well-known Clarence or South Parade Pier. Both of these attractions are home to year-round arcades and seasonal rides, keeping everybody in the family happy. The Blue Reef Aquarium is similar in its catering of families, offering a nice day out in one of the country’s best marine exhibits.
All of this is before you even consider the nightlife and Portsmouth’s eclectic music scene. There are Portsmouth pubs, nightclubs and bars all across the city, meaning there is an option to socialise with friends, family or a group of colleagues throughout your business trip.
All in all, it's fair to say that Portsmouth offers plenty for both those who are merely visiting and those who are relocating to the city. A strong business climate, an amazing range of attractions and a great recognition of a rich history make staying in the city and its Portsmouth serviced apartments something worth considering.
Easily the closest international airport to Portsmouth is Southampton Airport, which is just twenty miles northwest of the city. As well as providing a great range of flights across the UK and overseas, the airport also has great transport connection to the local region and London.
Guests staying in either Portsmouth extended stay apartments or short-term accommodation can have taxi transfer booked on their behalf from the comfort of their housing to the airport of their choosing!
Portsmouth is on the National Rail network, offering direct trains to London Waterloo. Other major services run to Bristol, Cardiff and Southampton.
The rail services allow for easy transport to areas such as the Portsmouth city centre shopping (home to 90 famous brands) and the Fratton Park football stadium. Portsmouth Harbour train station is directly behind the bus station at The Hard, whilst Portsmouth & Southsea is at the bottom of Commercial Road, opposite Portsmouth Guildhall.
The nearest underground stations to Portsmouth are bunched on the western edge of London. These stations are Ickenham, Uxbridge, Hillingdon, Morden and Hatton Cross, all no further than 75 miles northeast of Portsmouth’s centre.
Local buses provide regular services and even travel as far as Havant and Southampton. National Express travels into The Hard with links to many of the country's major cities.
Book long stays in accommodation in Portsmouth to best suit you, from whichever stations and stops that work best for you.
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