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Photo of HMS Warrior, Portsmouth

FAMILY ATTRACTIONS PORTSMOUTH

Apart from the visitor attractions listed below, the City of Portsmouth hosts many special events such as, the Race for Life, The Great South Run plus numerous other music and cultural events, held at venues such as Castle Field, Southsea Bandstand, Southsea Common and other venues.

Portsmouth with kids.  

If you’re looking to take a day trip with your kids then Portsmouth, with its seaside location and myriad entertainment options, is a fantastic choice. Here’s how to keep the nippers entertained while exploring this historic port city.

Photo of a boy wearing a sailors hat, visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Portsmouth Dockyard:
The famous dockyard, with its collection of ancient ships, gift shops and museums, is a treat for all the family.
Attractions include the Trafalgar Experience, where you’ll find yourself in the thick of a famous British naval battle, the Royal Naval Museum, and of course two of the most famous British ships of all time: the Mary Rose and the HMS Victory.
The dockyard is open from 10am until 5.30pm Monday to Sunday, and entry is £18 for adults or £13.50 for children.


Photo of the Pyramids Leisure Centre at Southsea. Pyramids Leisure Centre:
Located on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea, Pyramids Leisure Centre is one of the best water parks around Portsmouth.
Relax in the tropical leisure pool while your kids play in the waves, then indulge in a spot of grub at the café bar.


Photo of the Vue Cinema at Gunwharf Quays. Gunwharf Quays:
This new shopping centre is situated within a stone’s throw of the city’s historic harbour.
It’s bursting with exciting stores, outlets, restaurants and bars; and in case you get tired of sightseeing there’s also a multi-screen cinema.






Photo of Charles Dickens birthplace, Portsmouth. Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum:
If your kids are keen readers then don’t miss out on a trip to the house where Charles Dickens was born.
Still furnished in the style of 1809, it features a display on Dickens and Portsmouth as well as a small collection of memorabilia.
Entry is £9.50 for a family ticket, and the museum is open from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Photo of a father and child, looking at colourful fish at the Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth. Blue Reef Aquarium:
This fascinating underwater zoo boasts over 40 live exhibits. You and your kids will have the chance to see rays, puffer fish, seahorses and octopus, as well as aquatic carnivores such as piranhas and sharks.
The highlight of the experience is the underwater tunnel, which runs underneath a giant ocean tank and offers amazing views of a recreated coral reef.

Of course, if you want to turn your day trip into a long weekend then Portsmouth is also an ideal hopping-off point for the Isle of Wight and France. Ferries run daily to Caen in good weather, and the crossing time is approximately six hours. If you do decide to take an impromptu French break, make sure you take out holiday insurance – Go Travel Insurance offer single trip cover from as little as £3.95. You can often get family deals on ferry travel, insurance and accommodation, so a trip to the continent doesn’t have to cost the world.