The Historic Dockyard welcomes tourists all year round and is a place to bring the family. Why not take a weekend break to Portsmouth and visit the Historic Dockyard?
There is a great guide to the dockyard, with everything you need to know for your visit. Also, there are many events that take place at the dockyard, for families, heritage, exhibitions, special events and more! Why not visit the Victorian Festival of 2017, Explosive Weekend or Rum festival? There is so much to do and see in Portsmouth!
Opening times
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard opening hours
10am to 5pm November - March (winter)
10am to 5:30pm April - October (summer)
Visit website for more information
Prices
Visit website for seasonal ticket and event prices
Address
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Visitor Centre
Victory Gate
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
PO1 3LJ
Contact details
01634 823800
www.historicdockyard.co.uk
2. The Resort of Southsea
Visit Portsmouth like a local and go to the resort of Southsea! It’s a fabulous seaside resort with places to stay, restaurants, beaches, and shops, making it a great day out for everyone!
Southsea is known for being more independent, so you will see lots of crafty and quirky shops along the famous Palmerston Road – which you don’t normally see! It is a popular tourist destination from all over the world and has been since the Victorian era. Southsea has developed into a coastal resort unlike any other.
If it’s a nice hot and sunny day, you probably won’t want to walk far, which is ideal as the entire Southsea area is walkable for most. There’s nothing better than a walk through a coastal town, with a nice sea breeze!
If you live near, then it’s a great weekend day out, but if you live further afield why not stay for a couple of days in one of the local hotels? There are many hotels and restaurants perfect for the kids and the family!
www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/things-to-do/southsea
3. Fratton Park
Fratton Park is a football stadium in the English city of Portsmouth. It is home to club Portsmouth F.C since it was developed in 1898.
If you are a football fan, it’s a great place to visit if you are in Portsmouth! It is a traditional looking football ground, which has plenty of character. The south stand of the stadium dates back to 1925 and although it shows its age in some areas, it has an interesting character with an old fashioned looking media gantry.
Before planning a visit, make sure to check the events and make sure you don’t miss out on any interesting events!
Address
Fratton Park
Frogmore Rd
Portsmouth
Southsea
PO4 8RA
Contact details
023 9273 1204
www.portsmouthfc.co.uk
4. Spice Island
Spice Island is a large historic pub, with beautiful views over the harbour and a large patio to enjoy refreshments and take in the coastal air. They offer a variety of food and drinks with daily specials, to suit everyone. Take a look at their food gallery!
Why not visit Portsmouth for the day and explore all the independent shops along the coast and then go for a traditional pub lunch at the well-known, Spice Island? There is food for everyone and perfect for kids too!
“Great pub, in an ideal location” TripAdvisor review
Address
1 Bath Square
Portsmouth
PO1 2JL
Contact details
023 9287 0543
www.spiceisland-portsmouth.co.uk
5. Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle in the heart of Portsmouth is also known as Chaderton Castle and Portsea Castle. It is an artillery fort originally constructed by Henry VIII on Portsea Island, Hampshire in 1544.
It is a popular tourist attraction, free of charge between March and October each year. There are so many beautiful views at the castle, across the Solent from the castle ramparts. – It’s a great place to explore with family or friends.
If you’re feeling peckish, there is also an onsite café and a gift shop full of wonderful gifts of the castle. There is also many family activities and trails to explore, plus champagne bar nights for the adults May to September.
Opening times
Southsea Castle will be open Tuesday 21st March - Sunday 29th October 2017
Tuesday - Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Closed on Mondays (except for Bank Holidays).
Prices
Free admission
Address
Southsea Castle
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea
PO5 3PA
Contact details
023 9284 1625
www.southseacastle.co.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
There is plenty to keep the kids entertained in Portsmouth - From aquariums to boat trips and museums! Perfect ideas for the school holidays.
1. The Pyramids Centre
Your children will love a day at The Pyramids Centre! Who doesn’t love an indoor pool with fun slides, flumes, wave machines and many inflatables to play on?
While your children are having fun in the indoor pool, why not go for a workout in the gym, or have a dance in the Zumba class? There is so much to do at The Pyramids Centre.
If you fancy a bit of pampering, there is an in-house spa to relax and have a little time to yourself. There is also a steam room, sauna and foot spas to enjoy.
There’s something for everyone at the centre and it makes a perfect day trip or weekend break.
