In case you’ve solely handed by way of Portsmouth on the way in which to catch a ferry, you’re lacking out – from historical past to seashores and household sights, you’ll discover loads of issues to do in Portsmouth with youngsters.
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I’ve been visiting since I used to be a toddler myself, wowed by the possibility to see a real Tudor shipwreck, in addition to visits to stroll the decks of HMS Victory, discover Southsea and the south coast forts – to not point out various stops on the way in which to the Isle of Wight.
There’s been a lot growth over time (though it nonetheless shocked me to grasp the Spinnaker Tower is almost 20 years previous!) with ever extra locations to go in Portsmouth with youngsters, in addition to conventional favourites together with two piers. Right here’s my choose of one of the best.
Mary Rose Museum
I vividly keep in mind visiting this Tudor ship once I was a toddler, not lengthy after it was raised from the seabed in 1982 – centuries after Henry VIII’s flagship sank in the course of the Battle of the Solent off Portsmouth, the place she was constructed.
Since then, the museum has had a multi-million pound revamp to indicate off a few of the 19,000 artefacts which have been excavated together with the wreck – together with nit combs full with nits and a skeleton of a small canine – and a few of the data archaeologists have discovered.
With interactive shows to maintain youngsters engaged, it’s an interesting household day trip, in addition to being nice in case you’re visiting Portsmouth within the rain with youngsters.
Purchase tickets to the Mary Rose Museum with free cancellation, or it’s additionally included in Final Explorer tickets together with entry to different sights together with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
The Hampshire coast is outlined by its naval historical past, from fortresses defending in opposition to invasion to ships within the harbour – so a day trip on the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the right introduction.
The HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship on the Battle of Trafalgar, is probably one of the best identified ship right here nevertheless it’s solely one of many historic vessels you may uncover, alongside HMS Warrior, the world’s first iron-hulled warship, plus others from the First and Second World Wars, not least a submarine.
There’s additionally a museum and different household actions on the positioning, together with the Horrible Histories Pirates exhibition – two websites, in reality, with some throughout the water in Gosport. A waterbus can take you from the reveals in Portsmouth harbour, or attempt a harbour tour.
You may as well purchase Final Explorer tickets for entry to a number of sights together with the Dockyard and Mary Rose, or a ticket for HMS Victory solely, each with free cancellation.
Spinnaker Tower
At 170m excessive, the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth is taller than Blackpool Tower or the London Eye – and on a transparent day, you may see for 23 miles.
Head as much as gaze out from one in all three viewing decks, with data on simply what you’re , and an incredible panorama together with the ships crusing out and in of port.
The very best, the Sky Backyard, has a mesh ceiling so you may really feel the breeze. Or look all the way down to the harbour by way of the glass ground of the Sky Stroll – solely 6cm deep, it will probably maintain the equal of two black rhinos. For probably the most excessive adrenaline thrills, teenagers aged 14 and over can abseil down the aspect (accompanied by an grownup!).
If that doesn’t enchantment, there’s additionally additionally a digital actuality expertise and The Sail of the Solent animated movie. If the climate takes a flip for the more serious and the tower is misplaced within the mist? In case you can’t see all three Solent forts on the day of your go to, you may get a free ticket to return one other day (inside three months, converse to the responsibility supervisor on the day).
You’ve additionally bought all of the outlets and eating places of Gunwharf Quays on the doorstep, plus different household enjoyable together with bowling and a cinema
Portchester Fort
First constructed within the late third century, Portchester Fort is the best-preserved of the Roman forts on the Saxon Shore, as this stretch of the South East has turn into identified.
There’s an exhibition within the Hold concerning the fortress’s historical past, from its earliest Roman days to Saxon settlement, Norman fortress, medieval royal palace and past – in addition to a free audio tour to take heed to as you discover.
Henry V launched his invasion of France from right here, however then for lots of of years its position was a prisoner of battle camp, together with for a gaggle introduced from the Caribbean within the 18th century and hundreds held inside the partitions in the course of the Napoleonic wars.
In case you can’t get sufficient of historic artillery, head to Fort Nelson as properly, which homes the Royal Armouries’ nationwide assortment of historical past cannon and artillery – free to go to however prebooking tickets is beneficial
Southsea Fort
Step again in time at Southsea Fort, a historic fortification constructed by King Henry VIII as a part of a collection of coastal defences in opposition to French invasion within the sixteenth century – in reality it’s right here that he watched the Mary Rose sink underneath the waves.
