Spice Island and Bath Square

The tip of land at the southwestern corner of Portsea Island, sticking out into the harbour mouth. The cobbled Bath Square has two famous pubs — the Spice Island Inn and the Still & West Country House — both with terraces inches from the water and a steady passing parade of ferries, fishing boats, and grey warships.

In summer locals and sailors fill the waterfront. The fishing fleet still operates from the Camber Dock a hundred metres back. The whole quarter is one of the most photogenic places in southern England.

things to do sight old portsmouth
A story
Spice Island was Portsmouth's red-light and entertainment district in the 18th century — the place where Royal Navy sailors went ashore to drink, gamble, and find women. Captain Cook is said to have set off from one of the inns here on his first voyage to the South Pacific.