Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a unique destination, featuring the Historic Dockyard, the city is a cosmopolitan destination with a strong maritime heritage. Portsmouth is also the gateway to the picturesque Isle of Wight, while the city offers a range of things to do. Accommodation and restaurants, a buzzing nightlife, and an extensive arts scene all mean this seaside town is well worth a visit.
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Top places to visit

1Mary Rose Museum

4.8
(5456)
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5.0
(5935)
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Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Museum
Event venue
The Mary Rose Museum is a maritime museum located in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. It is dedicated to the history of the Royal Navy's Flagship, the Mary Rose, which was wrecked in 1545 and subsequently salvaged in 1982. The museum contains a large collection of artefacts from the ship and its crew, as well as exhibits about naval warfare and 16th-century Tudor life.
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We bought yearly passes for our family to the dockyard in 2019, before the pandemic and loved to visit - the only nag being that the Mary Rose Museum was not included. We renewed recently, now its easier to visit attractions again and were delighted to find out that it was now part of our annual membership. I cannot express adequately in words how wonderful this museum is. You enter initially into an interactive chamber, with narration from a very familiar and famous voice. You get to meet Henry VIII himself and experience the Mary Rose sinking. Getting to see the ship itself is amazing; it's at the centre of the building and you work your way around it, through different displays and floors. You catch glimpses of it, as its kept in relative darkness until they suddenly bring the lights up and you get an idea of the scale of it. They have a hologram display which beams video of actors, portraying different members of the crew going about their business, directly onto the ship - which our kids loved. On the very top floor, you can finally go into the actual chamber itself (through an airlock, which the kids were delighted with). It's really eerie and ethereal experience. We visited during half term and the kids were invited to take part in special activities offered by the museum and made their own clay ships tiles. There are also interactive activities dotted about the building for the younger visitors to try. It's BRILLIANT, we will be back.
Incredible museum a must visit if you don’t have the Ultimate Explore ticket for the Historic Dockyards and are trying to decide which attraction/s to see 😉 Over 3 levels you get a Fantastic view of what remains of the Mary Rose, the ‘top deck’ entered via an air lock lets you take photos without glass in between 👍🏻. As well as the boat herself you can view a large amount of recovered relics and remains of the sailors lost when she went down and amazing details about them…absolutely fascinating. There’s also a great 4D experience at the end, well worth a little wait at busier times, which goes through the history of recovering her. If it is busy you can go back at a quieter time and ask a member of staff to show you ‘the back route’ so you don’t need to navigate the whole museum again. There’s a large gift shop, of course, selling a wide range of souvenirs and gifts…some seemed reasonably priced and some seemed somewhat overpriced, in my opinion…a mug was in the sale for £20, reduced from £25 when I was there 😱 Also a cafe just off the gift shop selling all the usual fare…didn’t try it so can’t comment on quality.
Superb museum, which displays the ship "upright", when I last saw it, it was as recovered (ie on its side). Fairly dark but the lights do change to accentuate different aspects of the ship. The artifacts are very interesting and well displayed. A most excellent museum.
Great attraction. Very interesting exhibits well laid out. Amazing to think how old it is. The ship itself is so interesting to look at. You see something different every floor you go up.
Absolutely fantastic museum with a very understandable haunting feel to it. The displays are really cleverly done. So much information and so many artifacts. Warning: there are many skeletal remains on display. The coffee and muffins in the cafe were excellent.
Fantastic museum! Photos don't do it justice. If you love your history, you'll love The Mary Rose. Expert staff will guide you along as you explore the skeleton of a Royal warship and soak up the atmosphere. Then there's the the crew of the Mary Rose themselves and the stories they tell. Can't recommend enough. Set aside a few hours though: lots to see.
A most incredible experience ever for an exhibition here in the UK. It's a 4D experience, well worth a look. In fact you will need to allow ample time to experience everything. Highly recommended, it's exceptional.
I loved this place, this was the first time I've seen the Mary Rose dried out!!!! It's an amazing experience, you can see her and the many artifacts recovered on different levels of the museum it is really well laid out, be aware it will be low light because of the ship and no flash photography is allowed, also I would do this museum first it is the furthest away from the entrance but nice to go round before it gets busy
Excellent venue for a day trip with lots to see. We visited on a day when there were a low number of other visitors which made for a pleasant tour of HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. Both were excellent with the free audio guide for Victory particularly good. Portsmouth Harbour Station is only a few minutes walk away. We purchased a ticket valid for 12 months so will be back to see the rest of the attractions.
There is so much to see here, and the way it has been set up is exceptional. This is an actual experience, not just a display or anything like that, and best of all for me is it is very easily accessible throughout with level surfaces throughout and large lifts to the different levels. If you are disabled and going with a carer, make sure you state this at the till as carer's get free entry when with you.
We visited for my husband's 40th birthday treat. It was a lovely museum, very interesting, so much to see..nice pace to walk around. For those who struggle with walking and standing long periods of time like my husband and myself, they had a lot of sitting places and you could carry alittle stool around with you.
Amazing interactive museum, very well laid out and the artefacts are just fabulous. It’s very tasteful in its preservation of the souls which we’re found on board and their possessions. If you get a chance to go, then do, expect to be in the museum for a couple of hours and do look around the gift shop. The Mary Rose Trust is a charity and relies on sales and donations.
Fantastic place. I didn't realise the Mary Rose was so big. The team at the museum have done a great job of preserving the ship, and displaying it. Also a great job of displaying all the artifacts. Very informative.
Main Rd, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3PY, United Kingdom•https://maryrose.org/

