If you’re looking for things to do in Portsmouth this year – hopefully this list will give you plenty of fun ideas!
Staycations are going to be popular this year, so if you’re thinking of visiting Portsmouth, you might be looking for fun things to do in Portsmouth.
Well, if that sounds like you – this list should give you plenty of ideas for your itinerary.
Portsmouth is located on the south coast of England, surrounded by some beautiful villages, beaches and coutryside – so it’s a perfect place for a weekend away or staycation!
So, let’s get going with our list of things to do in Portsmouth!
Spinnaker Tower
First on my list of things to do in Portsmouth is the iconic Spinnaker Tower. In the heart of the city, Spinnaker Tower is hard to miss!
It towers over the city, and offers up some pretty incredible views of the city, and the coastline. A perfect option for things to do in Portsmouth, and a classic choice for touristy things to do in the city!
Mary Rose Museum
Next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth, it’s the Mary Rose Museum. If you’re not sure what the Mary Rose is, it was actually Henry VIII’s warship – so a pretty big part of British history.
It was actually lost in 1545, but later recovered in 1982. It’s a really fascinating museum and well worth a visit for any history lovers!
HMS Victory
The HMS Victory is next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth. It’s another great option for things to do in Portsmouth for those who love history and maritime history.
The HMS Victory is an incredible sight – it was one of the most famous warships of the Royal Navy (dating back to 1765!) and she was best known for being Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar!
Now that’s some incredible history to explore and experience!
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
The Historic Dockyard is another great choice for things to do in Portsmouth.
Again, if you love your English history and maritime history, then there’s going to be loads for you to enjoy in this part of town.
Southsea Castle
The first castle on our list of things to do in Portsmouth – Southsea Castle is an absolute must-see!
It’s located just outside the city centre, and right on the coast – so offers some pretty lovely views, as well as some history lessons.
There’s a year-round timetable of fun events at Southsea Castle, so there are plenty of fun things to do there!
West Wittering Beach
In my opinion, this next option of things to do in Portsmouth, is an absolute classic. You can’t visiting the south coast without visiting a beach…
And West Wittering Beach is one of the best beaches in the UK (my opinion, but I love it there!). With beautiful white sand, clear blue water, and adorable beach huts… this is a must see beach if you’re in the area.
Clarence Pier
Next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth, it’s Clarence Pier. This is a classic choice for things to do in Portsmouth – the nostalgic arcade/amusement pier!
That’s what you’ll find there, lots of games, rides, and fun family stuff. It’s a great choice for families!
National Museum of the Royal Navy
If you love learning about the history of Maritime England – then the Museum of the Royal Navy will be a perfect choice. It’s a great option for things to do in Portsmouth, and it’s a fascinating museum full of really unique artefacts. You’ll find HMS Caroline here, as well as the famous Armada maps too!
Portchester Castle
Next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth, it’s Portchester Castle! This is the second castle on my list of things to do in Portsmouth – and it’s a beautiful piece of British history!
Portchester Castle is a really scenic castle, with some lovely grounds and views over the surrounding countryside.
This castle dates back to medieval times too, so it’s extra rich in history and exhibitions to explore.
Hayling Island Beach
Another lovely beach for my list of things to do in Portsmouth.
Hayling Island Beach is the opposite to West Wittering Beach (mentioned above) as it’s a pebble beach instead of a sand beach.
I much prefer visiting pebble beaches in the autumn and winter, and I also find pebble beaches are great for visiting with dogs too!
There are also lovely beach huts on Hayling Island Beach – so perfect for some cute photos!
Staunton Country Park
Next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth, it’s Staunton Country Park. This is a great choice for those who want to spend the day strolling around a beautiful parkland.
It’s a great choice for a sunny day in the spring or summer, and a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
It’s also a great choice for families too – as you’ll find Staunton Farm there too – with lots of lovely farm animals for your kids to interact with!
Blue Reef Aquarium
A great day out for families in Portsmouth, is definitely Blue Reef Aquarium.
