I'm English but live in the U.S. I will going "home" to Emsworth, near Portsmouth in November. When I lived there I did the major tourist spots (HMS Victory, etc) but just curious as to what other people love about the area. Things to do in November, when the weather will most likely be rather gloomy...

Have you been to Charles Dickens' birthplace in Portsmouth? There's Portchester Castle, which is open all year round, and has surviving walls from the Roman period. Go over to the Isle Of Wight for a day, though that's probably nicer in the summer. Emsworth isn't too far from Chichester, is it? You could see whatever's on at the Festival theatre, see the exhibition at the Pallant gallery and see the cathedral, which is really beautiful. The Weald and Downland museum at Singleton is one of my favourite places to visit. You could also get to Fishbourne Roman palace, which is undercover. Bosham's a charming spot even in the winter, though better in good weather.

Netley and Titchfield abbey remains aren't too far away and will both be open in November.

A little bit further afield you could go to Winchester, Jane Austen's house in Chawton, Petworth House (not sure about opening times though).

The Weald and Downland is wonderful if it at all a nice day weather-wise.

Also Beaulieu w/ its motor museum, palace and Abbey and nearby Bucklars's hard also on the estate are worth a day out for sure. And the surrounding New forest is lovely any time of year.

We loved Mountbatten's home/museum and the D-Day Tapestry, think they're both in the range of Portsmouth.

Mountbatten's houise is Broadlands - it's near Romsey, which isn't that far from Portsmouth.

Also don't forget you're well placed for the Isle of Wight too.

Do you know about the new tower thingy in Portsmouth ?

Broadlands is only open in July and August, weekday afternoons.