2Spinnaker Tower

4.6
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4.5
(5690)
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Mentioned on 
4 lists 
Sights & Landmarks
Conference center
Spinnaker Tower, a highly contemporary tower built as part of the harbourfront's redevelopment and regeneration in the new millennium, is an awe-inspiring landmark with spectacular views of Portsmouth harbour. The tower is popular with tourists who enjoy visiting the on-site cafe and glass-floored platform overlooking the harbour.
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Brilliant experience. Slightly terrifying if heights bother you. Views of Portsmouth were fantastic, even on a cloudy morning. The glass floor! Wow! I eventually drummed up courage to walk across. But very safe. Staff were very helpful and kind. Yes you get the lift up. But you will need to walk up stairs to upper cafe, which is lovely and sky garden. It’s all got glass, so no safety worries. No outside glass lift though. Will visit again. Good shop too.
Had the high tea which was very nice. Lots of cakes. Not sure about the sandwiches. It was for my mum and dad's golden wedding anniversary. I will not do the high tea myself again as I am not a great fan of cake. Think they do something in the morning if that is savoury then I might try that if I could get a group together. The views of the area are very good.
We knew we were going to love this attraction and we weren't wrong,it was brilliant and well worth the money,the views were spectacular even though the weather was not the best but it didn't dull our enthusiasm for a fantastic two hours well spent.
A must visit if you are in Portsmouth. It was an awesome experience to see the port from 170m height. Sky bar was closed till the time we reached 😞 Sky walk was great. Overall a must visit place.
Booked a high tea, which includes access to the tower and the sky garden. Breath taking views from the top floor, I absolutely loved it. It's located within the Gunwharf Quays, which has ample parking space and loads of shopping retailers. It's just a few minutes' walk from the train station, bus station, and the Portsmouth historic dockyard. Amazing family day out. Note that the tower can get really warm at the height of summer due to the glass.
Such a wonderful place! Been there for high tea for our date night and just felt in love with this place! Very friendly staff, great atmosphere, clean and comfortable. If you are not scared of high you definitely must visit Spinnaker Tower. Also you can go up to see Sky Gardens and walk through the glass floor on Deck 1. The views are breathtaking! When you book high tea you will have 1.5 hours to enjoy your experience, better book at evening time to enjoy a sunset! Highly recommended place!
Visited the tower with my partner and our 3-year-old daughter. We booked in advance but there were no queues anyway, on a bright and clear Saturday. A member of staff gives you a brief bit of background as you take the lift up to the first viewing platform. There are 2 talking telescopes for £1 a go, though one wasn't working but I assume they tell the same story. There is also a commemorative coin machine to make your own souvenir. The glass floor is fun to walk over and a great photo opportunity. You can then climb some internal stairs to the next floor where there's a cafe where most patrons we're having high tea. It's enclosed by large windows so you can enjoy the view still. If you want to eat here you'll need to book. We just sat for a refreshment whilst taking in the view. You can then climb another set of stairs to another viewing platform. This is partially enclosed by large glass panels, with an opening with netting above your head. Again the views were fantastic and plenty of photo opportunities.
Made a little trip from London. Stayed for couple of days in Portsmouth. Nice and clean city. Travelled around by car. Went around Spinnaker Tower and Outlet Shopping Central.
Took my daughter up there for her bday,Absolutely brilliant and it was Worth the price. However, I recommend buying an annual pass. I do find the meal a bit pricey but I guess with the view, it was well worth the price.
Brilliant! Super fast lift whisks you up to the observation deck where you have amazing views of the Solent, Portsmouth and surrounding area. Plenty of information to help you identify landmarks. Glass floor is not for the faint hearted but certainly makes you aware of how high you are! Another 60 steps takes you up to the top level for more views. Worth a visit although not sure they needed to try to sell you the green screen pictures really.
I really enjoyed this adventure. The top floor was anticlimactic but still fun. On the way to the 3rd floor, I stopped and read every sign posted on the walls, so it made the last few steps bearable. All the staff were pleasant and very helpful.
An interesting tower where you can have beautiful views of Portmouth water front. Kids will enjoy the glass floor, which you could see through the height.
Spinnaker tower is brilliant once you get to the top! It's a lovely view and I also saw a concert going on when I was up there. I had a look at the telescope and saw lots of things. It is a little bit pricey though. The glass floor is so fun to go on! I definitely recommend this if you have the money.
Portsmouth, PO1 3TT, United Kingdom•https://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/

