Weekends, Short Breaks & Days Out in Portsmouth

If you’re looking for weekends, short breaks and days out, Portsmouth is perfect for couples with mile upon mile of sea views, centuries of history and a fantastic choice of cultural delights to enjoy.

Filled with a great variety of things to see and do, Portsmouth is fast becoming one of the county’s favourite waterfront destinations. Couples can enjoy an enticing mix of history and heritage, specialist shopping, a lively arts scene as well as some great restaurants and bars.

Here are some ideas for couples for weekends, short breaks and days out in Portsmouth or you can visit the Official Portsmouth Visitor Guide. If you would like to find our more about Portsmouth Historic Dockyard then why not view the online brochure?

Historic Dockyard

Image of the historic ship, HMS Victory

Be transported on a journey through time and trace over 800 years of maritime history at one of Portsmouth’s leading attractions. Boat tours are also available, giving you a unique view of the harbour and city.

Find out more - Historic Dockyard

Gunwharf Quays

Image of some of the shops at Gunwharf Quays

Portsmouth’s premier shopping destination, Gunwharf Quays has over ninety discount outlets offering some great discounts - the site is also home to one of Portsmouth's most iconic attractions, the 170m tall Spinnaker Tower. 

Find out more - Gunwharf Quays

New Theatre Royal

The New Theatre Royal is Portsmouth's friendliest arts venue in the heart of the city, bringing you cutting edge dance, theatre, drama, music, children's shows and comedy.

Find out more - New Theatre Royal

Southsea Shopping

Just a pebble's throw from the beach, Southsea's stylish streets offer an exciting shopping experience - home to department stores, some high street favorites, along with independent stores and a regular Hampshire Farmer's Markets.

Find out more - Southsea Shopping

Dickens Birthplace Museum

Image of the Dickens Birthplace Museum

Dickens was born in Portsmouth in 1812 - today visitors can peek into his humble beginnings in this Regency style property filled with lovingly recreated furniture, ceramics and decorations. 

Find out more - Dickens Birthplace Museum

aspex

Image of a man and woman looking at a photo of the Spinnaker Tower

Immerse yourself in contemporary visual art with exhibitions, workshops and events all housed within a former naval storehouse located in the Gunwharf Quays shopping district. 

Find out more - aspex

Portsmouth City Museum

Recently opened in the museum is the exhibition ‘A Study in Sherlock: Uncover the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection’ - detailing the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in Portsmouth and created of the famous Sherlock Holmes character.

Find out more - Portsmouth City Museum

Portsmouth Cathedral

Portsmouth Cathedral has witnessed wars and peace, famous marriages, been bombed and rebuilt - now there stands a building of greatness and simple beauty.  Take some time to discover the Cathedral - its light coloured stone and towering bronze doors change their hue with the seasons and the stunning nave gives an immense feeling of space. 

Find out more - Portsmouth Cathedral