Hi everyone, how are you? I think it’s about time we go away again, don’t you think? Today, I wanted to take you someplace different, it’s probably not as huge as New York, or as filled with tourists as Paris, but it’s still very, very lovely. I’m taking you to beautiful England, and more precisely, Portsmouth. Weird name, right? Well, let’s figure out what’s up in this city…
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My love, well, I can safely say, our love (with my sister) for England is endless. Fell in love with London, and every time, we just love discovering new cities and places in this wonderful country. It might not be Hollywood, it might be labeled as rainy and sad, but it is NOT, hello clichés you are WRONG. A few years ago, we decided to go to Portsmouth, a lovely city in the very south of England…
We didn’t know very much about this city, except for the fact that it looked pretty, was close to the beach, and there was an amazing tower we wanted to see there. I know, little to go with, but, we ended up discovering such a cosy little city…so, let’s get to it!
IN THE CITY ?
One of the things I love the most about England, is its little houses. I know, it’s not much, but how can such simple things look so cute? At every road, at every turn, we could have colorful houses lined up, it was one of the most wonderful things.
Another gorgeous thing about Europe in general, is, I think, how old and new can collide in cities. I love how you can just walk down the streets, and then look up to see those old buildings, churches, and just wonder how they ended up here.
Portsmouth isn’t that big a city, to be honest…Well, it kind of IS when you’re doing EVERYTHING by foot -and being a bit stupid…it’s a whole other story, too – but there are some amazing places to chill, when you just want, well…to take a break from all of that walking. I mean, below, look at that little park, and the Canoe Lake. It’s such a cute place, sure, it’s filled with families, but it’s still a relaxing place. I love it.
And here is the main reason we wanted to go to Portsmouth. No, just kidding, but it is indeed one of the weidest monuments I’ve ever seen, haha. The Spinnaker Tower, looking down at you from 344 feet high. And YES. You can go on top of it. And obviously we did.
It really was a short elevator ride, and really worth it to see the city from above, well, the city, and the sea.
The whole top-floor is glazed, so you can easily take gorgeous pictures, and just embrace the panoramic view as well. And yes, okay, that’s me. I had short hair at that time, and you can’t see me very well, but we shall keep things mysterious now, ahah.
YOUR NOT-SO-USUAL CITY GUIDE :
? FOOD 101 : I KNOW you guys were waiting for this, because, well, food is great, isn’t it? I guess in Portsmouth you find all of the usual supermarkets such as Tesco and stuff, but it’s always great for us lovers of chocolate to get some delicious Wispa. For us lovers of Italian food to stop by Strada for a wonderful plate you can’t eat because it’s too much. And obviously, some fish and chips by the sea. OBVIOUSLY.
?SHOPPING 101 : I’m not going to list bookshops because well, okay, I bought books but that’s not important. To shop, the Gunwharf Quays really is a great place, because it’s half indoors, half outdoors, and there is food as well. What more do we need?.
THE SEA, THE SUN, AND SURREAL PICTURES ?
Yes, I know, if it’s close to the sea, then WHERE is the beach? Well, patience, my friends, it is right here. (And look how sunny it is? Who ever says the weather sucks in England? It was SO sunny).
Obviously, walking along the sea is one of the must-do in Portsmouth, not because it looks prettier than any other sea-view, but, just because. There’s something about the sea that’s so relaxing, I don’t know why. Maybe because it’s just so big and yet so mysterious? Moreover, I loved the fact that, on one side, you can see the beach, and on another side, you can get this gorgeous view of the little Portsmouth houses I talked about before. Isn’t this pretty?
Right close to the beach, there’s the Southsea castle. I don’t really know and even if I did, I’m not planning on boring you with historical details. I’m just going to say, that, in the picture below, far away, you can see the castle. Then, behind, it’s the sea. And right here, are gorgeous gardens you’ll want to take your book to for a romantic stroll.
There’s a Pier here, as well, and it’s called Clarence Pier. And here you go for the most surreal picture I’ve ever taken in my life, because it looks so fake, but I swear it was real. In England. Yes, the weather was like that, and the view was like that. And if that doesn’t make you want to go there… Well, I don’t know. I know I would just like to crawl back into that picture and be on holidays forever.
WARDROBE ESSENTIALS IF YOU’RE GOING TO ENGLAND :
? Good shoes, because let’s be honest, if you’re here, it’s to EXPLORE the city. And you’ll need good shoes. Sneakers, or flats you’re comfortable walking in all day long.
