40 Things to Do in Portsmouth

Although it’s the city’s maritime history that keeps Portsmouth as a household name, it’s the wide span of world-class attractions that help maintain its spot on holidaymakers’ lists across the country. 

The eclectic mix of rich history, modern activities and family-friendly atmosphere only add to the charm of this Southern city. Priding itself on its rich history, a discovery awaits on almost every corner with plenty to entertain others including a football pitch and a wide array of art highlights. 

The sheer amount of things to do here warrants a weekend away but equally if you plan your time right, you’ll be surprised with just how much you can fit in one day. Read on to discover our top picks for things to do in Portsmouth, including must-visit food stops and adrenaline-fuelled adventures. 

Visit the Spinnaker Tower

One of the South Coast’s most iconic landmarks and the tallest climbable structure outside of London, the Spinnaker Tower boasts breath-taking panoramic views across Portsmouth harbour, Solent and beyond. For those daring enough, venture across the exhilarating glass Sky Walk and check out the views from the Sky Garden, 100m above sea level. 

Enjoy some retail therapy at the Gunwharf Quays

Boasting over 90 designer and high street stores with up to 60% off regular retail prices, a cinema and a wide array of bars, coffee shops and restaurants, Gunwharf Quays is a chic designer outlet on the waterfront that is a must-visit attraction. However, Portsmouth is also home to a thriving independent shopping scene such as Rose Clover and those on Palmerston Road if that’s more your thing. 

Meet some Normandy veterans at the D-Day Story

The only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in 1944, The D-Day Story strives to provide inspirational opportunities for people to enjoy learning. Exhibitions showcase personal stories from both a civilian and military point of view, with over 1,000 items bringing this significant event to life. 

Spend a fascinating day at a brewery

Beer connoisseurs will want to pay a visit to Brewhouse and Kitchen for our full day brewery experience. Get involved in the brewing process from mashing to fermenting, whilst sampling your way through various brews to build a flavour profile. There’ll be food provided to help fuel your learning, a certificate and a 5 litre mini-keg to take home. 

Soak up the art culture at Hotwalls Studio 

Taking centre stage in Portsmouth’s artistic quarter, Hotwalls Studio renovated old arches into modern workspaces. The result? Somewhere up-and-coming artists could showcase their works, a meeting place for local artists, designers and creators and a venue heavily involved in expanding the city’s creative industries.

Watch a game at Fratton Park

Whether you’re a football fan or not, Portsmouth FC’s home ground Fratton Park is worth a trip. Affectionately known as ‘The Old Girl’, a visit here will see you immersed in a sea of blue and experiencing the unbeatable atmosphere generated by the crowd of dedicated fans. 

Discover timeless botanicals at a gin distillery 

Gin is firmly established as one of Britain’s favourite tipples and Brewhouse and Kitchen is here to take you on a spirit-infused journey with a Gin Lover’s Masterclass. Discover the spirit’s rich history, gain a fascinating insight into the distillery process and sample five unique gins accompanied by a main course meal from the Academy menu. 

Get to know Portsmouth at the Museum and Art Gallery

Since you find yourself in the city, it’s only right to spend some time getting to know Portsmouth and its people. There’s no better way to do this than stepping inside the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. Take a walk through the city’s heritage, discover where Sherlock Holmes was conceived by Portsmouth resident Arthur Conan Doyle and learn why there’s just no place like Pompey. 

Find some fabulous fun at the beach

Less than a mile south of Portsmouth’s bustling city centre lies a paradise, Southsea Beach. Now a vibrant and traditional landmark, the shingle beach stretches from Old Portsmouth to Eastney. Backed by a promenade and home to a recreation area with a canoe lake, a trip to Portsmouth is incomplete without experiencing this beach resort. 

Step back in time at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Arguably the city’s most well-known attraction, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the only place in the world to look at the past, present and future of the Royal Navy. Climb onboard magnificent warships including the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. See, hear and smell what life was like as part of the navy. 

Delve into Tudor England at The Mary Rose Museum

Continue your nautical journey of discovery at the Mary Rose Museum. The Mary Rose was the flagship of Henry VII for 34 years before sinking unexpectedly in the Battle of Solent. Now housed in a new museum building, visitors can get a unique insight into the ship including how it was brought to surface and conserved. 

Picnic within the walls of Southsea Castle

An absolute must-see, Southsea Castle was one in a series of forts constructed for King Henry VII. It houses exhibitions which showcase the castle’s rich heritage, as well as a gift shop, restaurant and microbrewery. Visitors can enjoy a picnic within the walls, before venturing to the top of the Keep for panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and Solent. 

