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Portsmouth and surrounding areas - things to do in the rain tomorrow

34 replies

MrsBridgetMcClusky · 14/02/2026 18:32

We've booked two nights in a hotel as we were expecting to go to Paultons Park for two days. However, we pretty much did it all today so I'm looking for reasonably priced things to to do tomorrow. We're staying in Portsmouth. Any ideas to keep a tween and teen happy? Thanks.

OP posts:
dippedydoodah · 14/02/2026 18:34

Portsmouth Dockyard - could spend whole day if you do boat trip and museums or Gunwharf Quays

TeenToTwenties · 14/02/2026 18:37

Ice Skating at Gosport?

Hereforthecommentz · 14/02/2026 18:38

2nd the dockyard, It can be expensive though so look on Groupon. It's a great day out. You could go to Fort Nelson it's free to get in and nice history that will take about an hour / hour and a half. My teen even likes walking around it and the tunnels. Southsea, there are loads of arcades there and a nice indoor mini golf.

TeenToTwenties · 14/02/2026 18:40

Along the coast towards Chichester, Fishbourne Roman Villa

Sprig1 · 14/02/2026 18:40

Do you have a car? If so, I would take a trip to the New Forest.

Fearfulsaints · 14/02/2026 18:45

We love the dock yards and fort Nelson and indeed Fishbourne palace.

Theres a d day museum and a little aquarium with cute ottters in Southsea plus the fort bit/tunners/ arcades

Edited: dh says otters were elsewhere but it was still fun..

TeenToTwenties · 14/02/2026 18:45

Sprig1 · 14/02/2026 18:40

Do you have a car? If so, I would take a trip to the New Forest.

I wouldn't in tomorrow's weather!

MrsBridgetMcClusky · 14/02/2026 18:46

Yes, we have the car. Anywhere in particular you would visit in the New Forest @Sprig1 Thanks

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MrsBridgetMcClusky · 14/02/2026 18:54

Southsea castle looks like a possibility. The tunnels look something a bit different to see. What else could we tag on nearby/quick drive? The historic dockyard looks good but very expensive - I'm not sure if the kids would go for it. Really appreciate all the ideas.

OP posts:
Fearfulsaints · 14/02/2026 18:57

The aquarium and D day thing are 2 mins from the castle.

Cuttheshurtains · 14/02/2026 18:58

Fort Nelson is free entry I think

If it is nice weather I would say a hovercraft to Ryde

There's arcades and an indoor crazy golf

Or the tenth hole for cake (and pitch and putt if it's nice weather

Cuttheshurtains · 14/02/2026 18:58

Fearfulsaints · 14/02/2026 18:57

The aquarium and D day thing are 2 mins from the castle.

Oh yes I forgot about the aquarium !

TricNorthCarolina · 14/02/2026 19:00

How old are your dc?

TeenToTwenties · 14/02/2026 19:00

The aquarium and the amusements are good.

Wherethecatgone · 14/02/2026 19:03

Mary Rose and HMS Victory are great.

EffectivelyDaydreaming · 14/02/2026 19:04

The D Day Experience is excellent if they are into history. Gunwharf Quays for shopping, cinema etc but it is windy and the traffic can get very busy.

Hereforthecommentz · 14/02/2026 19:05

Do not bother with the aquarium, it's really small, you will get through it in half an hour it's not worth the money.

MrsBridgetMcClusky · 14/02/2026 19:06

They are 8 and 15.

OP posts:
Fearfulsaints · 14/02/2026 19:10

With those ages and and acknowledging the docks are expensive, I lean towards Fort Nelson..

frugalkitty · 14/02/2026 19:13

Get the ferry across to Gosport and go to the submarine museum, that's brilliant. Ex-submariners take you in a sub and explain it all, it's one of the best days out we did with our kids. Gun Wharf is ok for shopping and Southsea Castle is interesting but you won't be there ages.

toooldforbrat · 14/02/2026 19:21

Submarine museum in gosport. Boat tour round the harbour from Gun Warf if any navy boats in, trip on the hovercraft 🤢

recommend pebbles fish & chips in Gosport.

ASadLittleLifeJane · 14/02/2026 19:25

If you decide on Fort Nelson you need to get tickets. It's free but there's a max capacity so dont just turn up. You pay to park inside. It's really interesting with loads to look at and the tunnels are great. There's a cafe too. There's a Flip Out not too far away. Port Solent is nice for a wander and a good place to eat. There's an Odeon there too.

MrsBridgetMcClusky · 14/02/2026 20:30

Right, you've lot are going to hate me🤦‍♀️ I've decided to bite the bullet and go for the dockyard. My rationale is that it sounds like a full day out, and it might be a false economy to do a few different things. Also, seems like the thing to do if you visit Portsmouth. DH was turning his nose up initially, so I'm blaming him. Thanks so much for all the ideas - really appreciated xx

OP posts:
Snowinsummer · 14/02/2026 20:33

The Dockyard is great. You won’t regret it.

TricNorthCarolina · 14/02/2026 20:33

Dockyard & a quick trip across the ferry to the submarine museum in gosport