Opening hours
Summer Holidays 09:30 - 18:00
Pricing
Public Swim
Adult: £4.15
Child: £3.10
Family swim (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult and 2 children): £11.40
Fun Session
Adult: £6
Child: £4.90
Family swim (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult and 2 children): £18
Under 3s: Free
16 years and over
Address
Clarence Esplanade
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO5 3ST
England
Contact details
02392 799977
www.bhliveactive.org.uk/centres/pyramids-centre
2. Blue Reef Aquarium
If your children love animals, they will love Blue Reef Aquarium. It’s especially great to visit when it’s raining, so you can enjoy an underwater adventure with all of the species.
There are so many aquatic animals to see such as sharks, sting rays, octopus and many more. In total, there are 40 amazing displays of fish to see, so make sure you take lots of pictures!
There is so much to do at the aquarium and is a fun and educational place to visit during the school holidays or bank holidays.
Opening hours
April through October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission)
November through March
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00 (last admission)
Closed on Christmas Day.
Pricing
Adult: £10
Child: £7.75
Family (2 adults + 2 children): £33.50
Seniors and Students: £9
Under 3s: Free
Address
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO5 3PB
England
Contact details
023 9287 5222
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/portsmouth
3. Royal Navy Submarine Museum
The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is a great day out with the family, with so much history to offer.
The museum has working periscopes, interactive displays and games, exhibitions and more! You can also meet Sammie Sardine in the Horrible Science of Submarines exhibition and discover life of a submarine!
The museum is situated on the site where the submarine service’s 20th century base was, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour. It is also home to the Royal Navy’s first ever submarine, Holland 1 launched in 1901.
The museum is an educational and fun visit with the kids, so why not visit one weekend or take a weekend break to discover Portsmouth!
Opening hours
Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:30
Pricing
Adults: £15.50
Kids: £11.00
Seniors: £14.00
Student: £14.00
Address
Haslar Jetty Road
Gosport
Hampshire
PO12 2AS
England
023 9251 0354
www.submarine-museum.co.uk
4. Miniport at Gunwharf Quays
Your children will love having the chance to be captain of their own motorised ship! Miniport at Gunwharf Quays is so much fun for children, where they can choose from various ships and control their speed and direction to avoid other ships. Don’t forget to spot the submarine or the giant fishes swimming beneath!
Before your children take a trip out in the water, they will be given a talk on safety and instructions as well as being given a lifejacket.
There are viewing places to watch your children - Don’t forget your camera! Or sit back and relax, I’m sure they will be too busy having fun to worry about the time.
Opening hours
Open every weekend and School / Bank holidays from Easter until the end of Autumn half term
Pricing
Voyages are £9.50 per ship and will take up to 3 adults and 2 children (or your equivalent crew)
Address
Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3TZ
England
Contact details
07885 487777
www.miniport.co.uk/miniport-gunwharf-quays
5. Spinnaker Tower
If you’re going to Portsmouth, take a visit to Spinnaker Tower. It soars above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent 170 meters! Spinnaker Tower is taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big Ben!
Spinnaker Tower is located on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays and offers an amazing 350 degree view of Portsmouth Harbour.
There are three viewing decks in total, with one being a place for kids that are scared of heights, the second has a café and the final third floor is open air – perfect for panoramic photographs of Portsmouth! Which floor will you go up to?
It’s a fantastic place to visit, especially for children who aren’t afraid of heights! Why not take a stroll along the harbour before Spinnaker tower? There is plenty to do and see around Portsmouth!
Opening hours
Opening hours are subject to change. Please call the attraction directly to avoid disappointment.
Pricing
Adults: £9.95
Kids: £7.95
Under 3's: Free
Seniors / Student: £8.95
Address
Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3TT
England
Contact details
023 9285 7520
www.spinnakertower.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Portsmouth
There are many popular restaurants to choose from in Portsmouth
1. Restaurant 27
www.restaurant27.com
27A South Parade
Southsea
Portsmouth
PO5 2JF
England
023 9287 6272
2. Algarve's Grill
www.algarvesgrill.uk
02393 076 062
48 Osborne Rd Southsea
Portsmouth
PO5 3LT
UK
3. Agora
www.agorarestaurant.co.uk
023 9282 2617
9 Clarendon Road
Southsea
Portsmouth
PO5 2ED
England
4. Pie & Vinyl
www.pieandvinyl.co.uk
023 9275 3914
59-61 Castle Road
Portsmouth
PO5 3AY
England
5. Soprano's
www.sopranos-southsea.com
023 9281 1139
108 Palmerston Road
Portsmouth
PO5 3PT
England