Things to do in Portsmouth

From captivating aquariums and fascinating museums to lively family activities and memorable landmarks, Portsmouth is a modern city still in touch with its history.

Portsmouth Day Out

It might not get the same publicity as its south coast neighbours Brighton or Bournemouth, but Portsmouth has many attractions that are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. From historic dockyards and architectural wonders to tudor warships and fascinating aquariums this south-coast city has more than enough to keep you occupied on a short break. Here we take a look at some of the best things to do in the seaside town…

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Few venues in Britain can match Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's range and depth of historical attractions. Clamber aboard the faithfully restored HMS Warrior and HMS Victory warships and imagine what it must have been like to sail the high seas. Just as compelling is the National Museum of the Royal Navy's Trafalgar Experience exhibition.

Spinnaker Tower

Completed in 2005, the sail-shaped Spinnaker Tower is Portsmouth's defining symbol and one of Britain's tallest buildings. From the viewing deck, 560 feet high, you can glimpse large tracts of the city, Southsea Beach and Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours. The more adventurous visitor can abseil down the tower. 

Mary Rose Museum

Explore the remains of the Mary Rose, a carrack that sank off the coast of Portsmouth in Henry VIII's time. Recovered from the seabed in 1982, this spectacular time capsule of Tudor history has been painstakingly restored alongside a treasure trove of Tudor objects including impressive bronze cannons and personal items like combs and bowls. Truly unique (there’s no other ship of this kind on display anywhere else in the world) a visit to the Mary Rose will give visitors unique insights into how people during this time lived. 

Southsea Rose Garden

Built around the remnants of 19th-century Lumps Fort, Southsea Rose Gardens is the ideal place for a walk, a picnic and rejuvenating sea views. When in full bloom, the 40-plus varieties of rose emit a splendid scent. Be sure to check out the handsome Japanese Garden within – a product of Portsmouth's twinning with the town of Maizuru in Japan. 

Kids-Pass Activities

If you’re looking to save up to 57% on family activities across the UK, as a Boundless member you can make use of Kids Pass for discounts, deals and savings on all kinds of days out. Click here for more information. Or read on for our recommendations of excellent family-friendly activities that you can save on with Kids Pass…

Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth

Whether you’re one or 100, you’re bound to be wowed by the Blue Reef Aquarium’s remarkable display tanks of black tip reef sharks, southern stingrays, all kinds of reptiles and many species of crab, shrimp and lobster. Don’t miss a feeding session, which can include among others sharks, otters or turtles,  for a visceral insight into the extraordinary habits of sea beasts great and small. And when you book with Kids Pass you can enjoy an average saving of £17.60.

Flip Out Portsmouth

Offering a broad range of indoor delights suitable for children of any age (and young-at-heart adults too) Flip Out Portsmouth is the perfect way to spend an afternoon and burn off some energy. Comprising activities including Stunt Box Area, Air Bag, Slam Dunk, Sprung Floor, Super Trampoline, Dedicated Under 5’s Area with Multi-Level Soft Play, Junior Trampolines and a 5's & Unders Foam Pit. And when you book with Kids Pass you can enjoy an average saving of £4.40 per person.

Do more with Boundless

To benefit from amazing Christmas offers, along with dozens of other deals on holidays, motoring services, experiences, shopping and more, join Boundless today. To find out how, visit our dedicated membership page.