Scenic Shores & Affordable Stays: This Seaside City Is The U.K.’s New Vacation Hotspot
4 min readAs iconic and exhilarating as London may be, there's no doubt it's pricey. In fact, I was going through my travel receipts as one does last-minute on Tax Day and totally forgot I paid over $100 per ticket for a classic, bright red double-decker bus ride…in the rain. Whomp, whomp, whomp. And that's before the …
The post Scenic Shores & Affordable Stays: This Seaside City Is The U.K.’s New Vacation Hotspot appeared first on Travel Off Path.
As iconic and exhilarating as London may be, there’s no doubt it’s pricey. In fact, I was going through my travel receipts as one does last-minute on Tax Day and totally forgot I paid over $100 per ticket for a classic, bright red double-decker bus ride…in the rain.
Whomp, whomp, whomp.
And that’s before the overpriced pints of what Brits call beer, fish and chips tourist traps, and hotels’ sky-high rates, no matter where you choose to rest your head in the city.
As such, if travelers want to explore the U.K. but start off in London (as one usually does), their pockets might be bleeding by the time they want to unwrap more hidden gems typically overshadowed by the city’s world-renowned attractions.
While it’s not confirmed how many Americans have visited the U.K.’s new vacation hotspot, the seaside city of Portsmouth has become a surging bright spot for travelers seeking to stretch their dollar (or pound) in England, all while enjoying underrated coastlines and maritime history.
Portsmouth: Discover Seaside Bliss In The U.K.’s New Go-To Getaway
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of London lies the island city of Portsmouth, perched along the scenic waterfront of the English Channel.
Not typically on travelers radar in favor of numerous other cool U.K. cities ranging from ever-so-trendy Belfast to never-easier-to-reach Glasgow, which just received a new flight on a new airline from the U.S.
Don’t expect the same for Portsmouth, however. You’ll need an extra bit of adventure to get here, but it’s well connected from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as are trains, Europeans’ favorite method of transit, offering a contrast to travel habits back home.
Hopping aboard the Southern Western Railway is surprisingly affordable, too. According to Trip.com, you can escape the city grind of London in exchange for seaside bliss in just an hour and a half for $21 without having to change trains.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a proud city steeped in naval history. In fact, it’s impossible to miss as the Historic Dockyard is Portsmouth’s claim to fame, even before the sudden, unexpected surge in tourism.
Sunny Beaches Await! Portsmouth Pierces Grey Skies Stereotype
Oftentimes, the U.K. is painted as a doom-and-gloom destination, much like Seattle. But just as Seattle’s notorious grey skies dissipate come summer, the same can be said for Portsmouth — and London to,o for that matter, except there’s only spotty beaches along the River Thames.
Portsmouth, on the other hand, offers vibrant golden shores, albeit rather small in size. If beaches are your sole reason for visiting, you might be left disappointed, but the sun-kissed coasts are a nice surprise for what many overlook when visiting the U.K.
However, where there’s beaches usually comes fun bars and savory coastal cuisine, and despite being a tad bit modest, Portsmouth’s glowing waterfront still boasts a delightful seaside atmosphere with sweeping postcard views.
Should you want to visit Portsmouth’s golden beaches, it’s best to do so in summer when Portsmouth sees consistent 70-degree days suitable for basking in the sun, exploring beachside castles, or even booking the only hovercraft in Europe! Yep, you read that right.
Hovertravel goes to the nearby Isle of Wight, a secret paradise with even better beaches and charming Victorian towns.
Although, According to TripAdvisor, visitors and locals alike both favor Southsea Beach, a quiet haven for taking nice strolls and a waterfront pier great for grabbing ice cream.
Cheaper Pubs & Affordable Stays: You Can Visit U.K. On A Budget!
Saying beer is cheaper here than London is like saying gas is cheaper in Texas than California. Point being everyone loves to mingle with locals at an old-timey pub, but when in London, you hate for the bill to arrive.
One such place is The Hole In The Wall, a classic watering hole where one patron exclaimed, ‘What a find, absolute gem! Huge range of ales super atmosphere amazing prices.’
As for hotels, well the same logic applies. Anything is cheaper than London’s selection, right?
For a familiar name, the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel goes for $87 in June, while other local boutiques such as the Southsea Rocks Hotel go as low as $50!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
