Things to Do in Portsmouth

For a lot of people, Portsmouth is somewhere you pass through on the way to somewhere else, whether that’s catching the ferry, visiting the Isle of Wight or heading further along the South Coast. We think that’s a real shame. Spend a day here and you’ll soon realise Portsmouth has far more to offer than ships and sailors. From world-famous attractions to hidden gems, there are so many things to do in Portsmouth that it’s a city well worth stepping off the ferry for.

Here’s why we think Portsmouth deserves a place on your Great Days Out list…

Looking for the best things to do in Portsmouth? Don’t miss Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower, Hovertravel, Southsea Seafront, harbour tours, the Mary Rose Museum and Gunwharf Quays. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a full weekend, Portsmouth combines maritime history, family attractions and waterfront views in one easy-to-explore city.

Anchors Away…

It’s easy to think Portsmouth is all about the Royal Navy. After all, it’s one of the most famous naval cities in the world. But spend a day here and you’ll soon realise that’s only half the story.

One thing we weren’t expecting was just how much the sea still shapes everyday life. Ferries come and go, Royal Navy ships glide through the harbour and people gather along the waterfront simply to watch the world drift by. It gives Portsmouth a completely different feel from anywhere else on the South Coast.

Whether you’re climbing aboard HMS Victory, heading up the Spinnaker Tower or simply sitting by the harbour with fish and chips watching the boats come and go, Portsmouth has a habit of winning people over. So, if someone suggests Portsmouth for your next Great Day Out, don’t make them walk the plank just yet…

Things to do in Portsmouth

If it’s your first visit, we’d make a beeline for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the incredible Mary Rose Museum and plenty of interactive attractions, you could easily spend an entire day here without seeing everything. Even if ships aren’t normally your thing, don’t let that put you off. There’s something genuinely fascinating about standing where Admiral Nelson once walked and seeing the remarkably preserved remains of Henry VIII’s flagship.

Just around the corner you’ll find the Spinnaker Tower, one of Portsmouth’s most recognisable landmarks. Standing 170 metres tall, the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re feeling brave, step onto the famous glass floor and watch the harbour beneath your feet – it’s not for everyone, but it’s certainly memorable! The Spinnaker Tower is to Portsmouth what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris; it’s the landmark that defines the city’s skyline.

Think you’ve got a head for heights? During selected times of the year you can even abseil down the outside of the Spinnaker Tower. It’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted, but if you’re looking for a day out you’ll never forget, this has to be right up there!

If you’ve still got plenty of energy left, why not hop aboard one of the harbour tours? Seeing Portsmouth from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city, with Royal Navy ships, historic dockyards and one of Britain’s busiest natural harbours all coming together in one unforgettable trip.

Or, for something you won’t find anywhere else, take a ride on the Hovertravel hovercraft. Operating between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, it’s the world’s only year-round commercial hovercraft service. It only takes around 10 minutes to cross the Solent and, if you’ve never travelled on a hovercraft before, it’s an experience in itself. Honestly, even if you don’t need to go to the Isle of Wight, we’d still recommend taking a ride just for the experience. There aren’t many places in the world where you can travel on a hovercraft as part of a normal day out.

Prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land? The Southsea Coaster open-top bus  is a great way to explore Portsmouth’s seafront and many of its biggest attractions without worrying about where to park.

Looking for a Little More Adventure?

Portsmouth isn’t just about history. If you’re visiting with children, Blue Reef Aquarium is always a popular choice. From sharks and stingrays to playful otters and tropical fish, there’s plenty to keep younger explorers entertained.

If you’re after something a little more hands-on, Miniport Portsmouth  lets children take control of their own electric boats within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It’s one of those attractions that’s often overlooked but always seems to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s little experiences like this that often become the memories children talk about long after the holiday has finished.