? An umbrella, because despite me wanting to destroy clichés, the rain is real. And when you’re soaked, it’s not a lot of fun.
A light jacket, because despite it being the summer, well, sometimes, especially close to the sea, there’s a whole lot of wind.
Sunglasses, because I think my pictures above prove it, THE SUN IS HERE.
A scarf, because see the reason above about the light jacket.
? A great bag, because you’ll want to put all of the books you buy somewhere. RIGHT?
Last but DEFINITELY NOT least, clothes. Obviously, because you don’t want to walk around naked, do you?
FOOD AND SHOPPING = PERFECT POST woooo! 😀
Also, I swear you’ve been everywhere by this point… because ahhh you have a couple of these posts up already! 😮
Aww, thank you so, so much Geraldine, I’m so happy you like it! <3 Oh no, I'm faar from having been everywhere…actually I have a map somewhere on the blog with pins of where I've been, haha. I just love travelling so, so much <3
The Spinnaker Tower really is a unique-looking structure, and pretty too. Loved your pictures, especially of the ocean and the big, puffy clouds. I would love to travel through Europe. It’s my dream, actually, and to be able to see it vicariously through your pictures makes me happy.
Thank you so much Eve, that’s so sweet! <3 I really hope you'll get the chance to travel there someday, it's so beautiful <3 and in the meantime, I'm so happy I can make you travel a little bit with these posts 🙂
You’re inspiring me to get out to more places so I can reciprocate and take pictures and share them with you. 😀
Awwww, that’s the sweetest thing! Well I would LOVE to see your travelling pictures, even in places close-by to your home, I’m sure it’s lovely, and since I’m in France and you’re not, it would totally make me travel as well! 🙂
Faut que j’y aille… !
Ouuii, il le faut, c’est superbe 🙂
I don’t think I knew anything about Portsmouth before, but it seems just like my kind of quiet town. Your photos looked absolutely serene and idyllic but not like it was too isolated at all. Very great post, Marie! (as I keep saying all the time <3)
Aww, thank you so, so, so much Kat, you’re so sweet! <3 I hope you'll go there someday, it's not too big, but really it's worth it, so peaceful and beautiful to spend a few days 🙂
Sounds just like my kind of place, so I’ll definitely keep it in the back of my mind for my next vacation.
Oh yes, well I hope you’ll go there! 😀 And take LOTS of pictureees, obviously 😀
Will do 😉
I lived in England for a semester and absolutely agree that the little houses are adorable! And you’re right that old and new mix really well in European architecture. I didn’t get to go to Portsmouth, but from your pics I’m guessing that was a mistake. Thank goodness you can take the elevator up the Spinnaker Tower, I would’ve DIED if it were stairs. #lazy
SO JEALOUS that you get to explore all these amazing places! Perks of living in Europe, I suppose – Australia’s sooo far away, haha.
Aww, you’re so lucky! I wish I lived in England for a semester, or like, forever, ahah, it’s really one of these countries I am in love with <3 It's such a pretty city 🙂 Oh yes, I guess one of the perks of living in Europe is that other countries are very close by, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about getting to Australia someday, ahah 😀
thank you so much! <3
Confession time: I’ve never been to Portsmouth! I used to live in Bournemouth which is really close by – and I’ve been to other places near it like Southampton and Winchester but never Portsmouth. I feel so bad now because it looks lush! Spinnaker Tower? Looks so strange! I love it! Your photos are so pretty. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
If I could go anywhere… Home? Haha
OH REALLY? I went to Bournemouth as well on holidays a few years ago, it’s such a lovely city! 🙂 Portsmouth isn’t that far away, you’re right, and it’s definitely a great place.
Ahah, I get you, I think I would choose home, of all the places, right now, as well <3
Thank you so much Annika! <3
Gosh- this is such a great post! It;s been forever since I’ve been to Portsmouth and this makes me want to go back! and hahaha that is such a great list for things to take to England! And yes, let’s be honest, the rain is real.
Aww, thank you so much, I’m so happy you liked this! <3 and I'm glad THE expert on England agrees with my little list, haha 😛 The rain is real, but well, it doesn't make the place any less beautiful 😀
you’re welcome! hahaha *takes a bow*- I’m the only wild orangutan in the country so I guess I’ve got to know my way around a little :p haha that’s true!