You may stroll alongside the historic ramparts, take some enjoyable images with the cannons, and luxuriate in wonderful views over the Solent.
The fortress sits on the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, so you may get an incredible view of ships passing by, together with a few of the spectacular Royal Navy fleet – Portsmouth Naval Base is residence to virtually two-thirds of the Navy’s floor ships, together with plane carriers and destroyers.
Or head underground and be a part of one of many guided excursions of the tunnels (small teams solely, so do guide), in addition to seeing gadgets recovered from the wreck of the Mary Rose and studying about native historical past.
The fortress is open between April and October every year and is totally free to go to, making it the most effective issues to do with youngsters in Portsmouth whenever you’re on a finances.
Portsmouth Museum & Artwork Gallery
For probably the most enjoyable and academic issues to do in Portsmouth with youngsters, head to the Portsmouth Museum and Artwork Gallery.
From the Roman invasion to the current day, Portsmouth Museum introduces guests to the town’s wealthy historical past, with loads of interactive reveals and enjoyable household trails that can preserve guests of all ages engaged.
The museum additionally homes the world’s largest Sherlock Holmes exhibition, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote his first two books whereas residing within the metropolis. Little detectives may even get pleasure from investigating the particular Sherlock path across the museum’s grounds.
And for younger soccer followers, the museum’s Soccer within the Metropolis exhibition explores the historical past of Portsmouth FC and its gamers.
Cumberland Home Pure Historical past Museum
Uncover the wonders of the pure world at Cumberland Home Pure Historical past Museum. The museum is free to go to and has a variety of reveals which are excellent for youngsters, together with shows on dinosaurs, sea life, and native wildlife.
One of many highlights of the museum is the various interactive reveals. Little ones can contact and discover numerous specimens, together with fossils, bugs, and animal skeletons.
From Might to September, you can too stroll by way of the museum’s butterfly home too, recognizing the attractive newly hatched butterflies.
The employees on the museum are pleasant, educated, and all the time joyful to reply any questions that children might have. There are additionally common occasions for households, resembling workshops, craft classes, and academic talks.
Blue Reef Aquarium Southsea
We’ve visited a couple of of the Blue Reef Aquariums across the nation – together with Hastings simply alongside the coast and Newquay in Cornwall – and so they’re a beautiful possibility in case you’re visiting Portsmouth within the rain with youngsters (or year-round, in case you occur to have a small Octonauts fan).
With rays, sharks, jellyfish and turtles, in addition to the otters, there’s a lot to find past the fish as properly at Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth, simply exterior the town in Southsea.
Time your go to for one of many talks or feeding occasions, discover Nemo among the many clownfish or peer on the piranhas, in addition to discovering out extra concerning the marine life in rockpools… ultimate in case you’re additionally planning to hit the seaside later.
Clarence Pier Amusement Park
What’s a British seaside city and not using a pier!? And Portsmouth is fortunate sufficient to have two; Clarence Pier and South Parade Pier, each situated on the Southsea seafront.
Clarence Pier is residence to the most important amusement park on the south coast, making it the most effective household days out in Portsmouth.
There are many rides and sights for youngsters of all ages, from bumper vehicles, mini-golf and a merry-go-round to bigger rides for older youngsters just like the thrilling Twister and stomach-churning Tornado. Plus, don’t neglect your 2p’s for the traditional indoor arcade machines.
The amusement park additionally has quite a lot of household pleasant meals on the pier, together with conventional fish and chips, sweet floss, ice cream, and plenty extra – and an opportunity to mess along with your senses within the Upside Down Home.
South Parade Pier
South Parade Pier is one other Victorian pier on the Southsea coast – with a turbulent historical past! The pier has burnt down 3 times throughout its lifetime… however fortunately every time, it’s been rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
Regardless of its most up-to-date renovation being solely in 2017, South Parade Pier feels extra like a conventional British seaside pier than Clarence Pier.
It has an amusement arcade and a household fairground with a couple of small rides which are greatest suited to youthful youngsters. There are additionally a number of outlets, eating places, bars, and a stay music venue alongside the pier.
And don’t miss the possibility to take a stroll alongside the pier’s promenade, recognizing the various fishermen alongside the way in which and having fun with the views out over the Isle of Wight and down the Portsmouth shoreline.
Canoe Lake
Within the coronary heart of Southsea, Canoe Lake and its surrounding parkland make the right spot for a household picnic or a calming stroll on a sunny day within the metropolis.
