Things to Do in Gosport

Attractions, activities, and days out in the borough

Gosport has more to offer visitors and residents than its reputation might suggest. The combination of naval heritage, waterfront setting, and outdoor space provides a genuinely varied selection of things to do.

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is the headline attraction. Walking through HMS Alliance, a restored Second World War submarine, is a memorable experience that appeals to all ages. The cramped quarters, torpedo tubes, and control room give a vivid sense of life beneath the waves. The museum sits adjacent to Fort Blockhouse, and the harbour views from the site are excellent.

The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower at Priddy's Hard covers the history of naval weaponry in the atmospheric setting of the old ammunition stores. It is quieter than the Submarine Museum but worth a visit, particularly for anyone interested in military history.

The Discovery Centre on the waterfront combines a modern library, local history museum, and gallery space with harbour views. It is free to visit and makes a pleasant stop in the town centre.

Stokes Bay is the main outdoor attraction. The beach, while shingle rather than sand, offers swimming, paddling, and water sports in season. The sailing club provides access to the Solent for dinghy sailors. The coastal walk from Stokes Bay to Gilkicker Point and around to Lee-on-the-Solent is one of the best walks in the area. On a clear day, the views across to the Isle of Wight are superb.

Walpole Park and Anglesey Lake provide urban green space for walking, running, and feeding the ducks. The Millennium Promenade along the harbour edge is a pleasant waterside walk connecting the park to the town centre.

Alver Valley Country Park, accessible from Rowner, offers longer walks through grassland, woodland, and wetland habitats. It is a valuable green lung for the western part of the borough.

Fort Brockhurst, managed by English Heritage, opens for occasional events and guided tours, offering a glimpse inside one of the best-preserved Palmerston Forts.

The Gosport Ferry itself is worth taking for the views of the harbour, the naval base, and the Portsmouth skyline. A return trip takes less than ten minutes and costs a few pounds.

For those who enjoy cycling, the former railway line between Gosport and Fareham has been converted to a traffic-free path that provides a pleasant ride through the peninsula.