Hahaha, yes you do 😛
Ohh, Portsmouth is amazing. When I lived near Brighton while at uni me and my friend went there a lot, mainly going to Gunwharf Quays but we went up the Spinnaker Tower too, you can see so much of Portsmouth from there it’s really a must if you’re visiting the city!
I loved looking through all your photos, they’re brilliant and really made me nostalgic for the city. I have to go back there one day! Now I’m not at uni anymore I don’t head up to Brighton or Portsmouth as much as I should.
Great post as well. I really love reading about all your travels!
Ohh, I’m so glad you know this place, it’s so beautiful! I loved Brighton as well, I should write a post about that city 🙂 Thank you so much! I understand, and since it’s not really next door, it’s always hard to try and get back there. But I hope you will! Thank you, once again, I’m so happy you enjoy these 🙂
Brighton and Portsmouth were literally my homes away from home. Both are amazing although I think I liked Brighton more. I’d spend hours just walking around the Laines and going down the seafront and on Brighton Pier, there’s so much to explore!
I’d love to go back one day soon. It’s always a big day trip now I’m further away, it’s easier to go to London than Portsmouth but one day I’ll definitely have to actually make the trip. Your photos have made me nostalgic for it 😀
Oh yes, I loved those cities so, so much as well, even if my heart always goes out to London much, much more, I just can’t get enough of this city <3 (This makes me think, on a totally unrelated subject, but, are you going to YALC at the end of July?)
There’s so many hidden gems in England, most people just think of London because, yes it is amazing, and it’s the capital. But there are so many other places in England which are just as beautiful!
Oh my god I had no clue the YALC was even a thing, and that it was on in London. I am definitely going to be going if I can get tickets! It sounds amazing!
Oh yes, I agree, and I can’t wait to explore it all! There are such pretty places, like the Durdle Door, it’s so gorgeous, I love it <3
OHHH that's awesome! So many authors have been announced already, and I think you'd LOVE it! I kind of want to go, but well, it'll depend on my summer schedule, and money, as well. But it sounds SO great!
Exactly! I’ve lived in England my whole life and I feel like I’ve barely scratched the list of gorgeous places I’ve been too.
I had a look at the authors going and oh man there are so many amazing ones, and some of my favourites too? I really hope I can go but if I can’t at least now I know it exists I will definitely get tickets for next year! 😀
I think I’d love to take a month to go ALL around England. It’s really my favorite country so far, and I’d love to see it all, even the little places we can’t imagine 🙂
There are so many hidden gems you probably wouldn’t discover unless you took the time and spent a month here. It’s the same anywhere you go isn’t it? So many places only the locals will really know about 🙂
OH yes, exactly 🙂 But that’s the whole beauty of travelling. I wish I could take months off life, to just travel and explore the world!
I’d love to be able to do something like that one day, take a career break from work and just spend the whole time travelling all over the world! There are so many places I’d go.
Oh yes, me too, that’s really the dream. There are so many places to be seen <3
Sorry to butt in on your conversation guys but I noticed you were talking about YALC – I am going!! I went last year and it was amazing. You should both definitely come!! 😀
Please do! Ohh, I’m so glad to hear it was great! I’m a bit hesitant because we don’t know the schedule yet, and it’s not really right next door for me, so it’s going to be quite expensive… but it sounds SO amazing! 😀
That’s true haha – I’m really excited for them to announce more authors! I was a bit keen and booked my tickets before they announced anyone haha… I actually started my blog because of YALC. They run book-blogging and booktube workshops there as well as all the author panels. 🙂
I haven’t read a lot of the books written by authors, but I do plan on reading them, and well, it sounds awesome! I heard YES, I love that about it, it seems so, so great! <3 You make me want to go badly, ahah
I would LOVE to go! I had no clue it even existed before Marie mentioned it (which as a book lover living in England and working in London I feel is kinda shameful) but if I can get tickets I will definitely be there! It sounds amazing!
Oh well, good to know, if both you guys are there…it’ll make me want to go even more 😛
Haha nah I wouldn’t have known about it either if it hadn’t been for my mum – she’s a school librarian and she keeps an eye out for book events. I didn’t even have a blog when I attended last year – I started it after YALC because I got all inspired 😀 Ooh you definitely should! There are still tickets left 🙂
Ohhh that’s so great, you’re lucky! 😀 I hope I can manage to come, but well, I guess I’ll see if I have time and enough money to do so 🙂 and if I don’t, I want a DETAILED post of how it was! 😀
At least I know about it now! But it’s great it inspired you to start your blog! That’s such an amazing thing to have been inspired by as well!
