Bars, bites, gigs and laughs
By day, you can spend yourself silly at designer-rich Gunwharf Quays or head up the Spinnaker Tower to feel the breeze on the Sky Deck and brave the height on the Sky Walk. By night, invade Gunwharf for bars and bites, see gigs at the Pyramid Centre or catch some laughs at the LOL Comedy Club.
Big days out
The Southsea seafront is awash with attractions. Spend, spend, spend at the designer outlets at Gunwharf Quays, then refuel at over 30 restaurants, bars and cafes. Check out slices of history at the Historic Dockyard, including HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum.
Head up the Emirates Spinnaker Tower for wraparound panoramic views of the south coast, walk 100 metres above the waves on the glass Sky Walk, or feel the sea breeze in your hair up on the Sky Deck. Relax with a coffee and a clear view at the Clouds Café.
Take a guided tour of Old Portsmouth. Kick back in 1000 acres of woodland, a lake and farm animals at Staunton Park. Walk the pier and skim stones on Southsea Beach. Dine and drink, admire the yachts, spot fish from the boardwalk or book a cruise at Port Solent. Or enjoy bird life and bay views at Farlington Marshes.
Pamper yourself on a spa day, complete with cream tea and Prosecco, at Macdonald Botley Park Hotel. Get cheeky on a life-drawing class at the Royal Maritime Club Hotel. Build a raft at Marwell Activity Centre. Or hit the high ropes at Go Ape Southampton.
Big nights out
As dusk descends, The Florence Arms is a contemporary gastropub with cocktails that’s just a stagger and a swagger away, while Merchant House offers a friendly welcome, beers and burgers, and bar on the seafront. Or just hit the amusements and entertainments on South Parade Pier.
Gunwharf Quays comes alive at night. The shops are shut but the bars and bites go on late. Pour a Prosecco as you watch the boats bob in the Solent, then head inside to throw shapes as the sun sets. Or club the night away at Eden.
Catch some of the biggest names in rock, pop and comedy at Portsmouth Guildhall, home to the first performance of Pink Floyd’s rock classic, ‘Dark Side of the Moon’. For musicals, head to the Kings Theatre, or enjoy edgier dramas at the New Theatre Royal. See the latest flicks at Vue or No 6 at the Historic Dockyard. Grab some laughs at the LOL Comedy Club. Or send the pins flying at Hollywood Bowl.
