Once the sun goes down this Halloween, Port Solent is taking a darker turn. Halloween Fright Night takes place on Saturday 31st October from 7pm–10pm, with an adults-only walkthrough waiting for those willing to enter.
Make your way through the route, where themed characters will be waiting along the way. You won’t know who, or what, you’ll meet next.
Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed for the occasion!
Silly Scott joins us at Port Solent on Thursday 29th October for a Halloween edition of Kids Club.
Catch one of three special shows at 11am, 12:30pm or 2pm, combining comedy, magic and Halloween fun for little ones.
The Creation Station will also be joining us from 11am–4pm with Halloween crafts to get stuck into throughout the day.
Emergency vehicles, specialist equipment and crews from across Hampshire filled Port Solent on Saturday 5th September, giving families the chance to get a closer look at the people and equipment behind our emergency services.
Hampshire Search and Rescue, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Coastguard, South Central Ambulance Service, RNLI, MOD Police and RAYNET joined us for the day, bringing a mix of classic and modern emergency vehicles for families to explore.
Children had the chance to climb aboard selected vehicles, take a closer look at specialist equipment and meet the crews themselves, with plenty of questions about what they do and life on the job.
The day also raised over £1,600 for Hampshire Search and Rescue, helping to support the charity’s work across the county.
Lisa Fowler, Events & Marketing Manager at Port Solent, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many families out enjoying the September sunshine at 999 Day. The children clearly love having the chance to see the emergency vehicles up close, and it’s a great opportunity to learn more about everyday heroes.
“With National Cinema Day taking place on the same day, Port Solent was buzzing with lots of very happy visitors!”
A big thank you to all of the emergency services and organisations who joined us, and to everyone who came along and helped raise money for Hampshire Search and Rescue.
999 Family Fun Day rounded off a busy summer of free family events at Port Solent, following our Summer Festival, weekly Kids’ Clubs and the Pride of Portsmouth trail.
See what’s coming up next on our Events page.
More than 8,000 visitors joined us for our Summer Festival on Saturday 1st August, enjoying a day packed with free entertainment, activities and family fun.
Families took part in treasure hunts, gameshow-style challenges and live entertainment throughout the day, with performances from a strolling band, acrobat chefs, mischievous giant seagull characters and traditional Punch and Judy shows.
Lisa Fowler, Events and Marketing Manager at Port Solent, said: “It’s not every day you see giant seagulls and acrobat chefs, but we like to do things a little differently. It was fantastic to see so many families getting involved, enjoying the entertainment and making memories together.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s Summer Festival such a success.”
There’s still plenty to enjoy this summer, with free Thursday Kids’ Club activities continuing throughout August, plus more events coming soon including 999 Day on Saturday 5th September.
Find out more about upcoming events on our Events page.
Dinner, drinks and a film is a date night classic for a reason. Add a waterfront setting, plenty of restaurant choices, and everything within walking distance, and the evening becomes even easier to plan.
Port Solent brings it all together in one place, so you can spend less time organising the evening and more time enjoying it.
Here is an easy date night itinerary to try.
Begin the evening with a drink along the Boardwalk and take in the waterfront views before dinner.
The first decision of the evening is where to stop for a drink. La Casa Flamenca offers a vibrant Spanish backdrop of tapas, cocktails, and conversation, while Mahina’s waterfront setting is ideal for watching the boats drift by. O Sole Mio provides a more traditional Italian atmosphere, and Casa Brasil is a good choice if you’re looking to start the night on a livelier note.
Dinner is often the spotlight of the night, and Port Solent has plenty of options to choose from.
Koh Thai’s vibrant menu of curries, noodles, and small plates lends itself well to sharing, while La Casa Flamenca brings the energy of a Spanish tapas bar to the waterfront. Prachee offers fragrant Indian dishes in an elegant setting overlooking the marina, and Relentless Steak & Lobster House is well suited to evenings that call for a perfectly cooked steak, fresh seafood, and a glass of wine to match.
Italian favourites O Sole Mio, Prezzo, and Wildwood add even more choice to the waterfront, making it easy to find a restaurant that suits the mood of the evening.
Waterfront tables are understandably popular on Friday and Saturday evenings, so it is worth reserving ahead if you have a particular restaurant in mind.
By now, the hard part of the evening is deciding what to watch.
ODEON Port Solent is only a short walk from the restaurants, making it easy to move from dinner straight into the next part of the night. With six screens, RealD 3D and Premier seats available, it has all the ingredients for a comfortable evening at the cinema.
