Seafront Attractions Open as Usual
Victorious Festival might be filling up Southsea Common, but plenty of seafront attractions will be open as usual. Whether you want to take in the classic seafront activities, enjoy a walk on the promenade, or get some food and drink right on the water's edge then don't be put off, there's still loads to enjoy.
Getting here on the bank holiday weekend
Whilst we expect the roads to be busy across the weekend - with not just Victorious Festival but those heading into the city for the long weekend during summer school holidays - the main routes into the city will be open as usual.
Avenue de Caen and parts of Clarence Parade will be closed as they fall within the festival site, but many of the roads around Southsea Common will be open as usual throughout the weekend. So to the car parks, with those at the Hovertravel Terminal, at Clarence Pier and along the seafront roads no different to usual. The only car parks closed during the festival are those at The D-Day Story and Pyramids Centre.
That said, why not ease the stress and travel into Portsmouth the greener way, by using Park & Ride. We're well and truly in the summer season so the PR3 service is running into central Southsea, as well as the usual routes to the City Centre and Hard Interchange. Note, the last bus departs Clarence Pier at 7.24pm.
There will also be all the regular train and bus services to Portsmouth, with direct travel into the city from London, Brighton, Winchester, Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, Southampton and beyond.
Attractions open as usual
Even if you're not visiting the festival, don't scratch Portsmouth off your travel plans. Most of the seafront attractions will be open as usual and happy to welcome you through their doors.
Enjoy classic funfair rides and games at Clarence Pier, or head over to South Parade Pier for stunning coastal views, food and activities.
Families can embark on an underwater adventure at Blue Reef Aquarium - and even see the brand new addition, an octopus! Though it's right next to the festival site, Blue Reef Aquarium will be open and can be reached by walking down the new section of promenade from the Hovertravel terminal.
Kids need to burn some energy? How about Exploria at Portsmouth Pyramids Centre? Here you'll find soft bounce and soft play activities, with separate sections for all ages to ensure everyone is kept safe.
Further along the coast you have Southsea Model Village - recently named by The Telegraph as one of the UK's most charming. It's right next to Portsmouth Natural History Museum, where you can see our current animal neighbours, or head back through time to the Jurassic period.
Unmissable eateries
It wouldn't be a trip to the coast without enjoying some fish and chips, would it?! The Briny is perfectly located right on Southsea Seafront, with stunning views out over The Solent. It will be open as usual across the weekend, serving its award-winning selection of freshly prepared seafood dishes.
It's a similar story at Southsea Beach Cafe, where fresh eats are paired with wonderful coastal views. Enjoy a spot of lunch or go along for an evening meal as the sun sets over Southsea beach.
Prefer a pick-me-up? There are two Coffee Cup outlets at either side of the promenade, both of which will be open across the bank holiday. Get your caffeine fix or treat yourself to some baked goods to really top off a weekend well spent.
There's more information about the weekend - and the big event on Southsea Common - on our blog: Victorious Festival 2026: Know before you go.
