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.

Plan a trip to see Gunwharf Quays

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
The Guardsman Hotel and Residences
Hotel 41

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 Portsmouth by IHG

Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

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

ibis Portsmouth Centre

3.5 out of 5
Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, England
ibis Portsmouth Centre
Duke of Buckingham

Duke of Buckingham

3 out of 5
119 The High Street, Portsmouth, England
Duke of Buckingham
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
Southsea Rocks Hotel

Southsea Rocks Hotel

2 out of 5
4 Florence Rd, Portsmouth, England
Southsea Rocks Hotel
Keppel's Head Hotel

Keppel's Head Hotel

3.5 out of 5
24-26 The Hard, Portsmouth, England
Keppel's Head Hotel
Old Victory House Homestay

Old Victory House Homestay

3 out of 5
25 Ordnance Road, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, England
Old Victory House Homestay
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 vibrant mix of activities, from scenic ferry trips to live music performances that enhance the atmosphere. Visitors can indulge in shopping at trendy outlets, savour delicious meals at popular restaurants, or simply enjoy the waterfront views. A trip to Gunwharf Quays is perfect for those seeking a lively day filled with entertainment and relaxation.

Shopping

Gunwharf Quays offers a fantastic shopping experience with a mix of designer outlets and unique boutiques. If you're up for a drive, WestQuay Shopping Centre, located 24.1km away, boasts a diverse range of shops, dining options, and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

Fratton Park, a lively sports stadium, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The Pyramids Centre Portsmouth, a family-friendly aquatic centre, features pools and fun water activities. For entertainment, the Wedgewood Rooms hosts vibrant music concerts, creating a lively night out.

Adventure

The Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath, located 8.0km from Gunwharf Quays, offers stunning views and a thrilling hiking experience. For water enthusiasts, Nomad Sailing, a mere 805m away, provides exhilarating sailing adventures, while CBK Hayling Island, 8.0km distant, promises exciting water sports activities.

Nightlife

For a cultural experience, visit the Kings Theatre, just 1.6km away for a show. If you're after fun, head to Action Stations! only 483m away for arcade thrills. For a movie night, Cineworld Whiteley is 14.5km away, perfect for families and couples alike.

*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 in Portsmouth offers a mix of attractions, including beaches, military museums, and event venues, perfect for those keen on culture and outdoor experiences. Don’t miss the chance to explore the vibrant shopping scene with discounts available at Gunwharf Quay, making it a great spot for both relaxation and adventure. Enjoy local points of interest that cater to all types of travellers looking to soak in the unique charm of the area.

  • HMS Victory: Step aboard the legendary HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar. This maritime museum offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history, showcasing the ship's striking craftsmanship and the stories of its crew.
  • Portsmouth Guildhall: This impressive event venue is not only a hub for concerts and conferences but also a stunning example of Victorian architecture. With its grand façade and rich history, it’s a perfect spot to soak in the local culture.
  • University of Portsmouth: Explore this historic university that blends modern facilities with rich traditions. Its vibrant campus is home to a diverse student body and a variety of cultural events, making it a lively place to visit.

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.1°F (12.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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

For a budget-friendly trip to Gunwharf Quays, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, with Mondays being the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia to find the best rates by sorting results to show the lowest prices first, and look for eco-friendly hotels to support sustainable travel. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings. Don't forget to explore free attractions around the area to make the most of your trip 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: Expedia's search tool lets you easily set your budget and preferred location, among other options. You can organise your search results to display the lowest prices first, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by bundling your Gunwharf Quays hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.