If the weather isn’t playing ball, don’t worry. Portsmouth has plenty to keep everyone entertained indoors. The D-Day Story is well worth a visit, telling the incredible story of the Normandy Landings through interactive displays, vehicles, personal accounts and the magnificent Overlord Embroidery. It’s one of those attractions that brings history to life in a way that’s engaging for both adults and children. If literature is more your thing than military history, Old Portsmouth is also home to the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum. It’s a fascinating little museum where one of Britain’s greatest novelists was born in 1812 and gives another glimpse into the city’s remarkable past.

Time to Feel the Sea Breeze?

No trip to Portsmouth feels complete without spending some time along Southsea Seafront . Whether you’re walking the promenade, enjoying an ice cream on the beach, exploring Southsea Castle or simply watching the ferries disappear over the horizon, it’s one of those places that’s perfect for slowing the pace down for a while.

If you’d rather get out on the water than admire it from the shore, Portsmouth has plenty of boat tours to choose from. Whether it’s a relaxing harbour cruise, a sightseeing trip or something a little faster, seeing the city from the Solent gives you a completely different perspective. You’ll sail past historic warships, modern Royal Navy vessels and one of Britain’s busiest natural harbours while learning about the city’s incredible maritime heritage.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers heading in or out of the harbour – it’s an impressive sight that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Beyond the Harbour

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Portsmouth is just how much there is to explore nearby. Within half an hour you could be wandering around the magnificent Arundel Castle, discovering the historic streets of Chichester, or enjoying family rides at Paultons Park, home to the ever-popular Peppa Pig World.

It’s one of those destinations that’s very easy to turn into a long weekend.

Fish, Chips & Harbour Views

After a full day of exploring, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite, and luckily Portsmouth doesn’t disappoint. If it’s your first visit, we’d struggle to look past traditional fish and chips on Southsea Seafront. There’s just something about sitting by the water, watching the boats drift past with fish and chips in hand, that feels like the perfect way to round off the day.

If you’re looking for something a little different, Portsmouth’s food scene has quietly become one of the South Coast’s best-kept secrets. Southsea, in particular, is packed with independent restaurants, cosy cafés and hidden gems. Whether you’re craving authentic Korean food at Manzoku, fresh seafood overlooking the beach at The Briny, a memorable pirate-themed meal at Rapscallions or beautifully presented tasting menus at Smoke and Mirrors there’s far more choice than many people expect.

For something a little more relaxed, Gunwharf Quays has become one of our favourite places to finish the day. Grab a table overlooking the marina, enjoy dinner as the sun starts to set or simply stop for a drink while watching the boats come and go. It’s one of those places where you often end up staying longer than you planned.

We’ve pulled together the attractions we’d recommend to our own friends and family, along with a few places that are easy to miss if you don’t know the city. Hopefully you’ll discover somewhere new while you’re here… and if someone suggests Portsmouth for your next Great Day Out, don’t make them walk the plank just yet.

Know Somewhere We Should Feature?

At Great Days Out, we’re always looking to help families discover even more amazing places to visit across the UK. If you know a hidden gem, a fantastic family attraction or an experience you think should be featured, we’d love to hear about it.

Send an email to: info@great-days-out.co.uk and include:

• Name of attraction
• Website URL
• Type of experience

Own or manage an attraction in Portsmouth? Get in touch to find out how your business can be featured on Great Days Out and reach families searching for their next adventure.

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?

Aye, aye, Captain, we’d say so! Portsmouth combines world-famous naval history, family-friendly attractions, stunning waterfront views and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Whether you’re exploring the Historic Dockyard, taking in the views from the Spinnaker Tower, riding the world’s only year-round commercial hovercraft service or simply enjoying fish and chips on Southsea Seafront, it’s a city that offers far more than many people expect. We came expecting ships and sailors, but left wondering why we’d never explored Portsmouth properly before. It’s definitely earned its place on our Great Days Out list.

More Days Out in Hampshire

If you are looking for more Days Out in Hampshire , there is something for everyone across the region.

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Portsmouth

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