Gunwharf Quays Tours and Activities

Gunwharf Quays featuring a river or creek and modern architecture
Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays as well as a family
Gunwharf Quays featuring interior views
Gunwharf Quays which includes a statue or sculpture


Stretching along the sea is one of Portsmouth's coolest areas, with plenty of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a contemporary art gallery.

Beneath the shadow of the famous Spinnaker Tower is the stylish shopping and leisure centre of Gunwharf Quays, where you can easily spend a day browsing the many shops and enjoying the entertainment. The site's history as an ordnance yard is marked only by the cannons that line the waterfront. Today, the area is a modern, buzzing destination, popular with both local residents and visitors. Spoil yourself with a day of shopping and eating here.

Check out the more than 90 stores on the wharf, which include some of fashion's biggest names. Hunt for bargains on clothes by Tommy Hilfiger, Jack Wills and Ted Baker. Stock up on quality kitchen essentials at Le Creuset and Cath Kidston. Treat yourself to something fancy from Swarovski. Whatever it is you’re shopping for, you're likely to find it here.

Take a break from shopping in one of the many cafés and restaurants. Choose from familiar fast-food chains, fine Italian cuisine and hearty American food. The Aspex café bar and the Waterfront Café offer laid-back spaces to have coffee and people-watch.

Study cool new art at the Aspex, a contemporary gallery that showcases the best art from emerging artists. The main space displays diverse rotating exhibitions featuring works made using a variety of techniques. Ask about the gallery’s events schedule at the front desk to see what is happening during your stay.

Speed out to sea on a powerboat trip or participate in competitive fun at the 26-lane bowling alley. Watch the latest movies at the centre's multiplex cinema. The casino with a bar and restaurant is a good place to socialize during the evening.

Gunwharf Quays is only a 5-minute walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station and the Hard Bus Interchange. Combine a visit here with a trip to the adjacent Historic Dockyard, another essential Portsmouth destination.

Popular places to visit


Top Gunwharf Quays Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Royal Maritime Hotel

Royal Maritime Hotel

3 out of 5
Queens Street, Portsmouth, England
Royal Maritime Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG

3 out of 5
The Plaza Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England
Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

4 out of 5
Pembroke Road, Portsmouth, England
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG
ibis Portsmouth Centre

ibis Portsmouth Centre

3.5 out of 5
Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, England
ibis Portsmouth Centre
Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children

Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children

3 out of 5
15 - 16 The Hard, Portsmouth, England
Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children
ibis budget Portsmouth

ibis budget Portsmouth

3 out of 5
Fratton Way, Portsmouth, England
ibis budget Portsmouth
Duke of Buckingham

Duke of Buckingham

3 out of 5
119 The High Street, Portsmouth, England
Duke of Buckingham
The Lady Hamilton B&B

The Lady Hamilton B&B

2.5 out of 5
21 The Hard, Portsmouth, England
The Lady Hamilton B&B
Keppel's Head Hotel

Keppel's Head Hotel

3.5 out of 5
24-26 The Hard, Portsmouth, England
Keppel's Head Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays offers a fantastic experience with a variety of activities to enjoy. Indulge in shopping at a range of outlets, take a thrilling hovercraft ride for stunning views, or embark on delightful boat tours to explore the surrounding waters. Don't miss the chance to experience the vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty that Gunwharf Quays has to offer.

Shopping

Gunwharf Quays offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of designer outlets and high street brands. You'll find unique gifts at various stores, and if you're up for a drive, WestQuay Shopping Centre and House of Chilli are great options nearby.

Recreation

At Fratton Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports, just a short distance from Gunwharf Quays. For a family-friendly experience, the Pyramids Centre offers aquatic fun with pools and activities. Enjoy live music and vibrant entertainment at the Wedgewood Rooms, perfect for a lively night out.

Adventure

The Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath offers stunning hiking trails, located 8.0km from Gunwharf Quays, perfect for those seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. For a thrilling water experience, Nomad Sailing, situated 805m away, provides exciting sailing activities amidst the vibrant outdoor atmosphere.

Nightlife

Gunwharf Quays boasts vibrant nightlife with venues like Kings Theatre, offering culture and romance, and Action Stations., perfect for adventure seekers. For a cinematic experience, catch a film at Cineworld Isle of Wight, providing entertainment and a romantic atmosphere just a short distance away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays offers an exciting mix of attractions, including beautiful beaches, fascinating military museums, and a vibrant marina. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying outdoor experiences. Notable nearby points of interest include the bustling Portsmouth Harbour and the Gunwharf Quays complex itself, along with various accommodation options in Portsmouth for a comfortable stay. It's a perfect destination for exploring the best of coastal England.

  • HMS Victory: Explore the iconic HMS Victory, a historic warship and maritime museum located 805m from Gunwharf Quays. Step aboard to experience the rich naval history and culture, with fascinating exhibits and the chance to see where Admiral Nelson strategised during the Battle of Trafalgar.
  • University of Portsmouth: Situated 966m away, the University of Portsmouth boasts beautiful architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. Wander through its historic grounds and soak up the academic culture that thrives in this renowned institution.
  • Portsmouth Guildhall: This impressive event and conference venue, located 966m from Gunwharf Quays, offers a blend of business vibes and cultural events. Attend concerts or exhibitions in its grand halls, appreciating both the historical significance and modern functionality.

Best time to go to Gunwharf Quays

The best time to visit Gunwharf Quays is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.1°F (12.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gunwharf Quays

To maximise your savings while visiting Gunwharf Quays, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation prices, particularly on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to refine hotel choices by budget and preferences, including eco-certified options. Consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Additionally, take advantage of public transport for efficient and affordable travel around Portsmouth, and explore free activities available in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gunwharf Quays are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gunwharf Quays is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Gunwharf Quays is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Gunwharf Quays hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.