What's it like in Portsmouth

[owlwithhoney]

We are looking for somewhere by the sea for a mini break with a small child.
Does anybody know Portsmouth well? Is it a nice place to visit?
Any other suggestions welcome but keeping away from typical seaside holiday resorts.

We'd like to be south coast if possible.

How old is the child? Southsea has an aquarium which is good for little kids and if the child is slightly older the dockyards in Portsmouth are great for children. You’ve got the Mary Rose, The Victory, The Warrior etc. You can do harbour boat tours and even visit a submarine. There is also Henry The Eights castle in Southsea as well which I believe is free entry.