Things to do in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is brimming with things to do – far more than you could pack into a single weekend.
Explore a wealth of world-famous attractions, from historic ships and award-winning museums to iconic towers and much more.
Get involved with hands-on activities that put you right at the heart of the action. Whether it’s getting out on the water, trying something new, or seeking an adrenaline rush, there’s plenty to choose from.
Bringing your sports gear along? Their top-notch sport and leisure facilities have you covered, with modern centres offering a wide range of activities. And don’t miss the legendary matchday atmosphere at the famous football club.
For shoppers, Portsmouth has something for everyone, with shopping districts offering everything from high-street favourites and designer brands to quirky independent stores.
Delve into the city’s rich history, from its vibrant docks to cobbled streets steeped in stories – including those of its many famous residents. Tours and sightseeing adventures uncover the fascinating tales behind the city.
And when it comes to entertainment, Portsmouth’s venues host the best in live music, theatre, and comedy.
Family Activities in Portsmouth
Spend the day immersing yourself in Portsmouth’s rich maritime history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the UK’s top destination for naval heritage and a must-see for any visitor to the South of England. One ticket grants access to 11 incredible attractions, including The Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS M.33, and The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth.
For entertainment, the stunning Victorian Grade II Listed New Theatre Royal offers a wide range of performances perfect for the whole family. Enjoy everything from stand-up comedy, intimate evenings, dance, music, drama, full-scale musicals, and innovative new works, to the beloved annual pantomime.
Clarence Pier Southsea, one of the largest pleasure piers on the south coast, has something for all ages. Whether you’re up for the thrill of rollercoasters, splashing on the canyon river ride, winning prizes in the arcades, or testing your skills at Putt Hutt’s crazy golf, fun is guaranteed!
For a change of scenery, head inland to explore the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson. This free visitor attraction, perched on Portsdown Hill, was built to defend Portsmouth from inland attacks. Discover 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, secret underground tunnels, and ammunition bunkers—who knows, you might even encounter the ghost of Fort Nelson!
A day isn’t enough to fully experience Staunton Country Park. With friendly farm animals, the south coast’s largest ornamental glasshouses, beautiful gardens, and 1,000 acres of parkland to explore, there’s something for everyone.
Grown-Up Activities in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Hampshire offers a wide range of activities for adults, whether you’re into history, culture, shopping, or outdoor adventures. Here are some popular activities for adults:
Historical Attractions
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Explore iconic naval attractions like HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, and HMS Warrior 1860. Dive deep into the city's maritime history.
Southsea Castle: Visit the historic castle built by Henry VIII, offering great views of the Solent.
Fort Nelson: Discover military history at this Royal Armouries museum, complete with secret underground tunnels and impressive cannons.
Cultural and Artistic Experiences
New Theatre Royal: Enjoy a night of live theatre, comedy, music, or drama at this historic Victorian theatre.
Portsmouth Guildhall: Attend concerts, live performances, or cultural events at this major venue.
The Kings Theatre: Watch a wide range of performances including musicals, plays, and comedy shows in this Edwardian theatre.
Shopping and Dining
Gunwharf Quays: Shop for designer brands at discounted prices, enjoy a meal at waterfront restaurants, or relax in one of the bars with a view of the marina.
Albert Road and Castle Road: Explore quirky independent shops, cafés, and pubs along these lively streets in Southsea.
Southsea Market: Visit the market for local arts, crafts, and vintage finds.
Water Sports and Outdoor Activities
Sailing and Watersports: Try out sailing, paddleboarding, or kayaking with various water sports companies in and around the Portsmouth Harbour and Southsea.
Fishing Trips: Book a fishing charter and enjoy deep-sea or coastal fishing around the Solent.
Southsea Seafront: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the beautiful Southsea promenade, or relax on the beach.
Museums and Galleries
The D-Day Story: Learn about the pivotal D-Day landings through immersive exhibits and real-life stories.
Aspex Gallery: For contemporary art lovers, this gallery in Gunwharf Quays showcases innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions.
