Gunwharf Quays Tours

Gunwharf Quays showing modern architecture and a river or creek
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 center 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 center'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.
Three Falcons Hotel

Three Falcons Hotel

4 out of 5
City of Westminster
per person
Oct 21 - Oct 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Boston (BOS) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (320 reviews)
Room was recently renovated and comfortable but a proper chair would have been appreciated. The fact that there was no space for a small desk and chair will give you a sense of the small size of the room.

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Dreamtel London Kensington

Dreamtel London Kensington

2.5 out of 5
London City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Oct 18 - Oct 25
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
6.6/10 (927 reviews)
The hotel was near to museums.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

4 out of 5
London City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Oct 21 - Oct 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Boston (BOS) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,503 reviews)
A good, modern hotel with convenient location and a nice breakfast buffet. Easy access to both trains and the tube via Victoria station. Close walk to several theatres.

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Popular places to visit

Spinnaker Tower featuring modern architecture

Spinnaker Tower

Ascend to the viewing platform of Portsmouth's most iconic modern landmark for excellent views over the city and coast.

Spinnaker Tower
HMS Warrior featuring a bay or harbor and heritage elements

HMS Warrior

Enter this floating museum to learn of the fearsome reputation of the fastest and most powerful warship in the world when constructed.

HMS Warrior
Mary Rose Museum

Mary Rose Museum

Discover life onboard and the history of one of King Henry VIII’s favorite warships via displays of valuable artifacts and interactive activities.

Mary Rose Museum
The Point

The Point

Wander down charming cobbled streets, see remains of the city’s early defenses and watch the harbor in action from the comfort of a pub.

The Point
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard featuring a marina

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Find heroic ships, triumphant naval vessels and World War I frigates at this dockyard, a tribute to the city’s maritime might.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Round Tower

Round Tower

With its varied art displays and its vistas of passing ships and submarines, this cylindrical fort is a major historical attraction on the Millennium Promenade.

Round Tower

Best Lodging Options Near Gunwharf Quays

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
Royal Maritime Hotel

Royal Maritime Hotel

3 out of 5
Queens Street, Portsmouth, England
Royal Maritime Hotel
ibis Portsmouth Centre

ibis Portsmouth Centre

3.5 out of 5
Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, England
ibis Portsmouth Centre
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

4 out of 5
Pembroke Road, Portsmouth, England
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG
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
The Lady Hamilton B&B

The Lady Hamilton B&B

2.5 out of 5
21 The Hard, Portsmouth, England
The Lady Hamilton B&B
Old Victory House Homestay

Old Victory House Homestay

3 out of 5
25 Ordnance Road, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, England
Old Victory House Homestay
See all 2,352 properties in Gunwharf Quays
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 in Portsmouth offers an exciting shopping experience with a variety of popular outlets and boutiques. Visitors can also enjoy events happening in the area, making it a vibrant destination. Don't miss the chance to explore Portsmouth's shopping scene, and consider taking a ferry for a unique view of the waterfront. Discover all the shopping trips and activities that Gunwharf Quays has to offer for a memorable vacation.

Food and drinks

Indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Carluccio's in Gunwharf Quays, perfect for a casual meal. For a unique experience, visit Adgestone Vineyard, a winery offering a charming vibe, located 9 miles away. Don’t miss out on the local dining scene for a delightful culinary adventure!

Shopping

Gunwharf Quays offers a vibrant shopping experience with numerous outlet stores and restaurants. If you're up for a drive, check out WestQuay Shopping Centre, located 15 miles away, featuring a variety of high street brands and entertainment options. Don't miss House of Chilli, 11 miles away, for unique gifts!

Recreation

At Fratton Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of a live sports event, just 2 miles from Gunwharf Quays. For a serene escape, head to Seaclose Park, 10 miles away, offering peaceful landscapes perfect for relaxation. Alternatively, enjoy a round of golf at Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club, 4 miles away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

The Goodwood Motor Circuit, located 16 miles from Gunwharf Quays, offers thrilling motor racing events that will get your adrenaline pumping. For a scenic hike, the Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath, only 5 miles away, showcases breathtaking views. Alternatively, enjoy water sports at CBK Hayling Island, also 5 miles distant.

Nightlife

In Gunwharf Quays, the Kings Theatre offers a romantic ambiance with captivating performances, while PlayZone Portsmouth provides adventure-filled arcade fun for families. For a unique experience, the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium dazzles visitors with entertaining exhibits and stargazing, making it a great family outing.

Find the best attractions near Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, making it a great destination for tourists. Explore the historic dockyard, visit the iconic HMS Victory, and enjoy events at the Portsmouth Guildhall. For a family-friendly outing, Paultons Park offers fun for all ages. Don't forget to relax at the nearby beach, making your visit truly memorable with a mix of history and leisure activities.

  • HMS Victory: Explore the HMS Victory, the world’s oldest naval ship still in commission. Step aboard this iconic warship and immerse yourself in maritime history while learning about Admiral Nelson’s legendary battles and naval life in the 18th century.
  • University of Portsmouth: Visit this vibrant university renowned for its beautiful campus and diverse programs. Stroll through its historic buildings, enjoy the arts and culture scene, and soak in the lively atmosphere that epitomizes student life in the UK.
  • Mary Rose Museum: Discover the fascinating story of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's warship. This interactive museum showcases artifacts recovered from the shipwreck, offering a glimpse into life at sea during the Tudor period.

Best time to go to Gunwharf Quays

Visitor numbers around Gunwharf Quays is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 HighSlightly Low
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gunwharf Quays

Visiting Gunwharf Quays can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free entry to Gunwharf Quays and explore nearby attractions like Southsea Castle and West Wittering Beach. The best time to visit is from November to January for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel a month in advance can secure better rates, and last-minute deals on Expedia may offer additional savings. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for more savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gunwharf Quays are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Gunwharf Quays about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool is designed to help you tailor your travel experience by allowing you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest price to the highest, making it simple to find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll be presented with a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Gunwharf Quays with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.