Portsmouth might be best known for its naval history, but it is also one of the most genuinely family-friendly destinations on the south coast. Between the world-class museums, two piers, a beach, a boating lake, an aquarium, and a hovercraft that whizzes you across to the Isle of Wight in ten minutes, you could easily fill a week without repeating yourself.

St Helen’s House, home to our holiday apartments on Eastern Villas Road in Southsea, puts you within walking distance of most of the attractions on this list. Here’s where we’d send you first.

1. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The single best day out in Portsmouth, and one of the finest maritime attractions in the world. Your ticket gets you into HMS Victory — Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar — HMS Warrior, Britain’s first iron-hulled battleship, and the extraordinary Mary Rose Museum, where the preserved wreck of Henry VIII’s warship is displayed alongside thousands of artefacts recovered from the seabed. The dockyard also includes Action Stations, an interactive boathouse that children love. Allow a full day and your ticket is valid for 12 months, so you can come back.

2. Southsea Beach and the Seafront

Southsea’s beach stretches for four miles along the seafront, and our apartments on Eastern Villas Road are just a short walk from the sea. The beach is mostly flint shingle with sand exposed at low tide, and the four-mile promenade is perfect for scooters, bikes and prams. At the eastern end you’ll find Eastney beach, which is quieter and more sheltered. The seafront comes alive in summer with outdoor events, beach volleyball courts and entertainment at the bandstand on the Common.

3. Clarence Pier

Southsea’s iconic amusement park on the seafront is a proper old-fashioned British seaside treat. With a funfair, arcade machines, crazy golf, and new for 2026 — Air Raid Extreme — there’s more than enough here for a half-day with children. The arcades are open every day regardless of weather, and the fairground rides operate on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. Classic seaside food including Wimpy burgers and ice cream complete the experience.

4. The D-Day Story Museum

The only museum in the UK dedicated entirely to the D-Day landings and Battle of Normandy. Located right on the Southsea seafront, just a short walk from our apartments, the museum is home to the Overlord Embroidery — a remarkable 272-foot long work of art depicting the story of D-Day. The galleries, videos and interactive exhibits are engaging for children and deeply moving for adults. Combined with a visit to nearby Southsea Castle, it makes for a powerful and memorable day out.

5. Southsea Castle

Built by Henry VIII in 1544, Southsea Castle sits right on the seafront and is free to enter between April and October. Explore the keep, walk the ramparts, and enjoy panoramic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. The castle has a fascinating history including its role in the English Civil War and the addition of an escape tunnel in the 19th century. It can be combined with the D-Day Story Museum next door for a full morning of history.

6. Canoe Lake

A short walk from St Helen’s House, Canoe Lake is one of Southsea’s most beloved spots. The lake itself is the last remnant of a Victorian marsh, and today it’s home to swans, ducks, and in summer, pedalo hire. The surrounding park has a great children’s play area, a zipwire, a walled rose garden, and a lovely cafe right on the water (Café Fresco is a local favourite). It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon when you want something gentle and free.

7. Blue Reef Aquarium

Tucked into the seafront just along from the D-Day Museum, Blue Reef Aquarium is a brilliant wet-weather option and a great destination any time with younger children. You’ll find rays, sharks, jellyfish, turtles, otters, and a spectacular ocean tunnel where you walk through the middle of a huge tank. Time your visit around one of the feeding sessions for maximum excitement.

8. The Spinnaker Tower

Portsmouth’s iconic sail-shaped tower at Gunwharf Quays soars 170 metres above the harbour and offers extraordinary views on a clear day — you can see across to the Isle of Wight, the South Downs, and sometimes as far as Chichester Cathedral. The three observation decks include a glass floor section that gives even the bravest visitors pause. It’s a genuine highlight of any Portsmouth visit, and the surrounding Gunwharf Quays area has excellent restaurants and shopping for afterwards.

9. Hovercraft to the Isle of Wight

The Hovertravel hovercraft departs from Clarence Esplanade, just a short walk from our Southsea apartments, and whisks you across to Ryde on the Isle of Wight in around ten minutes. Children absolutely love the experience of the hovercraft itself, and once you’re over, you’re on an island with its own beaches, dinosaur trail, animal parks, Blackgang Chine theme park, and miles of countryside. A day trip to the Isle of Wight is one of the highlights of any Southsea holiday.

10. Fort Nelson

A free family day out on Portsdown Hill, about 15 minutes’ drive north of Southsea. Fort Nelson is a beautifully restored Victorian fort that houses the national collection of artillery, with cannons from Tudor times to the present day. The views from the top of Portsdown Hill are extraordinary — on a clear day you can see the whole of Portsmouth spread out below you, right across to the Isle of Wight. There’s a cafe, a gift shop, and regular family events during school holidays.

All of our holiday apartments at St Helen’s House, Eastern Villas Road, Southsea are within walking distance of Canoe Lake, the D-Day Story, the beach and the hovercraft. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, with private parking. Visit homefromhomeportsmouth.com to check availability and book direct.