Pick up some popcorn, settle into your seats, and enjoy a film before heading back out to the waterfront.
Browse the latest showtimes and book your seats here.
The best part of a Port Solent date night is that the evening does not have to end the second the film finishes.
Take a slow walk back around the marina, stop for a final drink, or pause by the water to enjoy the sunset before heading home.
Explore Port Solent’s full list of Eat & Drink options here.
Planning a day out should not feel like another thing on the to-do list. The best days are usually the ones that come together easily: somewhere good to eat, something to keep everyone entertained, a bit of fresh air, and no need to keep getting back in the car.
That is where Port Solent works so well. Set by the marina, with restaurants, shops, cinema, events, and family-friendly activities all in one place, it offers an easy way to spend a few hours by the water without overplanning the day.
Here are five reasons Port Solent makes a simple, relaxed Portsmouth day out.
A good day out quickly loses its charm when you have to drive between lunch, activities, and parking. At Port Solent, the restaurants, shops, cinema, and marina are all close together, making it easy to move from one part of the day to the next.
You can start with a walk along the marina, stop for lunch, browse the shops, catch a film or stay for an event without having to rethink the whole plan. That makes it especially useful for families, groups of friends, couples, and anyone who wants a day out that feels easy from the moment they arrive.
Families can make use of the free Kids Club events, the outdoor play area, family-friendly restaurants, and kids menus. Couples can book dinner by the water or head to the cinema. Friends can meet for drinks, food, and a browse around the shops.
Many of the restaurants are well set up for family visits too, with dedicated children’s menus available at places including Prezzo, Wildwood, Zizzi, Harvester, The Sir Alec Rose, and Rapscallions. That flexibility makes Port Solent a useful choice when you are planning for more than one age group, or when nobody can agree on what they want to do.
The waterfront setting is a big part of what makes Port Solent feel different from a typical shopping or leisure destination. The marina views, boats, outdoor seating, and slower pace give the day a more relaxed atmosphere.
That setting makes simple plans feel a little more considered. A coffee by the water, lunch outside, a walk after dinner, or a drink with a marina view all feel more enjoyable without needing a big itinerary.
Port Solent’s events calendar gives you plenty of reasons to return throughout the year. Upcoming events include our Summer Festival, Thursday Night Car Meets, Sunday Car Meets, Waterside Markets, and VW Campervan & Bus Meets, alongside free Kids Club activities during school holidays.
Regular programme means a day out can easily become more than lunch or shopping. You might arrive for a meal and find a market on, plan your visit around a car meet, or bring the family along for a free seasonal event.
For the latest dates, check the Port Solent events page before you visit.
Some days out are weather-dependent. Port Solent is easier to plan because it has options for every season.
In warmer months, the marina comes to life with waterside dining, outdoor seating, markets, and events.
On colder or rainier days, you can still make a day of it with lunch, shopping, coffee, and a film at ODEON Port Solent.
That makes it a reliable choice for school holidays, weekend plans, date nights, family visits, and relaxed catch-ups throughout the year.
Plan your visit to Port Solent Explore the latest events, discover places to eat and drink, browse the shops, or plan your family day out with the Port Solent Kids Club.
With the summer sunshine in full swing, there’s no better time to head outdoors and enjoy a meal by the water. Whether you’re catching up with friends over lunch, planning a family meal or making the most of a warm summer evening, Port Solent is the perfect place to dine al fresco
Overlooking the picturesque marina, Port Solent is home to a fantastic mix of restaurants, each offering its own unique flavours and atmosphere. With beautiful waterfront views, free parking and plenty to see and do, it’s easy to turn a meal into a day out.
Enjoy Outdoor Dining at Port Solent
If you’re in the mood for Italian, Wildwood offers a welcoming outdoor seating area where you can enjoy freshly made pizzas, pasta and grilled dishes while watching the boats come and go.
Just a few steps away, Zizzi features a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the marina. From handcrafted pizzas to delicious pasta dishes, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or relaxed evening in the sunshine.
Following its stylish refurbishment earlier this year, Harvester is looking better than ever. Its impressive waterside terrace provides the perfect setting to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner while taking in stunning marina views.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, Yaprak Turkish Restaurant boasts a spacious outdoor terrace that’s perfect for summer dining. From authentic Turkish grills and fresh meze to delicious cocktails, it’s a great place to relax with family and friends in the sunshine.