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Portsmouth for families and kids – and there are lots of amazing fish to admire there!
Portsmouth Harbour
One of the most underrated things to do in Portsmouth, is just to take a stroll around the harbour! On a sunny day you can buy yourself a drink in a local cafe, sit back and people watch! It’s lush!
Titchfield Abbey
Next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth, it’s Titchfield Abbey.
Another slice of history in the heart of Portsmouth, Titchfield Abbey is a great place to check out if history is you ‘thing’. It’s also an English heritage site too – and really well preserved for visitors.
Chichester Harbour
Some natural beauty now on my list of things to do in Portsmouth!
Chichester Harbour is a stunning area of Natural Beauty… A 3,733.5-hectare biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest.
There are wonderful walks, hikes, birdwatching and other activities to enjoy all year round.
Stansted Park
Located a short drive from Portsmouth, Stansted Park is a beautiful option for things to do in Portsmouth. Stansted Park is based on the grounds of Stansted House – a stately home.
There is so much beautiful woodland and landscaped gardens to explore, and it’s a stunning place for stretching your legs!
Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum
Charles Dickens’ is one of the UK’s most famous and well loved writers.
If you consider yourself a bit of a literary fan, then you might want to add the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum to your list of things to do in Portsmouth.
You’ll be able to explore Dicken’s most famous works, as well as the place he once called home.
Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson is next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth. Fort Nelson is home to the national collection of artillery, so it’s full of history and interest for many.
South Parade Pier
The South Parade Pier is a big pier in the heart of Portsmouth, and it’s the hub of activity, nightlife and activities in the city.
There are actually plenty of things to do in Portsmouth on the South Parade Pier alone!
The pier has everything you’d expect from a traditional pier in an English seaside town – so it’s nostalgic and lovely!
Ryde Beach
OK, so this next things to do in Portsmouth isn’t actually in Portsmouth!
But I wanted to include it in my list because Ryde Beach is a stunning beach and not one to be missed (if you have the chance to visit!).
It’s actually located across the sea on the Isle of Wight, but you can get a quick and easy ferry across from Portsmouth, which makes visiting extra simple!
Cumberland House Natural History Museum
Cumberland House Natural History Museum is next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth.
This is a fun educational day out for families, and somewhere worth visiting if you happen to be in Portsmouth on a rainy or gloomy day!
There’s plenty to see inside, and admission is FREE! So that makes it even better!
Laser Quest in Portsmouth
Laser quest is a classic choice for things to do in Portsmouth – and it’s a fun activity for all ages.
Whether you’ve got kids, teenagers or whether it’s just adults in your group – you’ll have so much fun playing laser quest! 3 games is only £12 per person – which is pretty amazing value!
The Diving Museum
I think this is one of the quirkiest things to do in Portsmouth! The Diving Museum is dedicated to the history of scuba diving, and it’s a great place to visit with kids or adults alike.
It was actually voted one of the top 6 family museums in the UK (so that’s a great reason to visit!). Admission is £4 for adults and £3 for kids, so it’s an absolute bargain too!
Canoe Lake
Another beautiful place to enjoy a stroll on a sunny day, Canoe Lake is next on my list of things to do in Portsmouth. It’s so pretty here, and it’s a beautiful spot popular with both locals and tourists.
Southsea Beach
Southsea Beach is right in the heart of Portsmouth, and if you only fancy spending a hour or two visiting a beach close to the city – then this is a great choice.
It’s huge, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and explore!
Eat somewhere new!
I don’t know about you, but I love finding great restaurants and cafes when I’m visiting somewhere new, and I always add lots of amazing places to my list of things to do in Portsmouth!
These are the top 4 places to eat in Portsmouth that I’d recommend trying out…
- Sweet Science Patisserie
- Southsea Coffee Co
- Farm Kitchen
- Outside-In Food Court
Hopefully this list of things to do in Portsmouth has been helpful!
There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, so enjoy exploring this great seaside city on the south coast!
