Attractions and Places to Visit

Portsmouth has a whole host of things for groups to do. From historic buildings, to guided tours and a Tower that soars into the sky. Use the list of attractions below to plan your itinerary, and visit the What to See and Do pages for even more great ideas.

ASPEX
Address: The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3BF
Tel: 023 9277 8080
Email: info@aspex.org.uk
Website: www.aspex.org.uk

Explore the innovative, contemporary and visual art on display at Portsmouth’s leading contemporary gallery. With exhibitions, workshops and events throughout the year from international and local Portsmouth artists.  Admission free.

Open: Tuesday - Saturday from 10.30am, Sunday from 11am, closed Monday
Min group size: n/a

BLUE REEF AQUARIUM
Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PB
Tel: (023) 9287 5222
Email: info@bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Website: www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk

Blue Reef Aquarium is a great visit attraction whatever the weather. Be amazed by animals ranging from local marine species to the hundreds of tropical fish in the gigantic ocean display, complete with underwater tunnel.  

Open: Daily from 10am (except Christmas Day)
Min group size: 10  

CITY MUSEUM & RECORDS OFFICE
Address: Museum Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2LJ
Tel:(023) 9229 6905 
Email: mvs@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Website: www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

Home of the ‘A Study in Sherlock: Uncovering The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection’ exhibition.  Local history exhibitions cover 'The Story of Portsmouth' and 'Portsmouth at Play'.  You will also find period room settings from the 17th century to the 1950's, sea-side holidays and recreation. Including a Fine and Decorative Art Gallery with changing art and craft exhibitions. Admission free.

Open: Daily from 10am (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Min group size: not set

D-DAY MUSEUM & OVERLORD EMBROIDERY
Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Hants, PO5 3NT
Tel: (023) 9229 6905 
Email: mvs@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Website: www.ddaymuseum.co.uk

The Faces of History come alive in the magnificent ‘Overlord Embroidery’.  Participate in the airborne drop and board an original landing craft.  With archive film, military equipment and displays of wartime Britain 1944.

Open: Daily from 10am (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Min group size: 15

HARBOUR TOURS
Address: Solent and Wightline Cruises Ltd, 66 Newnham Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3TE
Tel: 01983 564602
Email: info@solentcruises.co.uk
Website: www.solentcruises.co.uk

Enjoy a cruise around the Harbour and view the city from the water. Get close to the Naval ships and discover more about this island city.

Open: November-February weekends only, February- November Daily from 10:45am
Min group size: 10

NEW THEATRE ROYAL
Address: 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2DD~
Tel: 023 9264 9000
Email: boxoffice@newtheatreroyal.com
Website: www.newtheatreroyal.com

Whether your group prefers a comedy, play or musical this theatre will have a performance to suit.

Open: from 10am daily
Min group size: 8

PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB
Address: Fratton Park, Frogmore Road, Portsmouth, PO4 8RA 
Tel: 0844 335 0540
Email: pompey@thestadiumtour.com
Website: www.portsmouthfc.co.uk

Enjoy an exclusive look behind the scenes at the legendary stadium. Your experienced guide will take you to areas including the Player’s Entrance, Press Room, Home Dressing Room and Commentary Box. Soak up the atmosphere as you stroll through the Tunnel and out onto Pitchside, visit the Manger’s bench and the Dugouts.

Open: throughout the year but dependent upon match dates
Min group size: 30

PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD
Address: The Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3JL
Tel: (023) 9283 9766 
Email: groups@historicdockyard.co.uk
Website: www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Discover three of the most famous warships ever built: HMS Victory, Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1860.  Explore the history of the navy at the Royal Naval Museum and challenge yourself to a high seas adventure at Action Stations. 

Open: Daily from 10am (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Min group size: 15

PORTSMOUTH ST THOMAS’S CATHEDRAL
Address: High Street, Old Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 2HH
Tel: (023) 9282 3300 
Email: rosemary.fairfax@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
Web Site: www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral – The Sea Cathedral – has been a guide for shipping entering Portsmouth Harbour since 1185.  Burial site of a crew member of King Henry VIII’s flagship The Mary Rose. Admission free.

Open: 9am – 5pm
Min group size: N/A

ROYAL MARINES MUSEUM
Address: Eastney Esplanade, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9PX
Tel: (023) 9281 9385 
Email: info@royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk
Web Site: www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

The Royal Marines Museum tells the remarkable history of the Royal Navy’s own infantry from 1664 to the present day.  A unique and interesting venue for group visits. 

Open:  Daily from 10am (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Min group size: 10 

SOUTHSEA CASTLE
Address:Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Hants, PO5 3PA
Tel: (023) 9229 6905 
Email: mvs@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 
Website: www.southseacastle.co.uk

Built by Henry VIII in 1544 to protect Portsmouth Harbour.  'Life in the Castle' Time Tunnel experience.  Tudor, Civil War and Victorian history, audio-visual presentation, artillery and underground passages.

Open:  DailyApril to September from 10am, closed October- March inclusive
Min group size: 15 

SPINNAKER TOWER
Address: Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TT
Tel: (023) 92 857 520
Email: bookings@spinnakertower.co.uk
Website: www.spinnakertower.co.uk

The Spinnaker Tower is a new national icon. It is a striking viewing tower on the south coast offering the public spectacular views from three platforms. 

Open:  Daily from 10am (except Christmas Day)
Min group size: 15

Joint Ticketing

It is now possible for your group to buy a joint ticket to the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, making a visit to Portsmouth so much easier for the group organiser. This offer includes a visit to HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, a Harbour Tour, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and the Spinnaker Tower, which can be arranged before or after your visit to the Dockyard. The group joint ticket is valid for on day only and allows entrance to each attraction once.  For more information call: 02392 857520, email bookings@spinnakertower.co.uk or take a look at the website for more information.