8 fun and completely free things to do in Portsmouth

Portsmouth can be found on the Hampshire coast in the south of England. The city has been an important naval port for centuries and has a long and fascinating history – including being the birthplace of Victorian writer Charles Dickens. Portsmouth is also modern with plenty to keep you amused on your holiday. Those on a budget will not suffer in Portsmouth as there are lots of fun and completely free things to do here.

Naval History

1 Portsdown Hill

Portsmouth is famous for its centuries of naval history and the city has frequently been central to defence against threats of invasion. There are a number of forts built up on Portsdown Hill to defend the port and dockyard from attack. Fort Nelson has been restored as an artillery museum which is free to enter, so you can see how the fort would have been operated in the 1890s. There is a visitor centre and café alongside the galleries and exhibits – plus this Fort has over 350 big guns on display! The hill offers absolutely stunning views over Portsmouth and the surrounding countryside and is a great place for a picnic.

2 Southsea Castle

Southsea Castle dates back to 1544 and is one of the many coastal fortifications built by King Henry VIII. The castle has a long military history, including being captured by Parlimentarians in the English Civil War. It has witnessed many events throughout its history, the biggest of which was the sinking of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s prized ship, which occurred in front of the castle not long after it had been built. The castle is free to enter and there is a nice café here. Be aware that it closes for winter, excluding some seasonal opening days in December and January.

General History

3 Portsmouth City Museum

Aside from its interesting naval history, the town also has a vibrant cultural history which can be explored at the City Museum. The museum frequently has exciting temporary exhibits, so you’re sure to find something new each time you go. The building itself is an impressive sight to see with its pointed roofs and turrets. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday all year round and admission is free.

4 Portsmouth Natural History Museum

At the Natural History Museum you can discover how nature lives and thrives in the habitats of the local Portsmouth area, from the riverbanks to the woods and also explore how wildlife copes in urban areas. There are some amazing insights into the natural world here that visitors of all ages will love – including the butterfly house. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday all year round and is free to enter. It’s worth noting that the butterflies only fly between May and September.

Kids choice

5 Canoe Lake

After having fun learning and exploring at the museums and castles of Portsmouth, kids will probably enjoy an afternoon running around and playing at Canoe Lake. There is a large play area with a sand pit and a zip wire which kids will love expending some energy on. The large boating lake is the main attraction to the park and pedal boats can be hired for a small fee. The lake is open all year round and there is a pay and display car park at Southsea Esplanade.

6 Historic Dockyard

If the kids are still enjoying seeing the wealth of history available to them in the city, take them to the Historic Dockyard. Although you have to pay to visit the individual attractions, walking around the free dockyard is a great experience and you can get a true sense of the scale of these ships used in historic battles. The HMS Victory stands proudly in a dry dock and the HMS Warrior is still afloat in the harbour.

Culture

7 Royal Garrison Church

For those looking for a bit of peace to go with their cultural day out, a visit to the Royal Garrison Church in Old Portsmouth could be perfect. Located on Penny Street, this church was founded in 1212. It has a long and fascinating history - it was hit badly during an air raid during the Second World War and it remains largely roofless as a memorial. The church is open to the public between April and September, from 11am to 4pm.

8 Victoria Park

Located in the centre of the city, Victoria Park is spread over 15 acres. It provides a peaceful space for those in need of a quiet walk or a beauty spot for a picnic. In the centre of the park you’ll find a surprise in the form of an aviary containing peacocks and exotic birds! There is also a small animal area, with rabbits and guinea pigs for the kids to pet and feed.

Portsmouth has a whole host of free attractions to suit any taste, so being on a budget does not mean compromising on fun.