How to Avoid the Tourist Crowds in Portsmouth

Portsmouth, with its rich maritime history, stunning waterfront views, and vibrant cultural scene, is an absolute gem on England’s south coast. It’s a place where you can explore historic warships, stroll along pebble beaches, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife in one day. But as with any popular tourist destination, Portsmouth gets crowded—especially during the summer months and major holidays.

I remember my very first trip to Portsmouth. It was a scorching August afternoon, and I naively thought I could just show up and walk straight into the Historic Dockyard without a queue. Big mistake. The lines were painfully long, every café was packed, and finding a quiet spot by the water was nearly impossible. After that, I vowed never to make the same mistake again.

So, how do you avoid the crowds and experience Portsmouth at its best? Here are 10 essential tips to help you navigate the city without feeling overwhelmed by the tourist rush.

1. Visit During the Off-Peak Seasons

The absolute best way to avoid the tourist crowds in Portsmouth is to visit during the shoulder seasons. Portsmouth is a city with deep maritime history, a stunning waterfront, and vibrant cultural attractions, making it a year-round destination. However, the experience you get varies greatly depending on when you visit.

The busiest times are:
✔ June to August – Peak summer season with families and holidaymakers. With warm weather and school holidays, Portsmouth’s beaches, restaurants, and attractions get packed. Expect higher accommodation prices, long queues at attractions, and crowded streets. If you’re hoping for a peaceful walk along Southsea Beach or a quiet visit to the Spinnaker Tower, summer might not be ideal.

✔ Bank Holidays – Especially during Easter, Christmas, and public holidays, when domestic tourists flood the city. Many Londoners take the short trip down to Portsmouth for a long weekend, meaning accommodations sell out quickly, and getting a table at popular restaurants can be next to impossible without reservations.

✔ Major Event Days – Portsmouth hosts several naval and sailing events throughout the year. The Victorious Festival in August, which attracts thousands of visitors, is one of the biggest. Similarly, Portsmouth Harbour welcomes Royal Navy ship homecomings, and during these events, the waterfront becomes packed with families and naval enthusiasts.

Instead, I always aim for:
✔ March to May – Springtime brings mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer tourists. The flowers at Southsea Rose Garden are in full bloom, and the days are long enough to enjoy walks along the coast without the summer heat.

✔ September to November – The post-summer lull means cheaper hotel prices, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed vibe. I love visiting Portsmouth in October, when the weather is still pleasant, and you can get stunning sunset views over the Solent without large crowds. I once booked a four-star hotel for half the summer price just by choosing an autumn visit instead!

If you want the best deals on accommodation, try booking through:

• Booking.com – Ideal for hotels and B&Bs, often with free cancellation.
• Airbnb – Great for finding unique stays at local guesthouses away from the main tourist hubs.

I personally love staying at Florence House Boutique Hotel, which is a charming little spot near Southsea Beach—far from the tourist rush of Gunwharf Quays.

2. Avoid Weekends and School Holidays

Portsmouth is a popular weekend getaway, meaning Fridays to Sundays are the busiest days. Families, couples, and groups of friends flock to the city for a short break, making restaurants, attractions, and even walking routes more crowded than usual.

I once made the mistake of visiting on an Easter weekend, thinking I could casually explore the Dockyard and then grab lunch at my favorite seafood restaurant, Abarbistro. What I didn’t expect was a two-hour wait for a table, fully booked ferries, and Spinnaker Tower tickets selling out by midday. It was a valuable lesson—weekends, especially during school holidays, are a no-go if you’re looking for a relaxed experience.

For a quieter visit, I always plan my trips for:
✔ Monday to Thursday – Perfect for sightseeing without the weekend rush. If you visit Spinnaker Tower on a Wednesday morning, you might even have the observation deck all to yourself!

✔ Outside UK school holidays – Always check the UK school holiday calendar before booking your trip. Half-term breaks and summer holidays bring large family crowds to the city. Avoiding these periods makes a massive difference in how much you enjoy your visit.

Websites like Trainline help find off-peak train tickets, which not only save you money but also allow you to travel when trains aren’t jam-packed with weekend tourists.

If you must visit on a weekend, consider arriving early in the morning and leaving late in the evening to avoid peak congestion times.

3. Start Your Day Early

Even during peak seasons, Portsmouth’s main attractions are much quieter in the morning. I quickly learned that by starting my day early, I could experience the city without the crowds and long queues.

If you get up early, you can explore places like:
✔ HMS Victory & Mary Rose Museum – Opens at 10 AM, but arriving at 9:30 AM means you’re first in line. By the time most tourists show up around 11 AM, I’m already halfway through my visit, enjoying the historic warships in peace.