3HMS Victory

4.8
(6854)
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4.5
(3466)
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Mentioned on 
1 list 
Maritime museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
The HMS Victory Maritime Museum is a fascinating attraction in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which traces its maritime history back to the 17th century. The museum is home to one of the world's oldest commissioned warships, which gained fame at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Visitors can explore the ship's downstairs quarters and cannons, and gain an insight into life on a ship of this scale and importance.
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Visited on a late February Sunday and there were no crowds. It's a beautifully preserved and presented piece of iconic British history. Entrance included the adjacent Victory museum making it even better value. The members of staff are very helpful and knowledgeable.
No visit to the Dockyard is complete without boarding the Victory. Really well presented, with an audio guide plus human guides strategically placed. The Victory museum and gallery opposite adds to the experience. Views of the ship will be obscured for some time from June 2022, as they had just begun to construct scaffolding around it for essential external works.
I was not particularly excited to go to this, was a treat for my husband's birthday. However, when we got there, I realised how much interesting history and how well done the exhibits were. We also saw the Alliance submarine and HMS Warrior. We really want to go back (got tickets that are good for 1 year) and do another weekend to see the rest of it. Incredible and totally worth it! If you're on the fence, definitely go - really enjoyable, especially if you like history.
Really fascinating, enjoyed walking inside the ship itself and the guides on board were really lovely and shared great info about the ship and Nelson. Also really interesting to see and hear about the renovation project its undergoing.
Great attraction. Worth a visit. At the moment it's having a lot of work done on the exterior. It does have an affect on the experience but the work is completely necessary. They have a audio "experience" that pretty much talks about the journey that lord Nelson had sailing to meet the Spanish armada from start to finish. I will say look around the amount of people who was paying no attention to there surroundings because the where wrapped up in the story.
A great day out for all ages! We spent nearly 2 hours going around this historic ship. The audio guides gives you fantastic details and are available in different languages.
We loved our visit to HMS Victory, flagship of the British Navy. Built in 1765, the ship is displayed as it was in 1805 when it was Admiral Nelson's ship at the Battle of Trafalgar. The cost of the visit includes a free audio guide that takes you through the battle from the initial engagement to the death of Nelson explaining the daily life of the ship's crew. The ship is currently undergoing repair but it does not detract from the visit. The stairs between the decks are steep and may not be accessible for some and the lighting is quite dim with low beams that need to be avoided. We look forward to visiting it again as there is so much to see and learn about.
Victory is part of the Historic Dockyard. You can purchase various tickets for the attractions (see website) We did not go on board this visit and the Ship is still open to the public whilst undergoing restoration to the outer cladding. In fact we found the pop up tour of the restoration work "Victory Live" more interesting than previous visits as the visitor is able to get up close to the construction of the ship which is not quite how we had imagined. We would say don't be put off by the cladding and the iconic rear of the ship is still visible as at May 2023
Brilliant. Even though the ship was under restoration and covered, there was still plenty to see inside and underneath. When you get through the ticket desk next to the ship, make sure you borrow the portable information speakers. These were excellent and not only provided lots of interesting information about the ship and its history but also gave narration of a piece of history, emotion & ambience to the tour. I found myself eagerly seeking out the next 'click' point to get the next piece of the story. My whole family (mother, wife, son (12) & daughter (15) absolutely loved it. We will be back soon to use our Explorer ticket & see more of the dock yard sites. I didn't take any pictures during the tour as I was too busy enjoying it!!
Currently under conservation with only 8 years to go out of 20. While she's not at her full glory the HMS Victory is a truly amazing ship. Experiencing the claustrophobic gun decks and walking through the captain's private quarters was a highlight. We can't wait to see her fully decked out in years to come. A must see!!
Simply amazing. Currently surrounded by scaffolding, so the outside isn't really visible, but, wow, the inside is fabulous. I would recommend the portable gadget for hearing the stories, listening to the historical information, you can pick and choose what you listen too. The tour takes in several floors, easy to get around, some of the steps are a little steep, but there's hand rails, and we found no-one was in a rush. So much to see, everywhere is absolutely immaculate, and guides on each floor are well informed and friendly. Worth every penny of the admission charge ... and Nelson did, apparently, say "kiss me Hardy" !!!
As part of our return visit on our Ultimate Explorer ticket we spent our time exploring HMS Victory. Well worth discovering this piece of British maritime history. Audio guide is very helpful and doesn't distract from everything to see. Had the option also of seeing some of the restoration close up as part of the Restoration Live exhibit.
It's fascinating to see this incredible piece of history, and it's beautifully presented with an optional audio guide that I recommend for taking you on an immersive tour of the Battle of Trafalgar and what life on board would have been like. The Victory is currently undergoing a major renovation project that takes away a lot of the external views, but the inside of the ship is still open.
Wow! The audio commentary really brought this historic ship to life, telling the impressive story of the battle of Trafalgar and Nelson's demise. It's extremely well preserved and well presented, but is currently undergoing some restoration work. As a historic ship, it's not suitable for anyone who has difficulty with steps. It is also important to realise that in some places, headroom is very low. Expect to bang your head! But it's absolutely worth it.
Main Rd, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ, United Kingdom•https://www.nmrn.org.uk/hms-victory/

