Author Archives: Amy Young

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.

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.

1. Everything is in one place

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.

2. There is something for all ages

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.

3. Every visit comes with a waterfront view

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.

4. A calendar packed with reasons to visit

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.

5. Easy to enjoy in every season

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

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 

The team at Pavers have raised and donated £1,500 to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance through the Pavers Foundation. The Foundation supports a number of registered charities each year, with funds raised in-store through raffles, cake sales, and the popular ‘Pick a Square’ initiative. Customers visiting Pavers can currently take part for the chance to win a pair of shoes (up to £50), with the chance to win in-store until 28th June.

These initiatives help generate vital support for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, enabling them to continue delivering life-saving emergency care across the region, 365 days a year. Thank you to the team at Pavers, Port Solent, and to customers who continue to support fundraising efforts in store.

Keep up to date with the latest news from Port Solent retailers on our news page.

You may have noticed a rather distinguished visitor at Port Solent recently… meet Leonardo da Pompey, one of the lion sculptures from the upcoming Pride of Portsmouth trail.

Leonardo has been making his way around the city ahead of the trail’s official launch on 13th July, giving the city an early look at what is to come.

Created by artist Louise Braithwaite, also known as Mad Lou Publishing, the sculpture features beautifully illustrated scenes of the city and is one of 45 uniquely decorated lions that will be taking over Portsmouth this summer.

The Pride of Portsmouth is a partnership between Wild in Art and Portsmouth City Council, forming part of the Portsmouth 100 centenary celebrations — marking 100 years of city status with a bold and diverse programme of creative and cultural events.

The trail runs from 13th July to 13th September 2026, with lions dotted across the city for locals and visitors to discover. There will be a map and an app to help you find them all, as well as the chance to find out more about the artists behind each sculpture.

Keep an eye out for Leo during your next visit to Port Solent, we think he has settled in rather nicely!

For full details on the trail click here

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and Port Solent has plenty of options to make it one to remember. Our waterfront restaurants have something to suit every taste and every kind of celebration. 

Here’s what’s on offer this Father’s Day: 

Casa Brasil

Treat Dad to an unforgettable Sunday with authentic Brazilian flavours, great food, and live music at Casa Brasil this Father’s Day, Sunday 21 June.  

Zizzi

Whether you’re celebrating Dad, Grandad, a Stepdad, or someone who’s like a Dad, Zizzi has you covered. Choose from a special set menu or your regular favourites: dine in, take away, or pick up an e-Gift card for a celebration in your own time. No wrapping required. 

Prezzo  

Father’s Month has landed at Prezzo. This June, celebrate the Italian way with pizza, pints, and plenty of reasons to get together. Look out for Father’s Day set menus, free beer for Dad, £10 pizza and beer offers, exclusive gifts, and the chance to win a trip to Italy. 

Harvester  

Make this Father’s Day one to remember with Harvester’s 3-course Father’s Day Set Menu, available from 20 to 21 June. Hearty favourites, satisfying mains, and indulgent desserts, perfect for gathering the whole family together. 

Yaprak  

Treat Dad to incredible food and stunning marina views this Father’s Day. Yaprak’s full à la carte menu is available all day on Sunday 21 June, so you can take your time and order all your favourites. Booking ahead is recommended. 

Wildwood  

Join Wildwood from 16 to 28 June for exclusive Father’s Day specials. Two limited-edition dishes have been fired up on the grill for the occasion, perfect for gathering the whole family around the table for an Italian-inspired feast. 

Whatever you have planned, Port Solent is the perfect place to treat Dad this Father’s Day. Free parking is available, so the whole family can join in without the hassle. 

For our full selection of restaurants, click here