Accessible Shopping

Shop 'til you drop! Experience shopping Portsmouth style!

From high street names to independent retailers and fabulous outlet shopping - you will find it all in Portsmouth.

We have linked up with Shopability, an award scheme which recognises good disabled access in shops, bars and restaurants. Audited properties are graded with Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

The following sections provide an overview of the general level of accessibility to the various shopping areas in Portsmouth. However, we are unable to display access information on all of the individual shops and restaurants etc. in Portsmouth. For more detailed information on individual premises please contact Shopmobility direct on: 023 9281 5266.

Commercial Road

A thriving shopping street. Pedestrainised throughout, Commercial Road offers a wide selection of shops ranging from department stores to independent retailers, high street names and local brands. Stop for a coffee, pause to appreciate the street art or browse the outdoor market on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday for fresh local produce. 94% of premises in and around Commercial Road passed the Shopability disabled access survey, with 83% achieving Gold or Silver status.

Commercial Road is well served by public transport and car parks. Portsmouth and Southsea Train Station is located near by.

Shopmobility

56, Arundel Street (off Commercial Road), Portsmouth, PO1 1NL

Telephone: 023 9281 6973

Shopmobility is located just off Commercial Road in the City Centre. The scheme hires manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public with limited mobility. Please contact Shopmobility direct for details of hire charges.

RNIB's 'Talking Signs'

Portsmouth has recently installed the RNIB's React Audio Information System - a talking sign system that helps blind and partially sighted people find their way around. Tenaudio signs are located around city centre shops. The system is operated by a 'trigger, which is carried by the blind or partially sighted person. Triggers area available from Shopmobility (see above).

Cascades  

A light spacious indoor shopping complex adjacent to Commercial Road. All stores passed the Shopability survey, with 95% of premises achieving Gold or Silver Awards for excellent standards of accessibility. the centre itself is very highly rated for disabled access, with level entrances and exits, fully equipped toilet facilities and lifts are provided to all levels.

Cascades has its own multi-storey car park and is close to surface car parks, all with accessible spaces. Portsmouth and Southsea Train Station and bus connections are located near by.

Port Solent

Port Solent offers a taste of something a little different . The various boutiques present a different shopping experience to enjoy, or you could catch the latest blockbuster at the fully accessible multiplex cinema, or tempt your tastebuds with a wide selection of cuisines from around the world. The leisure complex has many levels, with lifts and ramps provided where possible, including down to the water's edge. the Boardwalk is only partially under cover, so shops and restaurants have slight steps or ramps at their entrances and heavy doors. 88% of premises achieved Silver or Bronze status, with 8% at Gold level, and 4% failed to meet the criteria.

Limited public toilets are provided, however, restaurants have their own facilities for customer use.

All car parking spaces are free, with generous provision for disabled badge holders.

Southsea

Situated just back from the seafront, Southsea has a relaxed atmosphere and is a perfect place to pop into a high street store, or explore some of  Southsea's independent retailers.

Southsea is proud of its history, and many shops retain their original frontage or internal features, so access for people with disabilities can be limited. Store are however continually improving with 82% of stores achieiving basic standards of accessibility.

there are a selection of small pay and display car parks in the are with fully accessible spaces, and on road parking where Blue Badge holders can park for free for upto 3 hours. The shopping area is also just a short distance from parking facilities on the seafront.

Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays is a modern waterfront destination - experience the wide range of restaurants, designer outlets, leisure facilities and coffee shops. Over 90% of premises achieved either Gold or Silver Awards so with such high standards of disabled access you can be assured of a good welcome.

Gunwharf Quays has its own underground car park with 62 designated accessible spaces, close to the lifts, for Blue Badge holders. Please note ALL spaces are chargable. Alternatively reach Gunwharf Quays by train or bus from The Hard Interchange adjacent to the designer outlet complex.