4HMS Warrior

4.8
(1519)
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4.5
(2529)
Maritime museum
Museums
HMS Warrior is a 418-foot-long, 9,700-ton maritime museum in Portsmouth, England. The ship has been restored to its original condition and features many exhibits that detail the vessel's history and impact on naval warfare. Visitors can explore the warship from stem to stern and view areas not open to the public when it was operational.
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Utterly fantastic! The beat part if my trip to the docklands. The staff yesterday (7th September) who were doing the morning gun drill and the stoker were absolutely incredible! Very knowledgeable and well-rehearsed in their roles, making the visit a top notch experience! A beautiful ship with lots to learn from it.
Super cool!! This massive tallship was once the largest in the Royal Navy fleet and the world, and sported the most firepower of any ship in its day. Period accurate crew are aboard to answer any questions you might have about the workings of this truly impressive vessel. Definitely a sight worth seeing in Portsmouth!
Fantastic visit! Talk to the people around the ship, they are all lovely and friendly, I found everything so interesting. Unlike the victory there isn't a specific route to walk you're more free to roam about.
I cannot express how much I enjoyed this visit. Completely worth the ticket price. This is my second time. The 1st bist was 9 years ago. This visit I made more of an effort to talk and see the guides. Total worth it. They stay in character the complete time and are extremely knowledgeable! Register online and you can get 10% off. If you're looking for parking then search for Portsmouth historic carpark. It's 5min walk for the main gate.
Thankfully HMS Warrior is somewhat more comfortable to walk about than HMS Victory in so far as I could do it with a straightish back, the ship located just behind the entrance is accessed via the jetty where you pass a section of hull plating, I imagine wheelchair access could be gained to the top deck with some considerable exursion but that would be the limit as to enter below to the Main and lower decks and 24ft below the water line to the Orlop&hold would prove rather difficult. The ship is immaculate throughout and guides posted at various points throughout bedecked in authentic clothing of the period reenacting the roles for which they are dressed give the experience that living touch so to speak. The guide at the coal bunker was very good giving a dramatic insight into the life of stoker's and trimmers the life blood of the ship as well as associated customs between sailors and stoker's and also the pay. Each area has its own story to tell no doubt from the divers store, officers quarters right up to the captain himself, demonstrations take place throughout the day but we were unfortunate to miss these. Like the rest of the Historical Dockyard well worth a visit. A useful free guide is available an image of which I've attached
We visited HMS Warrior whilst in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It is a spectacular ship, it was the largest Warship in the world. You have access to most of the ship. There are a number of decks, all as the ship was when active. There are many guides, some in costume who will answer any questions and are very knowledgeable in the history of the ship. It is a piece of our maritime history you should visit.
We decided to buy a year pass with the kids summer holidays approaching. We went on a Sunday, and my active 5 year old loved going round the ship. They had a band playing which were amazing and have since bought tickets to go see them.
Not only is this ship packed with lovely smiley staff, but also full of so much Victorian history and things to see, leaflets are comprehensive, and the ship itself is in incredible condition, would 100 percent recommend as a family day out.
Everybody knows about the Mary Rose and the Victory, but HMS Warrior 1860 is as much of a must-see as them. The world's first fully iron-hulled warship, it is fantastically well-preserved and presented, with actors playing sailors of the era who really bring it to life. One did a gunnery demonstration that alone was worth the visit. It's also the only ship where they give you a free leaflet with diagrams of all the decks - really useful. Very highly recommended. (P.S. The café on board is no longer open, even though it's still listed in the Dockyard guidebook).
A really worthwhile attraction. You can see the obvious technical advances made over the Victory. The onboard volunteers are very knowledgeable and bring the spirit of ship life to the fore.
Victory Gate, Portsmouth, PO1 3QX, United Kingdom•https://historicdockyard.co.uk/discover/hms-warrior/

5Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson

4.7
(3403)
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4.5
(1368)
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Mentioned on 
1 list 
National museum
Museums
A beautiful and restored Victorian fortress, Fort Nelson offers visitors a unique tour of the English military from World War 2 times. The museum features over 350 guns spread across 19 acres, as well as live firing that takes place every day and professional actors who recreate history for visitors. There is also plenty of grass ramparts and tunnels to explore, making it perfect for kids.
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We went there the day after a storm, so one could not see everything, which made sense. A very kind member of staff with a thick beard took the £3 for parking. He explained what there was to do. The cafe was also really nice. The woman who assisted us was just lovely and everything was very clean. My favourite part of this place was the tunnels. They went on for quite a bit. "The Art of Artillery" was also pleasing to see.
Free entry, all you have to pay for is the parking and if your kids want to go on the assault course. Well worth paying for as the kids have loads of fun, climbing and crawling! A good day out for kids including younger tots as there is plenty of climbing and tunnels for them to explore. Probably not the best for those with limited mobility although they do have wheelchair routes and a lift. The indoor exhibits are well thought out with interesting signage and interactive sounds/displays. They tell the story of the fort and artillery. If you are interested in artillery then the range of exhibits will impress. From some of the world's earliest artillery pieces up to the Iraqi super gun. Our favourite is the railway gun. All in all a good cheap day out for the family, especially when the sun is shining. Plenty of parking is available.
This place never disappoints! We're regular locals, it's a beautiful place to visit with the fantastic history. The views are also 👌 Our last visit was for the Falklands exhibition which is quite moving! Cafe and toilet facilities on site. Don't forget the gift shop. Although it's free to visit I would definitely recommend dropping in a donation to help keep the place running. Our children loved exploring the dark underground tunnels
Amazing experience with this absolute gem, the fort is free to enter and you feel no pressure to donate or buy anything. The history within is both enjoyable and fun for young and old alike with facilities to allow disabled to enjoy the majority of the experience perhaps not the upper ramparts though there is a ramp up. I went on a tour to a tunnel not open to public often and the guides were delightful and informative. There is so much here I can't get it all into the review ! Suffice to say that spending an afternoon here exploring with the family or alone would be both enjoyable and time well spent. The photos don't do justice to the majesty of this amazing building.
Very big museum and lots to do. Very friendly staff and helpful. Free of charge. My family joy every minute. Big tunnels underground. Lots and lots to do. Lovely clean toilets. Free parking. Armchair friendly.
Really good day out for the family, parking available, friendly helpful staff, disabled friendly lovely little cafe there and good shop to buy memorabilia of your visit. Stroll through the tunnels and see weaponry through the ages. Very informative and enjoyable for all. Free entry parking is about £3. Disabled parking free. Definitely worth a visit.
A brilliant place , which I think 💭 can be overlooked. The art 🖼️ installation of “Walking With Giants” ( reference the fallen [ those who “Crossed The Bar” ] in the Falkland conflict ( 1982 ). Very emotive & very powerful. The Museum is fantastic & is accessible to all with great facilities for those who need help & assistance. An hidden gem 💎 in the Portsmouth area. 10/10. Well worth a visit.
Very impressive. It really is a great day out, but the weather wants to be on your side to fully appreciate it. I was with a party who were not really interested in the exhibits but wanted to appreciate the views, which are very impressive. We did take advantage of the introductory talk, I wouldn't call it a tour, which was very interesting and well delivered. I did have a good look around the out door exhibits which I would have liked to see better described, but didn't get much further as my party wanted to move on. One thing really impressed me, it was FREE to get in. Great if you have a family and want to take them out. Something that not everyone can afford with a young family. Well done and I hope to visit again.
Awesome place to visit which I’ve come to numerous times now. Lots to see and it’s free too. The tunnels are great. Good place to come for a few hours.
Exceptional museum on portsdown hill, still can't believe it's free for entry. Lovely cafe at start. Loads of exhibits in the fort itself. Tells the story of how and why they were built. Also has the Falklands 40 year exhibit. There is a large ground to explore outside with a small refreshment bar where you purchase tickets for the junior assault course. All in all a great day out for all the family.
Incredibly moving experience. The Falklands Exhibition was very moving. Fantastic! Credit to everyone who has helped to make it such a wonderful informative museum. It has come a long way since I previously visited.
Excellent place to visit with plenty to see and do. What makes it even better is that it free. If you park on the same side then it will cost you £3 but there is free parking on the other side of the road. Just in case it is busy you can guarantee your place in advance online or you can take your chances and just turn up on the day.
Visited today and was great. Very interesting place with lots to see. The lady on reception was very friendly and helpful when we arrived too. Would definitely recommend a visit. Entry is free, small charge for car park and the souvenir guide was very reasonably priced too. We enjoyed our visit thank you
Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, Portsmouth, Fareham PO17 6AN, United Kingdom•https://royalarmouries.org/venue/fort-nelson/
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Top places to eat

