Portsmouth Blitz and WWII Tour

A two-hour tour focusing on Portsmouth's 67 bombing raids during World War II and the city's role in D-Day operations. You'll see surviving bomb-damaged buildings, visit preserved underground air raid shelters, and hear firsthand accounts from guides who often have family connections to wartime Portsmouth. The tour reveals how civilian life continued amid rubble and alerts. Best for WWII history buffs and older visitors. This is a moderate activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 2-20. You meet at Guildhall Square. Key highlights: Enter preserved underground air raid shelter with original fixtures intact, See bomb-scarred buildings still bearing 1940s damage, Learn Portsmouth's role as main D-Day embarkation port.

Price: £14

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-20

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: WWII history buffs and older visitors

Best time: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) avoid both summer crowds and winter dampness in underground shelters. Morning tours (9:30am start) preferred for better shelter visibility and cooler outdoor walking.

Meeting point: Guildhall Square

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meeting time Gather at Guildhall Square and receive briefing on Portsmouth's wartime experience - Guide explains the Luftwaffe's bombing strategy and why Portsmouth was heavily targeted.

First 25 minutes Walk through Commercial Road and surrounding streets identifying bomb-damaged buildings still in use - Many buildings show visible shrapnel marks, hastily repaired walls, and irregular architecture from post-war reconstruction.

25-50 minutes Descend into Tipner Air Raid Shelter, a preserved underground bunker used by civilians - The shelter housed up to 500 people during alerts; guides explain living conditions, rationing, and morale.

50-90 minutes Walk to D-Day embarkation sites and see defenses, bunkers, and landing craft launch locations - Portsmouth was the main embarkation point for D-Day operations; guides share soldier and civilian accounts.

90-120 minutes Visit a memorial garden or remaining bomb site and hear personal recollections from guide or archive recordings - Many guides have family memories of the Blitz; stories often include survival, loss, and community resilience.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Guildhall Square.

• Enter preserved underground air raid shelter with original fixtures intact
• See bomb-scarred buildings still bearing 1940s damage
• Learn Portsmouth's role as main D-Day embarkation port
• Hear wartime accounts from guides with family connections
• Understand how civilian Portsmouth rebuilt after 67 bombing raids
• Accessibility: Shelter access requires descending multiple stairs with handrails. Not wheelchair accessible below ground. Above-ground walking is on uneven cobblestones and sloped streets. Groups move slowly, allowing regular stops.

What is included: Guided two-hour tour with WWII specialist, Entry to Tipner Air Raid Shelter, Access to usually restricted areas, Personal anecdotes and archival context.

Not included: Entry to formal WWII museums (D-Day Museum is separate, £10.50), Parking, Food and beverages. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (uneven streets, shelter steps), Warm jacket (shelters stay cool year-round), Torch or phone light (shelter sections are dimly lit), Notepad for taking notes. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) avoid both summer crowds and winter dampness in underground shelters. Morning tours (9:30am start) preferred for better shelter visibility and cooler outdoor walking..

Tip: Includes entry to underground shelter

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes

Accessibility: Shelter access requires descending multiple stairs with handrails. Not wheelchair accessible below ground. Above-ground walking is on uneven cobblestones and sloped streets. Groups move slowly, allowing regular stops..

Operator: Solent Tours | Phone: +44 (0)23 9275 5564

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Portsmouth City Museum (8 min walk)
• Portsmouth Cathedral (12 min walk)
• Guildhall Square area shops (0 min walk)

This activity is run by Solent Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; 50% refund 24-48 hours prior; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Shelter access requires descending multiple stairs with handrails. Not wheelchair accessible below ground. Above-ground walking is on uneven cobblestones and sloped streets. Groups move slowly, allowing regular stops..

Best time to go: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) avoid both summer crowds and winter dampness in underground shelters. Morning tours (9:30am start) preferred for better shelter visibility and cooler outdoor walking..

Is the Portsmouth Blitz tour suitable for children?

Children 10+ can join, though content covers death, injury, and trauma. Younger children may find shelter descents intimidating. Tours don't hide wartime realities; families should assess their child's maturity and comfort with serious historical topics before booking.

What's included in the £14 tour price?

The price covers the two-hour guided walk, entry to Tipner Air Raid Shelter, and expert commentary on Portsmouth's bombing raids and D-Day operations. Visits to formal museums like the D-Day Museum cost extra. Parking near Guildhall Square costs £2-8 depending on duration.

Can I access the air raid shelter during this tour?

Yes, entry to Tipner Air Raid Shelter is included in the £14 tour price. The shelter is normally closed to the public and only accessible via this tour. Tours must be booked in advance; walk-ups cannot access the shelter without an existing booking.