Whether or not you fancy heading out on the water or sticking to dry land, there are a number of actions to attempt as you discover the park and lake – from feeding the geese with little ones, to taking part in within the youngsters’s playground with its sand pit and zipwires, and having fun with a trip on the swan pedal boats.
Go to in spring and summer season and you may usually see cygnets right here because it’s a favorite place for swans and their younger.
There may be additionally a splash pool, which is right for cooling off on a scorching day, in addition to a wonderful rose backyard and the Southsea Mannequin Village. All in all, an incredible place to spend a leisurely afternoon with the household in Portsmouth.
Hit the seaside
In case you’re searching for seashores in Hampshire with youngsters, they might not be as well-known as a few of the different stretches of England’s south coast, however there are nonetheless loads of choices for a couple of sandcastles and paddling.
The mainland coast has lengthy stretches of shingle – beautiful Southsea seaside has sand at low tide and joins as much as Eastney seaside as you get nearer to Portsmouth.
Or Hayling Island has sheltered stretches for swimming in addition to nice windsurfing for older youngsters at West Hayling. You’re solely round half-hour from a few of the greatest sandy seashores in Sussex for youths, together with West Wittering.
For extra nice sandy seashores close to Portsmouth, hop on the Wightlink ferry to Fishbourne for a string of beautiful seashores on the Isle of Wight.
The D-Day Story Museum
In case your youngsters are keen on army historical past, they’ll love Portsmouth’s The D-Day Story Museum.
The fascinating museum is a good place to be taught concerning the D-Day landings in 1944 and the position that Portsmouth performed in the course of the Second World Warfare.
There are audio-visual shows, touch-screen video games, and wonderful real-life artefacts, from tanks to army uniforms, which assist to carry historical past to life for youthful guests.
And to essentially preserve little ones entertained, the family-friendly “Resist! Path” could have your entire household working collectively as a group to seek out clues and remedy puzzles across the museum to help the French Resistance.
Don’t neglect to examine the museum’s occasion schedule to see if any household occasions are arising, resembling craft workshops and demonstrations.
Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum
Portsmouth’s Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is the right place to introduce kids to the works of probably the most well-known authors in historical past.
The museum is about inside the home the place Charles Dickens was born and raised, and it has been restored to look simply because it may need completed when he lived there within the mid-1800s. Youngsters will love exploring the rooms and seeing the Regency-style furnishings, toys, and different objects from the Victorian period.
The museum additionally has a small assortment of memorabilia, together with Dickens’ snuff field, inkwell, paper knife, and character illustrations.
Self-Guided Dickens Path
If the Birthplace Museum wasn’t sufficient Dickens for in the future, you can too take the household on a self-guided Dickens strolling tour round Portsmouth.
The path – which you’ll be able to obtain right here free of charge – takes you round 14 completely different websites linked to the well-known British creator and his life within the coastal metropolis.
You’ll go by better-known landmarks such because the museum and the statue of Dickens on Guildhall Sq., in addition to some extra hidden spots, resembling a number of buildings that served as inspirations for his work.
Household actions in Portsmouth
In addition to the household sights, there are many locations to get energetic with youngsters in Portsmouth. If a trampoline park tops your loved ones’s listing, Flip Out Portsmouth has trampolines and airbags in addition to delicate play, plus classes appropriate for little ones.
In case you’re searching for extra play areas and delicate play in Plymouth, you’re spoiled for selection although. PlayZone is the most important indoor play space and leisure centre on the south coast – there are gentler choices for toddlers, in addition to teenagers right here, and it’s solely round a brief drive from the town centre.
Or Exploria sits proper between the D-Day Story and South Parade Pier, if you wish to match some baby pleasant enjoyable in between sightseeing. There’s a child and toddler zone, in addition to a bounce exercise zone, and one other play zone with ball pits and climbing.
It’s value understanding that the Pirates and Princesses delicate play on Clarence Pier is now closed, however one other attraction could also be changing it.
If the solar is shining, there are additionally a string of splash pads in Portsmouth that are excellent for cooling off in the course of the summer season.
Days out close to Portsmouth for youths
It’s not laborious to fill a weekend in Portsmouth with youngsters (or longer) however the metropolis additionally makes base for exploring in Hampshire, together with these enjoyable days out close to Portsmouth for households.
The New Forest
One of many loveliest spots in England, the New Forest is filled with fairly villages, picturesque walks and most excitingly for youthful youngsters, ponies which roam freely – to not point out a couple of donkeys.