1Loch Fyne Restaurant and Bar

4.3
(1659)
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4.0
(3019)
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Mentioned on 
1 list 
expensive
Pub
Restaurant
Featuring sustainable seafood sourced from the nearby loch, Loch Fyne Restaurant & Bar is a popular chain restaurant serving British cuisine. The menus offers a variety of dishes such as pan-fried chilli and garlic king prawns with lemon, olive oil and rye sourdough bread. There is also an extensive wine list to accompany your meal.
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Fabulous place to eat. Standard is very high but the prices do not reflect this. Very reasonable price for a quality menu. Staff very helpful also.
The atmosphere was nice and cheery. Generous food portions. It is quite pricey and they charge a 12.5% tip with the bill. I loved the experience as i went there for my birthday. The oyster bar and pork belly and mash was my favourite.
The place is located in a very central and nice spot. The food is also very tasty and fresh. We had oysters, fish and prawns. They were all delicious! The portions are not massive though. We ended up with stick toffee pudding and popcorn Sunday as dessert. None of them were superb. If you are not so desperate for sweet stuff, I would not recommend them.
We bumped into this restaurant nearly by accident. We made a short stop in Portsmouth and looked for a good fish restaurant. The food was excellent. It was soo good that we sailed back a day later to visit this place again!!! And if I will be ever around I will come again to this place. Great service with smile. Superb tuna. Thank you guys.
Had lunch with the misses, the restaurant is well lit and spaced out. Great service. Price is reasonable, you get what you pay for. The food was, wow!
If you can't be bothered to queue up at the food outlets at the outlet (oops) this cozy restaurant will feed you well. Usual seafood restaurant prices, large portions. The oysters weren't so spectacular perhaps they did not have a very good type that day. Excellent service. Loved it.
Nice food. Biggest piece of bass ever and beautifully cooked. Halloumi sticks were a bit over cooked for me. Hubby had Thai green fish curry and garlic prawns which he enjoyed. Friendly staff.
I visited here last Monday with 5 friends. We have Lunch for birthdays party. All foods are delicious. Especially fresh oysters are very fresh. We had happy with Great foods and Kind service.
Had a fabulous meal with my father whilst visiting Portsmouth. Amazing how tranquil it was only being a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre and other eateries. We must of been served by 4 or 5 different members of staff and all were attentive, polite and amazing. Whenever there's a Loch Fyne in a city we are visiting we always frequent as the food is always divine.
2 Vulcan Buildings, Portsmouth, PO1 3BF, United Kingdom•http://www.lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk/locations/portsmouth/

2Frankie & Benny's

3.8
(1832)
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4.0
(1856)
affordable
Italian restaurant
Frankie & Benny's is a chain restaurant in London serving Italian and American comfort-food classics. The restaurant is popular with families who enjoy a fun, comforting meal where they can relax and enjoy some well-deserved family time.
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Visited this evening after going to the vue cinema with my partner, was actually the best meal out I’ve had! Amazing service from Samuel who dealt with all of my allergies and questions professionally and took me seriously! Absolutely fantastic service and food was great too. Then also received a discount on our food for visiting the cinema beforehand!
I liked that they have the calories of the food on the menu. The hamburger could have needed some more ingredients, like salad or sauce and the patty tasted a bit undercooked. The milkshake was good and the loaded fries were good too. Overall it was acceptable but a bit overpriced. The service was okay to begin with but when I waited for the milkshake they were busy chatting at the food counter. Usually drinks come much sooner and I got up and asked them - then it came. That is not good and I'm generous for giving two stars on that, it is because they were helpful before I sat down. The atmosphere was like in any pub or restaurant.
Had a lovely late lunch, early dinner at Frankie & Benny's in Gunwharf Quays. Harrison took good care uf us. Very friendly and gave us extra time when I couldn't decide on what to order. The best part was he didn't come over and check on us when we had our month's full. 🤣 That always gets me. I hope to think he waited and timed it perfectly. I appreciated that. Was great food. Very tasty and filling. Mac and Cheese burger with cajun cheese fries. My new fav! 5 stars. 🌟
Really good for a chain restaurant. The hot wings were quite good and so were the loaded potato skins. The pizzas ok and the lasagna good. The meatballs to me was the star of the show. Service was quite good at this busy establishment.
Went for a lunchtime meal with my mother and son. The customer service was exceptional. I would especially like to thank Megan and Harrison who were so helpful, friendly and accommodating. The food was really lovely too and arrived very quickly. Thank you! We will definitely visit again.
Second recent disappointing visit. Average food averagely cooked. Saw a steak day on the pass for about 10 mins and it came to me. Sent I straight back as was like warm, chips dry and cold and the mushrooms looked like they had been warmed hours ago. The tomato was barely ripe let alone cooked! The man n cheese was dry and congealed. Rather disappointing. I’m he pizza however was ok.
Portsmouth, PO1 3TU, United Kingdom•https://www.frankieandbennys.com/restaurants/south-east/portsmou…