Pay a visit to Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum

Literary fans will definitely want to add Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum to their Portsmouth itinerary. Explore the small terraced house where, back in 1812, one of the UK's most famous and well-loved writers was born. Browse through some of his works on display as well as the small collection of notable artefacts including the sofa from Charles' home in Kent on which he died. 

Catch a show at the New Theatre Royal

Located in the heart of Portsmouth, the Victorian Grade II listed New Theatre Royal is the perfect place to indulge in a little drama. With a capacity of 667, the theatre was initially constructed in 1854 but has seen several refurbishments since then. The theatre strives to foster creativity and curiosity through an eclectic range of programmes from comedy to musicals to family theatre. 

Be at one with nature at Canoe Lake

One of Portsmouth’s most popular outdoor spots, Canoe Lake displays a wide array of floral bedding at the waters’ edge. The manmade lake draws visitors in with ‘swan’ pedal boats available to hire. The space also features a putting green, grass and tarmac tennis courts, and a basketball court. 

Adventures in Portsmouth

Portsmouth leaves no stone unturned when it comes to providing adrenaline-fuelled adventures for all types of thrill seekers. We’ve rounded up the city’s best enthralling activities that await: 

• Let loose at Portsmouth’s Action Stations. One for the little ones, Portsmouth’s Action Stations has a range of activities including a ninja course and the UK’s tallest indoor climbing tower. There’s even a ropes course specially designed for 2-7 years old. 
• Experience the life of a Royal Marine. The Royal Marine Museum is an attraction in itself but the outdoor assault course is where you’ll really test your limits. Get your heart pumping climbing aboard a helicopter, cook survival food and explore a weapon-mounted vehicle. 
• Get your pulse racing at Clarence Pier. Thrill seekers, you’re sure to have met your match at Clarence Pier. One of the largest amusement parks on the South Coast, there’s something for everyone from white-knuckle roller coasters to dodgems and more. 
• Head to an underwater world at Blue Reef Aquarium. A great day out for all, Blue Reef Aquarium will take you on an underwater adventure. On your visit you’ll discover an astonishing variety of creatures from clownfish to otters and more. Feel completely immersed in the spectacular underwater tunnel and come face-to-face with the wonders of the aquatic world. 
• Take a coastal walk.  If you're looking for adventure,  the great outdoors is calling! Portsdown Hill is a nature reserve that boasts breath-taking views across Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and beyond. The trail will take walkers through flowery greenery and chalk grassland which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

• Explore all the attractions on South Parade Pier. Portsmouth’s bustling hub of adventures and nightlife activities, South Parade Pier has everything you'd expect from a traditional English seaside pier...and then some with paddleboarding and food attractions like the vibrant The Gaiety bar. 
• Play an exhilarating game of Laser Quest. Great fun for both big and little kids alike,  Laser Quest is one of those adventures you'd be hard-pressed not to enjoy. Built over two floors, dynamic lighting effects, billowing smoke and immersive music bring this hijacked shipping container to life. 
• Embark on a treasure hunt. Why just walk through the city when you could weave through the historic streets and taverns on a treasure hunt? Courtesy of The Mystery of Nelson's Stolen Diamonds, solve puzzles and riddles as you unravel the story and uncover who the mischievous Portsmouth diamond thief is. 
• Beat the clock in an exhilarating escape room. They’ve taken the world by storm and now’s your chance to get in on the action at The Real Escape. A unique live action escape game, you’ll be locked in a room with the clock ticking and must solve hidden clues to find a way out. A real highlight, the Chamber of the Deep is inspired by Portsmouth’s maritime history. 
• Take to the seas. With experienced and knowledgeable skippers at the helm,  Onboard RIBs offer exciting powerboat rides. Power through the scenic waters of the Solent, visiting numerous attractions and points of interest along the way. 
• Reach new heights. Active types will be in their element at Flip Out, a huge arena comprising over 70 trampolines. All about fun and much more than just bouncing, visitors can also enjoy access to foam pits, slam-dunk basketball areas and stunt box sections.  
• Go crazy for adventure golf. Portsmouth’s Treasure Island Golf has been entertaining visitors for years with two nine hole courses. Pirate-themed, the courses have many features including footbridges, boats and waterfalls. 

Places to eat

Portsmouth is a fantastic city for foodies. There’s lots of big names and chains that have rightfully proven themselves as household favourites and equally independent restaurants and cafes to set the city apart. 

