Bonus places to go
Here are a few more ideas of safe places to go, if you follow government rules on face coverings indoors (except when seated at a table to eat or drink), social distancing and meeting in groups of up to six people.
Beaches, piers and parks - there’s miles of seafront and plenty of parks, green spaces and places for coffees and fish and chips.
Eating and meeting - what sets the city apart are our great independent restaurants and cafes, which are great for eating and meeting including Dice where you can play board games while eating and drinking. All the big names and chains are also here including a Starbucks in Guildhall Walk and a Costa in Albert Road. Please check their websites for details of bookings, opening hours and safety measures.
Independent shops - Portsmouth is well-known for its thriving small shops, which are open for business either in store or for deliveries including Nothing Ventured Vinyl (electronic music specialists selling rare and vintage vinyl), Strong Island Clothing Co (sea and city inspired clothing) and Southsea Bathing Hut (soaps, balms and bath salts). Please check their websites for details of opening hours and safety measures.
For more ideas head to Visit Portsmouth’s Student Guide.
The city has a lot to offer - even in these strange and challenging times.
Guildhall Walk is currently proving very popular with students. If you're looking to avoid the crowds or go out somewhere that social distancing may prove easier, here’s a list of 10 places in Portsmouth which have been awarded Visit Britain’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ charter mark to show they meet all the Government’s public health guidance.
We’ve also added a few bonus ideas of other places it’s safe to visit at the bottom of the page.
Where to go in Portsmouth
Gunwharf Quays - the waterfront shopping outlet - is now open for longer, with measures in place to encourage social distancing and enhanced cleanliness. It’s the biggest place for designer stores in Portsmouth, including Nike, Calvin Klein, Vans, Adidas, The North Face and many more. Gunwharf is also home to a host of restaurants and bars with spaces to eat outside and in.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - the decks have been swabbed with a new Ultimate Explorer ticket to all of the dockyard’s attractions including Henry VIII’s 500-year-old sunken flagship the Mary Rose and Nelson’s world famous HMS Victory. Online pre-booking and face coverings are essential.
Clarence Pier - one of the largest amusement parks on the south coast full of funfair rides and arcades. COVID safety measures include enhanced cleaning and face covering must be worn indoors.
Spinnaker Tower - the iconic 170m high tower is now open 7 days a week for panoramic views of the city and the Solent. Staff will help you check in and talk through the safety measures
Bluereef Aquarium - explore an underwater world from sharks to clownfish, jellyfish to otters, and stingrays to iguanas. Face coverings must be worn and there are hand cleaning stations throughout.
The D-Day Story - Portsmouth’s newest museum holds over 10,000 historical items from the Normandy landings and the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany occupation. The museum is open daily with a one-way system, hand sanitisers and enhanced cleaning.
Kings Theatre - upcoming shows include an improvised Harry Potter comedy play and the sounds of cinema with the BBC Big Band. Safety measures include temperature checks, designated arrival times and face coverings must be worn
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery - this free museum has one of the world’s largest Sherlock Holmes collections, and fascinating works of arts. Measures include a one-way system, hand-sanitisers, and signage for social distancing.
Charles Dickens Birthplace - the author of Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations was born in Portsmouth. See the house where he was born on one-hour private bookings from 9-11 October.
Aspex Gallery - entry is free to this art gallery with a check-in at reception and safety screen installed.