3Brasserie Blanc

4.5
(1015)
•
4.5
(1784)
affordable
French restaurant
Gunwharf Quays' popular french brasserie, Brasserie Blanc, serves classic French dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant occupies the ground floor of Lipstick Tower and has an excellent set menu for £14.95 per person which includes both starters and main course. In addition to this there is also a la carte menu available.
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Let me start by telling you I'm the type of person who checks the menu before coming and has already decided what I want. Sometimes this can lead to me building too much anticipation and the food not living up to it. But the belly pork and pistachio souffle were absolutely fantastic. The food was well presented and the staff were attentive and friendly. Especially Mikey. Thank you for a wonderful meal.
We had dinner at Brasserie Blanc restaurant at Portsmouth…south of London . So impressed on their welcoming as that night the restaurant seemed to be full. The hostess tried to find out the table for us …always keeping informed us during that time. As this was first time for us to visit this town . The waiter nicely did the menu suggestion which suited to our expectations. Although there were many customers, our dishes were served on time with nice decoration. Wine was good as well. The waiter back to check our satisfaction after serving us , also did small talk about this town . All waiters looked friendly and smiling during the busy time. They did not hesitate to service us once they noticed we look at them for other service. The restaurant is located at the shopping center area of this town where is convenient for the travelers. Thank you for their nice hospitality.
Mediterranean fish soup was like a fish stock. Not one piece of fish. Main course was sea bream with a bouillabaisse..which was like the fish soup again..I make a perfect fish soup using salmon cod haddock. Herbs fresh cream 100 times better than what I was served. Some of my own cooking maybe I should open a restaurant. From real fish soup to lobster with champagne sauce..to bread and cakes. To steak and salads
Brasserie Blanc in Portsmouth is a culinary masterpiece! The fast service is impeccable, with service personnel who are attentive and delightful. The fish we had, accompanied by the delectable bouillabaisse, was absolutely divine. While the atmosphere felt slightly reminiscent of a chain restaurant, the dedicated staff went above and beyond to create a memorable experience. Additionally, the drinks menu offers a plethora of non-alcoholic beverages, catering to every taste. Bravo to Brasserie Blanc for their outstanding efforts in delivering a satisfying dining experience. C'est magnifique!
Excellent atmosphere to enjoy my dinner. Food and service is really good. A little pricey but I think it is still affordable for most people.
Lovely food and drink at Gunwharf Quays. We really enjoyed our late lunch/ early dinner in a relaxed atmosphere with views down to the harbour. The outside of Brasserie Blanc does not look very special but it is worth going inside. We enjoyed watching the sunset through the west facing windows. There is an extensive drinks menu with great food options.
113-114, 1 Gunwharf Rd, Portsmouth PO1 3FR, United Kingdom•https://brasserieblanc.com/restaurants/portsmouth/•Brasserie Blanc reservations

