Portsmouth Passport: A 4-Day Adventure for All!

Discover Portsmouth's charm and create lasting memories with your family.

19 July 2023

Portsmouth, located on the south coast of England, is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. There are numerous attractions for all ages, including the famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where families can explore iconic ships like HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. Kids will also love visiting the interactive SeaCity Museum and enjoying a day at the Blue Reef Aquarium.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Maritime Madness

  • Kick-start your family trip in Portsmouth at the awe-inspiring Spinnaker Tower, offering panoramic views that will make your socks (or wobbly legs) nearly soar off!
  • Dive into the tales of seafaring heroes at the Historic Dockyard, where mighty warships like the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior await your exploration.
  • Hop on board an aquatic adventure at the Blue Reef Aquarium, where colorful marine life will dazzle your little ones and maybe even make you want to wear a snorkel in your cereal bowl.
  • Take a gentle stroll along Southsea Beach, embracing the refreshing sea breeze and making sandcastles that defy all laws of civil engineering.
  • Indulge in some good ol' fish and chips at the award-winning Pier Street Kitchen. Prepare for crispy golden batter, flaky fish, and the ultimate dilemma of choosing scraps or no scraps!
Day 2

Castles and Creativity

  • Step back in time at the medieval marvel of Portchester Castle, which will transport you to a world of ancient battles and knights in shining armor. Fairy tales, eat your heart out!
  • Unleash your creative side at the Aspex Gallery, a hip and happening contemporary art space that will leave you thinking, "Van Gogh, who?"
  • Meander through the enchanting Southsea Rose Garden, where fragrant blooms and whimsical sculptures create a haven of tranquility. Look out for any mischievous gnomes!
  • Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at The Tenth Hole, a quirky café known for its scrumptious cakes. You might even stumble upon some golfers teeing off amidst the delicious chaos!
  • Embark on a journey of scientific discovery at the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower. Prepare for explosive exhibitions and enough mind-boggling facts to blow anyone's socks off (again!).
Day 3

Dockyard Delights

  • Set sail on the high seas with a boat trip around Portsmouth Harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, or if you're lucky, a seagull playing a ukulele.
  • Let your little ones go wild at the Adventure Playground in Victoria Park, complete with slides, swings, and enough energy to rival a squirrel on a caffeine binge.
  • Unearth the mysteries of Tudor life at The Mary Rose Museum, where the ghostly remains of Henry VIII's warship will bewitch you with tales of life on the high seas.
  • Tantalize your taste buds at Pie & Vinyl, a quirky combination of a record store and pie shop. Savor scrumptious pies while browsing through vinyl records – it's like a mosh pit for your senses!
  • Round off your day with a leisurely stroll along Gunwharf Quays, a vibrant waterfront area teeming with shops, restaurants, and even a 170-meter-high tower that lights up the night sky.
Day 4

Hidden Gems

  • Discover the mysterious underground world of The D-Day Story, where quirky exhibits will transport you back to the turbulent days of World War II.
  • Breathe in the fresh air at Canoe Lake, a peaceful oasis perfect for picnics, pedal boats, and feeding hungry ducks. Watch out for one duck that thinks it's a peacock!
  • Embark on a treasure hunt at Cumberland House Natural History Museum. Can you find the glorious butterfly collection? Hint: Look closely, they're not just hiding in your imagination!
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Tea Tray, a charming tearoom bursting with vintage charm and delectable cakes. You'll feel like you've stepped into a time machine, fueled by sugary sweetness!
  • Bid adieu to Portsmouth with a sunset stroll along Portsmouth Harbor, watching as the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of oranges, pinks, and purples. A perfect farewell to a truly marvelous adventure.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Portsmouth by plane is to fly into either Southampton Airport or Gatwick Airport, and take a train or bus to Portsmouth. From Southampton Airport, you can take a train to Portsmouth and Southsea Station, which takes about 30 minutes. From Gatwick Airport, you can take a train to Portsmouth and Southsea Station or a National Express bus to Portsmouth, which takes about 2 hours.

Car

The best way to get to Portsmouth by car is to take the A3(M) or M27, depending on where you are coming from. From London, take the M25, then the M3, and then the A3(M). From Southampton, take the M27 and then the A27 towards Portsmouth.

Train

The best way to get to Portsmouth by train is to take a direct train to Portsmouth and Southsea Station. You can catch a direct train from London Waterloo, which takes about 90 minutes. There are also direct trains from Southampton, Brighton, and Bristol.

Boat

The best way to get to Portsmouth by boat is to take a ferry from either Jersey, Guernsey, or St. Malo. There are also cruises that stop in Portsmouth, such as P&O Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Bus

The best way to get to Portsmouth by bus is to take a National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station, which takes about 2 hours. There are also coaches from Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Destination

Portsmouth

If you're looking for a coastal city with all the charm of a seaside postcard but with drastically less seagull poop, look no further than Portsmouth. It may just be the best place to experience both British history and fish and chips in equal measure.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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