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery: Delve into Portsmouth’s local history, including exhibitions about Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes.
Nightlife and Pubs
Albert Road: This area is known for its lively bars and pubs, offering live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Wine Vaults: A popular pub in Southsea known for its extensive beer and wine selection.
Brewhouse & Kitchen: Enjoy a wide range of craft beers brewed on-site and even take part in a brewery experience day.
Scenic Walks and Parks
Southsea Common: A perfect spot for picnics, walks, or simply relaxing by the sea.
Staunton Country Park: Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful gardens or explore the extensive parkland.
Portsdown Hill: Enjoy panoramic views over Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight while exploring this hilltop site.
Escape Rooms
Exciting Escapes: Test your problem-solving skills at one of Portsmouth's popular escape rooms, with a variety of themes and challenges to choose from.
Spinnaker Tower
Take in breathtaking views from the Spinnaker Tower, one of Portsmouth’s most iconic landmarks. You can even try the "Sky Walk" on its glass floor or have afternoon tea in the Clouds Café.
Food and Drink Tours
Southsea Food Walking Tours: Experience a guided tour around some of the city’s best independent eateries, with tastings included.
Distillery and Brewery Tours: Visit the Portsmouth Distillery or the local breweries for tastings and behind-the-scenes tours.
Children's Activities in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Hampshire offers a variety of fun and educational activities for children, catering to a wide range of interests. Here are some of the best activities for kids in Portsmouth:
Blue Reef Aquarium
Located on Southsea Seafront, the Blue Reef Aquarium allows kids to get up close with marine life, from sharks and rays to seahorses and tropical fish. There's also an outdoor sealife garden and splash zone.
Clarence Pier Amusement Park
A classic seaside funfair with rides, arcades, and attractions for all ages. Kids can enjoy rollercoasters, bumper cars, and more. Putt Hutt is also nearby for a fun round of crazy golf.
South Parade Pier
South Parade Pier offers traditional seaside amusements, with plenty of family-friendly entertainment including arcades and small rides. It’s a great spot for a stroll along the pier, followed by some ice cream or fish and chips.
Canoe Lake
A great spot for families, offering pedal boat rides on the lake, a playground, and a model village. Swans and ducks are also plentiful, making it a great place for young children to explore.
The D-Day Story
A child-friendly museum that presents the incredible history of D-Day in an engaging way, including tanks, landing craft, and interactive exhibits that help kids learn about WWII.
Spinnaker Tower
Portsmouth’s iconic tower offers great views over the city and beyond. There are interactive exhibits at the top, and for adventurous kids, the glass floor known as the "Sky Walk" offers a thrilling experience.
Royal Armouries Fort Nelson
A free attraction located on Portsdown Hill, Fort Nelson has a huge collection of cannons and artillery, secret tunnels, ramparts, and open spaces for children to explore. Kids will love the live demonstrations of firing cannons and interactive displays.
Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play
A large indoor soft play centre in Southsea that’s ideal for younger kids to burn off energy, with slides, ball pits, and climbing frames.
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower
Located in nearby Gosport (a short ferry ride away), this museum has interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that introduce kids to the world of naval weapons and firepower in a safe and engaging way.
Hilsea Lido
A free-to-use outdoor pool that’s perfect for swimming and splashing around in summer. There’s also a nearby playground, cycle paths, and open green spaces.
Southsea Miniature Railway
A small, fun railway ride for children located in Southsea, offering a short but enjoyable ride along the seafront.
Playgrounds and Adventure Parks
Milton Park and Bransbury Park both offer large playgrounds with climbing equipment, swings, and slides perfect for younger children.
Southsea Common Splash Pool is a great option for warm weather, with fountains and water features for kids to cool off and play.
Treasure Hunts and Walking Trails
Southsea Treasure Hunt: Fun self-guided walking treasure hunts are available around Southsea, where kids can explore and solve clues.
Portsmouth Mystery Trails: These downloadable walking routes let children discover Portsmouth’s historical sights while following a mystery-solving adventure.