4Southsea Beach Cafe

4.5
(2877)
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4.0
(1747)
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Mentioned on 
1 list 
affordable
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
The cafe Southsea Beach Cafe is located on the beach and offers a relaxing atmosphere with views of the Solent. It serves seafood and Mediterranean dishes, as well as British staples like dinner and breakfast. There's free wifi and parking is available. Tables are set outside under shady trees, making it perfect for a lovely sunny day out.
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Just the place for a lovely Brunch! Every time we come over, the place is always packed, which kinda speaks for itself! It’s a very popular place to eat! The customer service, most of the time is very good! Of course there are times where it’s hit or miss, but there’s no such thing as perfect! One thing that is pretty much perfect, is their food! I could not fault the food they serve! It’s wholesome, filling and tasty! I’ve been here so many times, I can happily recommend this place to anyone who’s in and around the area!!! It will not disappoint, I’m sure!!!
Definitely a beach hot spot. We popped at noon with the place still packed with breakfast crown. Very busy with families and plenty of children. It is dog friendly and few dogs indeed were enjoying the food dropped by children. Great friendly staff playing with babies and dogs while buzzing around. Needless to say, the best part is the sea views (today was grey but still great to sit next to window). Good was good (coffee, cakes, salad). You definitely pay a premium for the location but judging by the packed place at a cold winter day, it is justified.
Dog friendly! A beautiful place for lunch, right on the beach, it was lovely watching the sea. We were sat quickly and given water and menus. Lots of choices for food, and a mix of alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks to choose from. We had a pilsner and an Atlantic ale but there was also cider, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and hot drinks. We had the watermelon/Feta and mint salad and the peach/hazelnut and goats cheese salad with a side of buttered new potatoes. Everything was really tasty and we loved trying these flavour combinations that were completely new to us! The atmosphere was relaxed and the music was great, the service was friendly and efficient. We had a rhubarb trifle and coffee for pud and that was also very delicious! Bear was given a bowl of water. We would definitely come again and recommend to others!
Couldn't ask for better views from an eatery. Only had a breakfast bap which was put together very nicely. They cook to taste so be sure to let them know how crispy/well done you want your food. They were so busy we couldn't eat inside so get there early or book ahead. They could do with a better system for takeaways. The server didn't take any names so it was a free for all when the food was called out. Overall it was nice and I'd go again. Especially on a day with a nice view.
Simple but wonderful in the same time! The perfect place to have a brunch with your friends and to enjoy the beach! Better to call for a reservation if you do not want to wait. The food is delicious and the waiters team very kind and helpful. So do not hesitate to stop and try!
Great location and atmosphere. However, the food quality does not reflect the price of the bill. My partner ordered the club chicken sandwich - dry sliced chicken in white hovis bread for £12. Very slow service. Probably a good place for drinks but would not recommend food.
Really nice place to visit even winter time, as there is heating and blankets available. Delicious soup of the day. I would strongly recommend and happily return to try more things.
Title: Beachside Bliss at Southsea Beach Cafe! Rating: ★★★★★ Review: Southsea Beach Cafe is a hidden gem! The food is delicious, especially breakfast. Staff are friendly, and the beachfront location is unbeatable. Perfect for a chill hangout with great views. Pet friendly too. Highly recommend! 🌊🍽️
Location, location, location! Great place for a meet up. We had the only three vegetarian items on the menu, bruschetta (£12), watermelon salad (£12), vegan burger (£15), and onion rings, and three ice teas. The tea and mains were good but nothing special, the onion rings were terrible, tasteless and oily. Overall struggled with the debate of price v value, at £65 for 3 of us on a midweek lunch treat was expensive for us.
Eastney Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 0SP, United Kingdom•https://www.southseabeachcafe.co.uk/

5Las Iguanas - Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays

4.2
(1562)
•
4.5
(1731)
affordable
Restaurant
Las Iguanas serves up contemporary Latin American cuisine in a cosmopolitan setting at Gunwharf Quays. The restaurant has an outdoor area with views of Portsmouth Harbour and Spinnaker Tower, making it the perfect place to catch up with friends or celebrate special occasions.
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Lovely Latin American food - lots of coconut, lime, fish and veggie options. All cocktails are 2 for 1, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The citrus cooler is a good mocktail choice. It can get busy at weekends so booking may be a good option but we didn't have to wait for a table for a very late Sunday lunch on Father's Day. The portions are very generous so a few tapas may be sufficient unless you are very hungry. Of course it is also a good place for a few drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Had a few starters/tapas which were good. The nachos were very tasty. The dips they provided were quite bland; need the chef taste a little before service? The cocktails were amazing too… decent place for a quick lunch before you head back to shopping.
Delicious food and great atmosphere. Staff were friendly and helpful but service was a bit slow - could have been because they were very busy? Tapas portion sizes were very generous and the cocktails were 2-4-1 so really good value. Would recommend and go again.
Disappointing! 50% of the menu wasn't available. The food we had was average at best, not worth the money. Wife said the women's toilets were filthy, she made staff aware who just said "yeah we're really short staffed today you should have seen it earlier, I had to clean poo off the floor" Definitely won't be going here again or recommending it to anyone
Good food All of the cocktails are 2for1. Miguel was really nice and friendly. But the place is more for pre night out feeling as the music was really loud just like in a night club.
Loved the food and atmosphere, went here for a late lunch and really enjoyed the food and portion size. The fried chicken was really tasty, would definitely recommend.
Had the most amazing birthday meal on Saturday, there were 5 of us and the service from Ella was incredible, she made our night, I had the XimXim Curry and it was sooooo good, needed more crayfish cos it seemed like all it was, was chicken, other than that, it was a fab dinner and evening x x
108-111, East Side Plaza Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth PO1 3SY, United Kingdom•https://www.iguanas.co.uk/restaurants/portsmouth?utm_source=goog…
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