Portsmouth/Southhampton Questions

Two mornings later fly Dublin to Southhampton; Aer Lingus or Ryanair? Emerald or British Airways?

I've no experience of Emerald Airways but I have flown the other three. Because it's such a short flight I wouldn't be too concerned about the carrier, I'd focus more on price and flight times.

Portsmouth, Weymouth, Swanage and Bournemouth can all be toured easily with public transport however the more rural areas in the vicinity will be a bit more difficult without a car as they're not as well served by public transport.

Whilst you're in Wimborne it would be a shame not to visit the New Forest. In early May there'll be plenty of wild pony foals taking their first steps and the forest floor will be carpeted in bluebells. Unfortunately it will be too early in the year for the open top tour buses that operate in the forest, they start running around July however there is a standard bus service that operates year round.

Portsmouth is a whole day at least. Centre it around the Historic Dockyard and explore Old Portsmouth and the seafront on foot.

Bournemouth's main attraction is it's large, sandy beach that is hugely popular in summer but in April/May it's not going to be much of a draw and as Bournemouth is a typical seaside resort there isn't really much to offer outside of the summer season.

There's a lot of interesting sites within easy reach of Wimborne so you'll have plenty of options to keep you occupied including a visit to Salisbury, Stonehenge and Avebury.

Aer Lingus is the only carrier between Dublin and Southampton

Get your friends to drive you down to the Dorset coast at Lulworth Cove/ Durdle Dor. It really is spectacular. See:> https://lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/durdle-door/

Emerald have the Aer Lingus regional franchise, so although Southampton to Dublin is badged as Aer Lingus you will be flying on Emerald metal.

Wimborne railway station closed many years ago (for passengers in 1964, final closure for freight in 1977), but there are lots of buses there from Bournemouth and Poole so that isn't the slightest problem.

Poole is the centre for bus exploration of the Jurassic Coast. Morebus run the open tops down to Swanage and along the coast back to Bournemouth- Swanage for coastal cruises and the steam railway.
And Poole is the western end of the first bus Jurassic Coast seasonal services (all double decks, some open top, some closed top) which run along the coastline all the way to Lyme Regis and ultimately Axminster in Devon.
From Dorchester and Weymouth westwards they are year round services, hourly, supplemented with extras in season.

I flew out of Southampton a few weeks ago.

As stated previously, Emerald Airlines (operating as Aer Lingus) is the only airline offering nonstop flights between Dublin and Southampton.

The flight will be on an ATR Turboprop which has a shorter flight of stairs to climb into the aircraft than most jets, There are no airbridges at Southampton. It's a small airport.

Southampton Airport Parkway rail station is across from the airport terminal. About a five minute walk. If that.

If you have an interest in military/naval history, then the area is ripe with opportunity. The major venues:

The Historic Dockyards in Portsmouth: An immense array of naval history. The HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, some smaller ships, a whole museum built around the remains of the Mary Rose, a Submarine Museum, harbor cruises, several topical museums. Best bet is to get a yearly membership to see everything, it even allows you go anytime during your trip in as many visits as it takes.

Also in Portsmouth, a smallish, but interesting D-Day museum.

Near Bovington is the aptly named The Tank Museum. Probably the definitive tank museum in the world. Huge, great array of tanks and displays, with other experiences available. Check their calendar for special events.

Dozens of other smaller sights in the area from fortifications to the odd pillbox or artillery position left over from WW2.

Thanks so much to JC, ramblin' on, James, isn31C, Frank II and Paul!! Super helpful info. and now a few more questions...

So we will book an Aer Lingus flight Dublin - Southampton. Is Uber, bus, train best way to get to our 2 days to start the trip in Portsmouth? ( Just traveling with a small carry on and med. backpack )

Also, read good reviews on two hotels - Ship Leopard and Keppel's Head? Any experience with either?

Any recommendations for the "Ultimate Explorer" ticket?

There are numerous trains between Southampton Airport Parkway and Portsmouth.

All incllude one change and there are numerous choices every hour.

You can research at the National Rail website.

Also, read good reviews on two hotels - Ship Leopard and Keppel's Head? Any experience with either?

I have no experience staying at either hotel as I've had no need however the location of both is excellent with the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays, bus and train station within a few minutes walk.

The Keppel's Head used to be a bail hostel however I understand there's been a change of ownership and a Japanese family now run the hotel with mixed reviews.

Personally I would stay at the nearby Premier Inn or Holiday Inn Express. At least you know what you're getting.

As for getting from Southampton, the best way is to take the train to Portsmouth Harbour and you'll be right where you'll need to be.

My husband and I stayed at the Ship’s Leopard in Portsmouth last October for 2 nights. We arrived by coach from Gatwick and left on the train. The hotel is a stone’s throw from both stations, so made connections very easy. We spent a full day hoofing it around town, down to Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle and then back to the Historic Dockyards until closing. Our room at the Leopard was comfortable, with a view of the harbor and an excellent breakfast. Would definitely choose it again!