In case you’re exploring the New Forest, the probabilities are you’ll see some alongside the way in which however place to identify them is close to Brockenhurst, round Beachern Wooden. And it’s all the time motivator to move out on a stroll, a cycle trip on one of many off-road trails and even canoeing.
Take a look at our day biking from close by Beaulieu to Bucklers Onerous and canoeing within the New Forest.
There are additionally some beautiful animal sights, from the New Forest Wildlife Park which specialises in British wildlife to the toddler-friendly Longdown Exercise Farm.
Southampton
The UK’s largest cruise port isn’t simply someplace to hop on a ship and sail off into the sundown, with a complete string of issues to do in Southampton with youngsters.
And Portsmouth’s neighbouring metropolis is simply half an hour away, so it’s doable to squeeze each into a brief break. There’s extra unbelievable historical past to find, from the Mayflower to the Titanic, plus wartime plane and medieval partitions.
To not point out loads of likelihood to get open air and plenty of sights for households, together with snowsports and an indoor journey park.
Discover extra issues to do in Southampton with youngsters right here
The Isle of Wight
In addition to a string of ferries crossing over the Solent to the Isle of Wight, you can too hop onto a hovercraft to whisk you from Southsea to Ryde in simply 10 minutes.
With its personal little microclimate which suggests the solar appears to shine extra right here than on the mainland, you can too hunt for dinosaurs and go to a string of animal sights and theme parks, in addition to discovering to pure landmarks and castles.
Plus seashores galore after all, together with some seashores near Ryde.
For extra concepts of one of the best issues to do on the Isle of Wight with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World
In case you’re a guardian, likelihood is you’ll already know of Hampshire’s high theme park – as Paulton’s Park is the house of Peppa Pig World. However in addition to the mild rides and likelihood for toddlers and preschoolers to satisfy Peppa and George, there’s a lot extra heart-racing enjoyable.
There are over 70 rides, acres of grounds and animals to identify, in addition to a number of themed areas: Misplaced Kingdom is all about dinosaurs, whereas Critter Creek is nice for youthful ones, so there’s one thing for older and taller youngsters who need some adrenaline thrills in addition to much less scary choices.
Take a look at my ideas for visiting Peppa Pig World and Paultons Park.
Butser Historic Farm
It’s difficult to know fairly the best way to categorise Butser Historic Farm aside from being a unbelievable day trip in Hampshire with youngsters – half out of doors museum, half historic web site, half animal attraction, it’s a novel mix of all three.
Set within the South Downs Nationwide Park close to Petersfield, this experimental archaeology web site options reconstructions of historical buildings from the Stone Age and Iron Age by way of Roman Britain and into the Anglo Saxon period. There are additionally prehistoric crops, in addition to uncommon animal breeds resembling goats and sheep which the unique inhabitants on these properties would have recognised.
Youngsters may attempt the household trails and quizzes, in addition to some actions with a distinction, together with mosaic making and wattling fences, plus some particular occasions throughout holidays.
Fishbourne Roman Palace, Fishbourne, West Sussex
Fishbourne Roman Palace is among the oldest and most full Roman palaces in all of Britain, full with some wonderful mosaics and gardens.
It isn’t identified who the luxurious palace belonged to however that doesn’t take away from the enjoyable in any respect.
For the youngsters, there are some actions to finish as you go to too, together with Mosaic Bingo and Palace Puzzles.
If one Roman residence isn’t sufficient, Bignor Roman villa is round half an hour away, with extra mosaics to see, whereas Brading Roman Villa on the Isle of Wight is a good place to discover in case your youngsters love historical past too
Marwell Zoo
The 140-acre Marwell Zoo simply exterior Winchester has over 1,200 animals to find, in addition to a stamp path for youths to observe alongside the way in which.
There are sometimes additional household sights and exhibitions in case you want an added cause to go to (or return) – resembling Brickosaurs at Marwell Zoo, a string Lego dinosaurs amongst the real-life inhabitants.
The zoo can be residence to 4 journey playgrounds, little street and rail trains, in addition to the animals themselves – from amur tigers to zebras, to not point out cheetah, pink pandas, penguins and extra.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Hampshire with youngsters, take a look at my choose of one of the best
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Spinnaker Tower/Isle of Wight seaside/Marwell Zoo copyright MummyTravels, all different photographs courtesy of Depositphotos