Ohh, do you have a link to where I can buy tickets? I’ve looked online but I just can’t find anything!
I’m just answering, there are lots of info on their twitter : https://twitter.com/yalc_uk and if it’s the right link, you can get tickets here I think https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/london-film-comic-con-summer-tickets-18935142521 🙂
Thanks Marie, I’ll definitely be checking those links out this weekend 😀
You’re so welcome 🙂
Sure 🙂 it’s: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/london-film-comic-con-summer-tickets-18935142521 – you probably couldn’t find it as it’s part of Comic Con so you have to buy your tickets via their site. There should be an option on here to buy a YALC pass instead of the regular Comic Con one and that’s the one you need. There’s a few different options though as you can get passes for certain days or a whole weekend pass 🙂
Thank you. I’m definitely gonna be checking that out this weekend. I’m like 99% sure I’ll be buying tickets then as well. Even if I technically don’t have the money right now! Oh well 😀
They announced SO many good authors yesterday as well… Oh this is bad for me hahah
As soon as I can confirm the time off work, which’ll be Tuesday, I am definitely going to buy a ticket. Honestly the fact that this event is happening in London means I really can’t pass it by 😀
Ahh that’s awesome! Let me know if you decide to go for it 😀
I definitely will. I need to check I can get the time off work but if I can I’m thinking of booking tickets Tuesday!
Oops sorry didn’t notice Marie had already sent the link haha 🙂
Ahah well, you still know that event better than I do 😀
I’ve never been to Portsmouth, but it’s only a couple of hours away from where I live so I might have to gather some friends for a day trip. I love seaside towns. You’re totally right about being by the sea – it makes you feel better. Most of my train ride to work in the mornings is by the sea and I always want to get off and spend the day at the beach instead!
When you get to England again, you should definitely check out Cornwall. It’s where I went away to last week and it’s just beautiful. It’s all seaside and there are lots of interesting places to go. Not far from Penzance there’s this place called The Minnack. It’s a theatre that’s just been carved into the cliff side and it is awesome.
I love your travel posts 🙂
Oh yes, you really should, it’s such a great city, and you can easily do things in just a few days, even a day 🙂
You’re so lucky to be close-by to the sea all the time, it feels so peaceful, I love it. Ohh thank you for this, I really need to go there then, I’ve seen some pictures already and it looks gorgeous 🙂
Thank you so, so much, I’m so happy you like these posts 🙂
I will keep it mind for a summer trip. I like to get out of where I actually live as often as possible. It’s not that I hate it here or anything, I just get bored when I’m home for too long. I am lucky to be so near the sea. I resolved that this year I am actually going to spend as much time at the beach as I can. I live so near, but life happens and I often don’t go. I’ve been better at it lately, though.
Oh, I get it, well, almost, since I haven’t been home for so long now, I kind of miss it, but I get the feeling 🙂 you’re so lucky, you should enjoy it for me as well, and go often! 🙂
Love the pics. I love looking at old buildings too.
Thank you so much, glad you like it! 😀
Love these pictures, especially the pier one – so pretty! I love Portsmouth, I’m actually visiting there next weekend 😀 I have never been up the Spinnaker tower though! Which other cities have you visited in England? My favourites are Bath and Liverpool <3
Aww thank you so much, and oh you’re SO lucky to be going there, I miss it! and England in general, I just love the country so, so much <3 I hope you'll go up there someday, the view is great 🙂
I've been to London a few times, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, West Lulworth, Brighton, Eastbourne and Oxford so far 🙂 Ohh, those cities are on my to-go-to list! 😀
Ooh that’s awesome, Bournemouth and Brighton are lovely! I’ve still never been to Lulworth but really want to. And I live in Oxford 🙂 Well, just outside it. What did you do while you were there?
