where in Portsmouth pre-ferry?

[Piccalilli2]

We are travelling overnight with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth in June. We're driving down from the north so the plan is to get to Portsmouth mid-afternoon, tire the kids out with softplay or similar (they'll be nearly 4 and 15 months) then early dinner somewhere child-friendly before heading to the boat. I don't know Portsmouth at all so can anyone recommend anywhere for either the softplay bit or eating?

Gunwharf Quays - not sure if they have softplay, but there are lots of child friendly places to eat (some on the waterfront). You could take them up the Spinnaker Tower or for a stroll around the Historic Dockyard (it's free if you don't go on anything and there is plenty to see even if you don't). Took the kids to Portsmouth (mine are slightly older) at Easter and was really impressed. You can park there and you won't be far from the Ferry terminal- all in all a great place to kill time!

We did Spinnaker Tower when we went down for the ferry and it was just the right thing. Too tall for me to go up though, I hate heights. I stayed down below and had a nice cuppa tea instead.

They have a soft play at the Historic docks in Portsmouth.

This is a great day out for the whole family, but not much use if you are just there for a couple of hours. When we have been, we bought an annual ticket and used it over two visits.

If you can just pay for what you want, then it is something to think about.

Website:

www.historicdockyard.co.uk/

I think you should be able just to present yourself at the softplay, and pay as you go. It's in the back of the snackbar buiding, next to the bar .

If you want atmospheric dining, you can stroll over to Gunwharf Quays.

Hi.
There is this soft play area (we haven't been).
((www.theplayzone.co.uk/))

and also this one where we went 2 years ago when we were doing the same crossing as you.

((www.clarencepier.co.uk/petes.htm))

Fantastic, thanks everyone - getting excited now!