Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays showing modern architecture and a river or creek
Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays as well as a family
Gunwharf Quays showing interior views
Gunwharf Quays featuring 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.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyde Park Radnor Hotel
Ellen Kensington
Hotel La Place

Reviews of Gunwharf Quays

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
200
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
158
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Shopping

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Parking easy at the Quay but lots of walking while there.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Royal Maritime Hotel

Royal Maritime Hotel

3 out of 5
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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
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

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4 out of 5
Pembroke Road, Portsmouth, England
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ibis Portsmouth Centre

ibis Portsmouth Centre

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

Duke of Buckingham

3 out of 5
119 The High Street, Portsmouth, England
Duke of Buckingham
ibis budget Portsmouth

ibis budget Portsmouth

3 out of 5
Fratton Way, Portsmouth, England
ibis budget Portsmouth
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
Gunwharf Quays Apartments

Gunwharf Quays Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Gunwharf Quays Residential, Portsmouth, England
Gunwharf Quays Apartments
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 variety of activities, including thrilling adventures at nearby adventure parks and vibrant events in Portsmouth. You can also explore Gosport for additional activities, making it a perfect spot for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a scenic ferry ride, enhancing your visit with stunning views of the coastline.

Shopping

Gunwharf Quays offers a vibrant shopping experience with a variety of outlet stores and boutiques. For those seeking more options, if you're up for a drive, WestQuay Shopping Centre, located 24.1km away, features entertainment and family-friendly vibes, while House of Chilli is 17.7km away for unique gifts.

Recreation

At Fratton Park, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying various activities. The Pyramids Centre offers family-friendly aquatic fun, perfect for relaxation and recreation. For a lively evening, the Wedgewood Rooms provide fantastic music entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience in Gunwharf Quays.

Adventure

The Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath offers stunning hiking trails with breathtaking scenery, located 8.0km from Gunwharf Quays. For thrilling water sports, Nomad Sailing is only 0.8.0km away, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Additionally, CBK Hayling Island, also 8.0km away, provides exciting water-based activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Gunwharf Quays with a visit to Kings Theatre for a cultural show. For some thrill, try Action Stations. arcade, just a short stroll away. Don’t miss a romantic film at Cineworld Isle of Wight, perfect for a late-night treat.

*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 offers a delightful array of attractions for every type of traveller. From stunning beaches to fascinating military museums and a charming marina, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy outdoor experiences, or simply relax by the waterfront. Whether you seek adventure or a leisurely day out, Gunwharf Quays promises an enjoyable escape filled with diverse activities.

  • HMS Victory: Explore the historic HMS Victory, a remarkable 18th-century warship and a symbol of naval heritage. Located only 805m from Gunwharf Quays, this maritime museum offers a glimpse into British naval history and the life of Admiral Nelson.
  • University of Portsmouth: Just 966m away, the University of Portsmouth showcases stunning architecture and vibrant student life. This historic institution is a hub of culture and knowledge, with beautiful grounds perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Portsmouth Guildhall: Also 966m distant, Portsmouth Guildhall is an impressive event venue. With its grand architecture and bustling atmosphere, it hosts various events and conferences, making it a central part of the city's community life.

Best time to go to Gunwharf Quays

The best time to visit Gunwharf Quays can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Gunwharf Quays falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Gunwharf Quays falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.1°F (12.3°C)No RainMostly 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 RainMostly 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

To save money during your visit to Gunwharf Quays, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find deals, filtering options by price to discover the best offers. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can lead to further savings. For public transport, use the efficient local bus service for affordable travel, and take advantage of free activities such as exploring the waterfront and nearby parks. Always check for full refund options and special deals on Portsmouth hotels.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel stay at Gunwharf Quays with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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