• Make time for tea at Tenth Hole Tea Rooms. One of Southsea’s favourite tea rooms, The Tenth Hole’s globally-inspired menu features hearty breakfasts, lunches and of course, plenty of decadent cakes. The cafe is also home to a 9 hole pitch and putt course which is the oldest in the world. 
•  Enjoy the eclectic mix of Pies and Vinyl. Combining a love for music with one of England’s favourite comfort foods, Pie and Vinyl is a quirky cafe in a culturally exciting city. Fill up with one of their pies from the eye-popping selection with a musical influence like Notorious P.I.G paired with a cuppa from their extensive range of retro cordials. 
• Browse the Viviers Fish Market. Given it’s prime location on the waterfront, it’s no surprise that Portsmouth excels when it comes to seafood and Viviers Fish Market is just one example. Go early for the best catch and stock up on the local fish and seafood on offer here; it’ll be a real challenge to leave this place empty-handed.
• Bite into a slice of Belgium in Huis. Translated to ‘house’ in Flemish, Huis is a small Belgian bar that you’ll fall in love with from the moment you walk through the door. Although the focus is largely on beer, the menu boasts a wide array of typical Belgian dishes served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. 
• Take your taste buds to France at Restaurant 27. With a wealth of experience from Michelin Star restaurants, Restaurant 27’s Chef Patron Kevin Bingham sources only the finest ingredients to create his “Global French” cooking style. Expect classic gastronomic cuisine with the modern flavours of today. 
• Get your bread fix at Bread Addiction. Passionate about maintaining the traditional way of making bread, the award-winning bakery Bread Addiction uses natural ingredients to create their masterpieces. Pair your sweet or savoury treat with a freshly brewed coffee crafted by the talented in-house barista team. 

• Sip award-winning coffee at Southsea Coffee Co. Coffee aficionados, if you love independent and award-winning specialty coffee shops, Southsea Coffee Co is the place to be. Dedicated to serving homemade feel-good food, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect sweet or savoury accompaniment. 
• Visit Portsmouth’s home of street food. Tucked away in a warehouse in the heart of Portsmouth lies the city’s home of street food, Outside-In Food Court. Offering an eclectic mix of independent street food, your taste buds will be taken on a culinary journey with Latin American, Greek, Italian and more influences served in style here.
• Whet your seafood appetite at The Briny. With a prime location on the Southsea seafront, the Briny is a family-run restaurant with a casual and welcoming beachfront vibe. Locally-sourced produce is used to create the menu which has a strong focus on local seafood. Large and small plates are paired with an excellent selection of wines and the panoramic views of Portsmouth are one-of-a-kind. 
• Get a taste of America at Shorties. If you’re keen to experience a taste of the culinary life across the pond, Shorties will do just that. Regarded as one of the city’s tastiest destinations, you’ll find American burgers, steaks, ribs and vegetarian dishes. Be sure to save room for one of their scrumptious desserts too.
• Soak up the Spanish vibes at Sant Yago. The freshest cocktail and tapas bar in the city, Sant Yago uses fresh ingredients to produce plates packed full of flavours from across Europe. Your food can also be paired with an impressive array of cocktails to round things off in style. 
• Celebrate the Best of British with an international twist at Monty’s. Using fresh, high-quality and locally sourced ingredients, Monty’s has established itself as a must-visit destination in Portsmouth. With each changing season comes a menu of British and European dishes which continue to wow guests. 
• Tuck into the finest Indian fare at the Akash. One of the oldest Indian restaurants in the UK, The Akash is a fan-favourite in the city. It’s warm and friendly atmosphere is complemented by memorable, mouth-watering meals carefully prepared by the talented team of chefs. With a prime location in the heart of Southsea, it’s well worth a visit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Portsmouth have a beach?

Yes, Portsmouth has two beaches listed in Portsmouth. Southsea which is primarily made up of shingle, although a stretch of sand can appear at low tide. The other beach in town is Eastney, which is a long, wide pebble beach. There are many other beaches close to Portsmouth such as Hayling Island Beach and West Wittering Beach to name a few.

What is at Portsmouth Harbour?

A Site of Special Scientific Interest, Portsmouth Harbour is home to the Royal Navy as well as a major commercial port with links to France, the Ferry Islands and the Isle of Wight. More recently, the harbour became home to an array of modern landmarks including the Spinnaker Tower and the shopping district Gunwharf Quays.