Fancy a taste of Spain? La Casa Flamenca brings authentic Spanish tapas and Mediterranean flavours to the marina, with an outdoor terrace that’s perfect for soaking up the sunshine. From traditional tapas and paella to steaks, seafood and refreshing sangria, it’s a great option for sharing plates with family and friends on a warm summer’s day.
More Than Just Great Food
What makes Port Solent special isn’t just the restaurants. The marina offers the perfect setting to relax, explore and make the most of the summer months.
Take a stroll along the boardwalk, browse the independent shops or simply sit back and watch the boats drift by. Throughout the year, Port Solent hosts a variety of events, from the popular Waterside Markets and family activities to seasonal celebrations that bring the marina to life. Whether you’re visiting for an event or simply making the most of the sunshine, there’s always something happening to enjoy.
So, next time you’re planning a summer day out, make Port Solent your destination. With waterside restaurants, beautiful marina views and plenty to see and do, it’s the perfect place to eat, explore and unwind. Browse our restaurants, discover what’s on and plan your next visit to Port Solent
This summer, 45 uniquely designed lion sculptures have been placed across Portsmouth as part of the city’s 100-year celebrations, each one created by a local artist and inspired by the people, places, and stories of the city. One of them calls Port Solent home.
Port Solent is the home of The Blue Guardian, created by south coast artist Kizzi B Creative. Find it near Pavers, then use the free trail map or app to discover all 45 lions across the city, track down the roaming unicorn, and unlock rewards along the way.
While you are here, enter The Blue Guardian code on the app and head to the app’s Rewards tab for the chance to win a family day out at Port Solent, including a £60 restaurant voucher and £40 Odeon Cinema gift card.
The trail is completely free, open to all ages, and runs until 13th September. With waterfront restaurants, bars and shops all on site, Port Solent is a great place to start your adventure.
Find out more here
Port Solent is proud to be part of the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail, the spectacular free public art trail taking over the city this summer as part of the Portsmouth 100 centenary celebrations.
From 13th July to 13th September 2026, 45 uniquely designed lion sculptures can be found in streets, parks and public spaces across Portsmouth, each one created by a local artist and inspired by the people, places, and stories of the city.
Port Solent is home to The Blue Guardian lion, located near Pavers.
Created by south coast artist Kizzi B Creative and sponsored by Port Solent, The Blue Guardian portrays the lion as a symbol of protection and strength: a fitting tribute to Portsmouth’s proud naval heritage.
The blue mane represents the dangerous waters sailors crossed, while the sand-coloured body is decorated with nautical maps, compasses and mythical creatures of the deep.
Kizzi is a muralist, painter, designer and conservationist who grew up on the south coast and is committed to using 100% recycled paints and eco-friendly materials in all her work.
Joining the lions is a roaming unicorn, inspired by the sea unicorn on Portsmouth’s historic city crest. Created by artist Emilie-Jane Rivers-Martin in collaboration with local children through the HAF Portsmouth programme, the sculpture features a constellation of stars; each one representing a child’s voice, imagination and memories. A truly community-led addition to the trail. Find out more about the unicorn sculpture here.
The trail is completely free, open to all ages, and runs until 13th September.
With 45 lions and a roaming unicorn spread across Portsmouth, each one telling a different story about the city’s people, places, and heritage, it is a wonderful way to celebrate 100 years of Portsmouth, and the perfect addition to any summer day.
Quick Links:
View more of Kizzi’s work here
Download the trail map here
Download the app here
Find out more about The Blue Guardian here
Celebrate summer at Port Solent with a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family on Saturday 1st August, 11am to 4pm.
Set off on one of our four treasure hunts at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for the chance to win chance to win Odeon tickets, a David Lloyd Family Guest Pass, a £40 Zizzi voucher and a family meal at Harvester – listen out for the clues from Justin our event compere!
Plus, more to enjoy
Punch & Judy shows
Live strolling jazz band
Giant seagull characters and acrobats
Gameshow-style games and music bingo
Nata La Rose ice cream competition
From 1pm – Yaprak DJ Terrace Party
2pm – Klass Fashion Show & 20% off in store
Plus:
Bow Wow’s – 20% off all grooming services
Gracie-Ann’s outdoor cake stall
Quintessential waterfront stall
O Sole Mio – takeaway pizza and grab-and-go delights
And, look out for Harvey, Harvester’s character outside their restaurant and Football for Cancer activities located by the play area.
Event times subject to change on the day