Top Things to Do in Portsmouth

Days Out, Family Fun, Dog-Friendly Spots & More

Looking for the top things to do in Portsmouth we’ve found them! Portsmouth is a vibrant waterfront city brimming with history, culture, and a wealth of activities. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, exploring historical landmarks, or enjoying Portsmouth’s lively nightlife. This guide will give you the best things to do in Portsmouth, organized by category to help you plan your perfect day or weekend!

Things to Do with Kids in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is an excellent destination for families. If your looking for things to do in Portsmouth with the kids, here are some must-visit attractions, featuring both educational and fun experiences:

Blue Reef Aquarium
Location: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea

Details: Explore the fascinating marine life at the Blue Reef Aquarium, featuring a range of underwater species like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. There’s also a fun rockpool experience where kids can touch starfish and crabs. The aquarium is both educational and interactive, making it a great day out for young minds.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Location: Victory Gate, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Details: Immerse yourself in the city’s maritime heritage at the Historic Dockyard. With iconic ships like HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum, this site brings history to life with interactive exhibits. The kids will love the chance to explore these centuries-old vessels, with family-friendly activities like treasure hunts and guided tours.

Clarence Pier Amusement Park
Location: Southsea Seafront

Details: A quintessential seaside experience, Clarence Pier is packed with traditional fairground rides, amusements, and food stalls. From the classic carousel to the exhilarating rollercoaster, this is a fun spot for both younger children and teenagers.

Southsea Skatepark & Pyramids Centre
Location: Southsea Common

Details: Southsea Skatepark, one of the oldest in the world, offers plenty of space for skating and scootering. If the kids prefer indoor fun, head over to the Pyramids Centre nearby. This leisure centre has everything from a soft play area to swimming pools, ensuring a day of fun for all ages.

Best Days Out in Portsmouth

For a memorable day trip, Portsmouth is filled with fantastic locations offering stunning views, shopping, and entertainment, so if your looking for things to do in Portsmouth look no further.

Spinnaker Tower
Location: Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

Details: The Spinnaker Tower is one of Portsmouth’s most iconic landmarks, standing tall at 170 meters. You can ride the glass lift to the top for 360-degree views of the city, the Solent, and even the Isle of Wight on clear days. There’s also a glass-floored viewing area that lets you look straight down!

South Parade Pier & Beach
Location: Southsea Seafront

Details: For a classic British beach day, visit South Parade Pier, where you can stroll along the pier, enjoy a game of mini-golf, or relax at one of the charming cafes. The surrounding beach offers plenty of space for sandcastle building, picnics, and paddleboarding in the summer months.

Gunwharf Quays
Location: Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

Details: Gunwharf Quays is a bustling waterfront destination known for its designer outlet shopping, chic restaurants, and cafes. It’s perfect for a shopping spree, a relaxing lunch, or catching a film at the Cineworld cinema. For something more adventurous, hop on a Spinnaker Tower cruise or take a boat tour around Portsmouth Harbour.

Portsdown Hill
Location: Off A3(M) near Portsmouth

Details: If you’re after stunning views of Portsmouth, the Solent, and the South Downs, Portsdown Hill is the perfect spot. The area offers several walking trails, and it’s a great location for a peaceful picnic. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Isle of Wight!

Dog-Friendly Attractions in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a dog-friendly city, with plenty of outdoor spaces and even some indoor venues that welcome your furry companions.

Southsea Common & Beach
Location: Southsea Seafront

Details: Southsea Common is an expansive green space perfect for dog walkers. It’s right next to the beach, where dogs are allowed to run free in the designated dog-friendly zones. It’s a great place to let your dog enjoy the sea breeze and have some fun off-leash.

Hilsea Lines & Foxes Forest
Location: North of the city

Details: Explore the peaceful Hilsea Lines — a former defensive site with wide open spaces perfect for dog walks. Nearby Foxes Forest offers more wooded trails for your dog to explore, making it a great escape for nature-loving pooches.

Portchester Castle Grounds
Location: Portchester, PO16 9QW

Details: This medieval castle offers a lovely backdrop for dog walks. You can explore the outer grounds with your dog on a lead, all while soaking in the stunning views over Portsmouth Harbour.

The Tenth Hole Café
Location: Southsea Common

Details: The Tenth Hole is a local favorite for its delicious cakes and homemade food. It’s also dog-friendly, with water bowls available for pups. It’s a great spot to relax with your dog after a long walk along the beach.

Nights Out in Portsmouth

Portsmouth comes alive at night with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re into a quiet drink or dancing till dawn, you’ll find something to suit your mood.

Albert Road (Southsea)
Location: Southsea, Portsmouth

Details: Known as Portsmouth’s nightlife hub, Albert Road is packed with quirky bars, live music venues, and independent pubs. Popular spots include The Kings Pub, which has a fantastic range of craft beers, and The Cellars, a legendary music venue with intimate gigs.

The Wedgewood Rooms
Location: Albert Road, Southsea

Details: For live music lovers, The Wedgewood Rooms is a must-visit. This intimate venue hosts local and international bands, comedy nights, and even DJ events. It’s perfect for a fun night out if you love live performances.

Gunwharf Quays Bars & Restaurants
Location: Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

Details: For a sophisticated evening, head to Gunwharf Quays, where you can dine at top restaurants like The Real Greek or Café Rouge before heading to Eden or Tiger Tiger for dancing and cocktails.

Kings Theatre
Location: Albert Road, Southsea

Details: If you’re in the mood for a cultural night out, catch a show at the Kings Theatre, a beautifully restored Edwardian theatre that stages everything from musicals to comedy and classical music performances.

Gardens, Museums & Historic Attractions in Portsmouth

If you’re more interested in exploring Portsmouth’s gardens, museums, and history, you won’t be disappointed.

The D-Day Story
Location: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea

Details: A must-see for history buffs, The D-Day Story tells the powerful tale of the D-Day Landings with interactive exhibits and real-life artefacts. The museum is both informative and emotional, making it a significant part of Portsmouth’s history.

Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum
Location: 393 Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth

Details: Step back in time and visit the birthplace of Charles Dickens, one of England’s most famous novelists. The house is filled with memorabilia and original items from his early life, including personal letters and furniture.

Victoria Park
Location: Stanley Street, Portsmouth

Details: One of the city’s most beautiful green spaces, Victoria Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its well-kept flower beds, rose gardens, and quaint aviaries. It’s a quiet place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Southsea Rose Gardens
Location: Southsea Common

Details: For a burst of colour, visit the Southsea Rose Gardens. The park is home to a vast collection of roses, offering a scenic and peaceful environment for a relaxing walk.

Final Thoughts
Portsmouth is a city of endless possibilities, offering a perfect blend of history, family fun, outdoor spaces, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re exploring the maritime heritage at the Historic Dockyard, relaxing on a dog-friendly beach, or enjoying an evening out in Southsea, there are things to do in Portsmouth for everyone.

So, next time you’re wondering what to do in Portsmouth, you can refer to this guide for a complete list of top attractions to help you plan your next adventure!