Lulworth was such a cute place, I loved it 🙂 Ohh you’re so lucky, Oxford is such a gorgeous city! We were there just for a day, so we did the touristic things mostly, Christchurch, the little shop about Alice in Wonderland, Radcliffe Camera, Magdalen Tower, the Bridge of Sighs (SO CUTE) … 🙂 I wish we’d have more time though, it was SO pretty <3
Ahh thank you, yes it is pretty – I always forget though because I see it every day so I kinda take it for granted. Ahh the Alice in Wonderland shop is amazing! Except you can barely move in there because it’s always so full of people haha. It sounds weird but I really want to do more of the touristy things here – I’ve never really done any (apart from going punting on the river!)
OH you’re so right, I feel the same way about my hometown. Now that I’m away, I learn not to take it for granted too much, and it feels good to admire the little things!
OH YES that shop was crowded, it’s crazy, I didn’t know so many people could fit in here haha. And it doesn’t sound weird at all, you should, and you should take LOTS of pictures, like a real tourist 😛
Oooh where’s your hometown? Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. I am thinking I might do a tourist day in Oxford in the summer 😀 me and my friend tried to do one once, but all we did was the punting (and we were sooo bad at it that the man in charge of the boats had to come up the river and rescue us haha) and after that ordeal we just gave up and went shopping 😛
600 km from where I am right now, ahah, I wrote a blog post about it if you want to see some pictures 🙂 https://drizzleandhurricanebooks.com/2016/02/07/hidden-gems-from-france-theres-no-place-like-home/
Hahaha, oh well I hope you’ll do try again, I would LOVE to hear all about those adventures 😛
Ohhh it’s so pretty! Gorgeous photos 😀 You’re very lucky to have grown up in such a beautiful place <3
Awww thank you, you are way too sweet <3 you should come visit sometimes 🙂
I’ll definitely have to put it on my travel wishlist 🙂 I haven’t been to many parts of France, only Paris (which I am a bit obsessed with) and Brittany, which was so lovely too! I’m visiting France this summer – we’re staying near the Bay of Biscay. I’ve never been before but really excited to see it 😀
OH YES, you should, it’s so beautiful. I’m saying that but I’m not objective at all, haha 😛 I’ve never been there, but that’s so cool you’re going to France this summer! I hope you’ll have an awesome time, and I want to see PICTURES! 😀
Ooh yes, I’ll definitely take some and put them in my monthly wrap up post at the end of August 😀
YES, I can’t wait! 😀
Your traveling posts make me want to pack right now and leave for these destinations ?
My favorite places to go are the little beautiful underrated towns. Don’t get me wrong I love to explore the big cities but I feel like they’re crowded but there’s something about cozy towns that’s calming and relaxing. And the sea, yep, that’s my favorite place to go, even when it’s cold, no matter what mood I’m in, it just makes it instantly better and clears my head a bit.
Great post Marie ❤
Aww thank you, you’re so sweet <3 I'm really glad you like those posts! You're definitely right, even if I love big cities, there's something great about smaller places as well, it feels more, confidential, as well, like we're discovering little treasures away from the big crowds 🙂 That's how I feel about my hometown, you should come 😛
Thank you so much! <3
You’re welcome ❤ yes that’s exactly it ! Hahaha I’ll take you up on that offer some day ? what’s its name ?
AND I can’t wait! It’s Colmar, well I live right next door to it, I actually wrote a blog post about it, if you want to see some pictures : https://drizzleandhurricanebooks.com/2016/02/07/hidden-gems-from-france-theres-no-place-like-home/ 😀
Aww you’re the best ❤ Definitely checking it out right now !
I hope it’ll make you want to visit, I’ll show you all the great places 😀
I’ll hopefully be able to come someday #fingerscrossed
I HOPE SO, I will be waiting, and will make you eat ALL of the glorious food and do the most touristic things ever haha 😛
Food yes, I want all the food, and all the discovering and wondering around town. I’m already excited for it hahaha!
Me too, ahah, we are completely crazy. But I love it 😛 ❤
Hahaha well a little crazy never killed nobody ?
OH yes you’re right about that 😛
Portsmouth looks so cute and cozy- I really want to go there now 😀 All your travel posts make me want to go to those places though haha. I have been to London and am going again in October. I know I have been to multiple towns in England when I was small, but sadly I don’t remember them! If I could go somewhere right now… I don’t know! There are so many places I want to go/revisit. I need more money to go everywhere haha
Aww, well this has to be the best compliment ever <3 I am so happy you like these posts, thank you! <3 Oh, you're so lucky, London is my favorite city in the world, so far. I love it! <3 Yes, we do need unlimited budget for travelling. And books. Those are my priorities in life haha 😛