Unforgettable Portsmouth: 7 Top Family Activities

Portsmouth is home to over 800 years of British Naval history, the remarkable Spinnaker Tower, and, of course, has some of the best water sports the south of England has to offer. Whether you explore the Historic Dockyard or wander around this atmospheric town, you’ll want to come back again and again. 

But where do you go when you have the whole family in tow? 

We’ve rounded up 7 top family activities to make sure you all have the time of your lives in Portsmouth no matter what time of year it is: 

Relive the Tudor age

The Mary Rose is perhaps one of Portsmouth’s best-known attractions. She was one of King Henry VIIIs most impressive ships, who famously sank to the bottom of the Solent after her crew battled the French fleet in 1545. 

Over 500 years later, the Mary Rose was famously recovered from the Solent, alongside thousands of artefacts which each tell their own unique story. 

After a 34-year conservation project, you can now see the Mary Rose up close within her purpose-built museum. There you can see her impressive hull and find out about the crew who lost their lives on the day she sunk. 

Race the clock at Exciting Escapes

The year is 1928. Criminality runs rife through the city streets, and three agents have lost their lives trying to bring down an illicit gambling ring. You are the lead investigator, and it’s your job to bring them to justice and find out what caused them to lose their lives before your time is up. 

Welcome to Portsmouth’s fully immersive escape room experience, Exciting Escapes. 

With six unique escape rooms to choose from, including the art deco meets Peaky Blinders, ‘Dark Deeds and Groceries’ and the 1960s thriller ‘Murder at the Movies,’ this is an experience you aren’t likely to forget. 

You have sixty minutes on the clock to crack codes, solve puzzles and find all the evidence to make your escape. Sounds simple enough! But will you make it out before your final minute is up? 

Perfect for the aspiring young detective to the well-versed gamer, Exciting Escapes is well worth a look!

Experience breathtaking views 

Standing at an impressive 170 metres, Spinnaker Tower offers you a mesmerising panoramic view of the surrounding Hampshire coastline. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the Isle of White, as well as the city, the Solent and the harbour, all from the safety of your sky-high viewing deck!

But it’s not all about the views! The Tower offers a broad range of activities throughout the year, including the vertigo-inducing reality experience ‘Altitude,’ ‘Breakfast with Santa’ during the festive season and of course, the chance to abseil down the 100-metre course from the edge of the tower itself. 

From a spot of high tea in The Clouds cafe to walking across the thrilling glass ‘Sky Walk,’ there is something for everyone to enjoy high up in the sky!

See world-famous ships up close

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to the world’s most famous ships. You can climb aboard HMS Victory, where Nelson famously died moments after his victory at Trafalgar, before learning about naval warfare on HMS Warrior 1860. Then, discover HMS Alliance – the only remaining WWII era British ocean going submarine. 

While visiting this world-famous site, make sure you pop into the National Museum Royal Navy Portsmouth, have a wander around the Jutland Exhibition and discover the bloody past of M33, the sole remaining British veteran of the WWI Dardanelles Campaign. 

Situated within Portsmouth’s working naval base, the Dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past, present and future. This is one family adventure you’ll never forget!

Explore a Victorian fort

A stone’s throw away from Porstmouth city centre is Fort Nelson. Home to the Royal Armouries’ national collection of artillery and historic canon, it’s one of the best places in the country to see age-old naval weaponry up close. 

But what makes Fort Nelson so special is that you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. With its high ramparts, original fortifications, underground tunnels and impressive parade ground, this fully restored Victorian fort has several stories to tell. 

Within the national museum’s walls, you will discover over 700 pieces of artillery from around the world, including a 15th-century Turkish bombard cannon and the infamous Iraqi supergun. 

What’s more, Fort Nelson doesn’t hold back with its spectacular events calendar and entertaining children’s activities. There really is something for everyone to enjoy!

Remembering D-Day

The D-Day Story is a compelling exhibit that tells the story of the men and women who were behind the events of D-Day and the harrowing Battle of Normandy. 

Within the museum’s walls, you’ll discover personal stories and artefacts belonging to the people who served and get an insightful glimpse into what life was like back then. Then there’s the exceptional Overlord Embroidery, an intricate hand-stitched 34 panel commemorating the operation. 

Push yourself to the limits

Nestled in the Portsmouth countryside, you’ll discover a world of adventure and adrenaline-pumping fun at the Peter Ashley Activity Centre. There you can try your hand at one of their vast activities on offer, such as archery, air rifle shooting, climbing, horse riding, initiative testing, or take part in one of their holiday activities. 

Whether you want to go as a small group or take part in a team-building activity, you can push yourself to the max!

Offering a fantastic mix of both indoor and outdoor activities for children and adults alike, everyone can enjoy a wide range of sports and activities no matter what their ability. 

Portsmouth is home to world-class attractions that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you want to become a detective for the day or climb aboard one of the famous ships docked in the harbour, one thing’s for sure: your time in this vibrant city will stay with you forever!