A Family Day Out in Portsmouth & Gunwharf Quays: The Ultimate Guide for Kids
Portsmouth has been a naval city for centuries, and that history is exactly what makes it such a brilliant place to bring the kids. Between towering warships, glass-floored sky walks, and a harbour full of boats to spot, there's enough here to fill a whole weekend — not just an afternoon. Here's our pick of the best things to do with children in Portsmouth and around Gunwharf Quays, plus where to refuel afterwards.
1. Climb Aboard History at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
No trip to Portsmouth with kids is complete without a visit to the Historic Dockyard. This is where young explorers can actually step aboard genuine historic warships rather than just look at pictures of them.
- HMS Victory – Nelson's famous flagship from the Battle of Trafalgar. Kids can walk the decks and imagine life aboard a Georgian warship.
- HMS Warrior 1860 – the world's first iron-hulled warship, moored right on The Hard and impossible to miss.
- The Mary Rose Museum – Henry VIII's beloved warship, raised from the Solent seabed, with hands-on displays and costumed characters that bring Tudor life to life for younger visitors.
- Harbour tours and the waterbus – hop aboard a boat for a close-up look at modern Royal Navy ships, or take the waterbus across to the Gosport attractions like the Submarine Museum.
Tickets often include a 12-month pass, so if one day isn't enough to see it all, you can always come back.
2. Get High Above the Harbour at Spinnaker Tower
Just a short stroll from the Dockyard, the sail-shaped Spinnaker Tower gives you sweeping views across the Solent — on a clear day you can see for miles. Braver kids (and grown-ups) can step out onto the Sky Walk, a glass floor suspended high above the harbour, for a proper thrill.
3. Shop, Play and Eat at Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays sits right on the waterfront next to Portsmouth Harbour Station, only minutes from the Dockyard. While the grown-ups browse the outlet shops, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained too:
- Hollywood Bowl for a family game of ten-pin bowling
- VUE Cinema for the latest family films
- Wide, waterside walkways perfect for scooters, watching the boats, and spotting the Spinnaker Tower reflected in the marina
4. Seaside Fun at Clarence Pier
A little further along the seafront, Clarence Pier is a classic British seaside spot with funfair rides, arcade games, and crazy golf. Whatever the weather, there's something to do — rides and ice cream on sunny days, arcades when it's not.
5. Free (and Nearly Free) Family Days Out
Portsmouth doesn't have to break the bank. A few budget-friendly options nearby:
- Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery – free local history displays, with low-cost activities on top
- Aspex Portsmouth – a free contemporary art space just next to Gunwharf Quays, with an onsite café
- Simply walking the harbourside path between the Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, watching the ferries and warships come and go
6. Venture Further Afield
If you have extra time, Portchester Castle offers a well-preserved Roman fort with a free audio tour, and Fort Nelson has a fascinating (and free to visit) collection of historic cannon and artillery for anyone who loves all things military.
Refuel at Britannia Fish and Chips
After a busy day exploring decks, towers, and arcades, there's nothing better than classic British fish and chips to round things off — and there's nowhere better to enjoy it than Britannia Fish and Chips on The Hard, sitting right opposite the magnificent HMS Warrior and the entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Grab a table (or a takeaway to eat by the harbour) and watch the ships while you tuck into freshly cooked, generously portioned fish and chips — the perfect end to a family day out in Portsmouth.
Come and visit us at Britannia Fish and Chips, The Hard, Portsmouth — right across from HMS Warrior and the Historic Dockyard. We can't wait to welcome you and the kids!