✔ Spinnaker Tower – The views are best in the morning, before the day’s haze and crowds settle in. If you visit before 10 AM, you’ll often find the observation deck quiet and spacious, making for much better photos!

✔ Southsea Beach & Clarence Pier – A peaceful morning walk along the beach is magical, especially when the sea is calm and the promenade is nearly empty. By midday, it’s packed with families, cyclists, and dog walkers, making it harder to enjoy a quiet moment by the water.

To make my early mornings easier, I always grab a quick breakfast from:

• Pret A Manger – A great option for a fast but healthy bite.
• Caffè Nero – Perfect for a quiet coffee before sightseeing.

If I have time, I love sitting at Southsea Coffee Co., which opens early and serves some of the best locally roasted coffee in the city.

4. Explore the Less-Touristy Areas

Most visitors stick to the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays, and Spinnaker Tower, but Portsmouth has so many hidden gems that are far less crowded. Whenever I want to escape the tourist rush, I explore these quieter spots:

✔ Eastney Beach – A quieter alternative to Southsea Beach. I love walking along the shore here—there are fewer people, more natural beauty, and even some hidden rock pools to explore.

✔ The Hotwalls Studios – This creative space houses local artists, painters, and potters, and it’s a great place to wander through without bumping into large tour groups. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can even watch artists working on their craft in real-time.

✔ Baffins Pond – A peaceful nature reserve, great for an afternoon break. This spot is practically tourist-free, making it one of my favorite places to read a book or have a quiet picnic.

By stepping off the beaten path, I’ve discovered some of Portsmouth’s most charming spots without having to fight through crowds.

To find lesser-known attractions, I use:

• Visit Portsmouth – The official tourism site often lists local events and hidden gems.
• Local walking tour apps – Apps like GPSmyCity offer self-guided walking tours that take you to lesser-visited spots.

I’ve found that wandering into smaller streets, independent cafés, and local markets has led to some of my most memorable experiences in Portsmouth—without the stress of peak-time crowds.—

5. Book Tickets Online in Advance

Nothing ruins a day faster than standing in line for hours. Many of Portsmouth’s attractions offer skip-the-line tickets, which can be booked through platforms like:

• Visit Portsmouth – The city’s official tourism site.
• GetYourGuide – Offers tours and fast-track entry.
• English Heritage – Great for booking historic sites in advance.

I always book my Dockyard ticket online, so I can walk straight in while others queue for last-minute tickets.

6. Dine at Non-Peak Hours

Portsmouth’s restaurants fill up quickly, especially in the Gunwharf Quays area. To avoid long waits, I always:
✔ Eat lunch before 12 PM or after 2 PM.
✔ Book dinner reservations in advance via OpenTable.
✔ Try local hidden gems like Abarbistro instead of the tourist-heavy chains.

If you want to avoid crowds completely, grab fish and chips from The Fisherman’s Kitchen and enjoy it at the beach.

7. Use Alternative Transport

Buses and ferries can get overcrowded during peak hours. Instead, I:
✔ Walk – Portsmouth is a compact city, and most sights are within a 20-minute walk.
✔ Use rental bikes via Beryl Bikes.
✔ Take taxis or ride-sharing services instead of waiting for full buses.

Walking along the seafront from Southsea to Old Portsmouth is one of the most relaxing ways to explore without being stuck in traffic.

8. Stay Overnight Instead of Day-Tripping

Most tourists visit Portsmouth as a day trip from London, which means the city is busiest between 11 AM and 5 PM. To experience Portsmouth at its best:
✔ Stay overnight – The city is peaceful in the early mornings and evenings.
✔ Choose a hotel away from Gunwharf Quays – Try The Clarence Hotel or Florence House Hotel for quieter stays.

Websites like Hotels.com and Expedia often have discounted last-minute hotel deals.

9. Plan for Rainy Days

Rainy weather can make Portsmouth’s indoor attractions overcrowded. To avoid being caught in a mass of tourists seeking shelter, I always:
✔ Check the weather forecast on BBC Weather before planning my day.
✔ Visit museums early before rain sends everyone indoors.
✔ Have a backup plan like catching a show at the Kings Theatre.

10. Be Flexible with Your Itinerary

The best way to avoid tourist crowds is simply to be flexible. If I see long queues at the Dockyard, I’ll explore Old Portsmouth instead and come back later. Having a loose itinerary means I can adjust based on crowd levels.

Portsmouth is an incredible city, and by following these tips, you can enjoy it without the stress of overcrowding. Whether you’re wandering through historic streets or watching the sunset from Southsea Beach, the key is timing, planning, and knowing where to go.