A Visitor's Introduction to Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays Highlights

1. Outlet Shopping: The main draw of Gunwharf Quays is its extensive selection of outlet stores, offering significant discounts on high-street and luxury brands. With over 90 stores, shoppers can find a broad range of products, including fashion, homeware, sports gear, and accessories. Popular brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike, Michael Kors, and The North Face are featured alongside British favourites such as Ted Baker and Barbour. Shoppers benefit from savings of up to 60% off retail prices, making it an appealing destination for bargain hunters.

2. Dining and Cafés: Gunwharf Quays is home to more than 30 restaurants, cafés, and bars, offering a diverse selection of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From quick bites to leisurely meals, visitors can enjoy everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. Popular chain restaurants like Wagamama, Nando’s, and Pizza Express sit alongside more unique offerings such as Loch Fyne for seafood lovers and Côte Brasserie for French dining. Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating with views over the waterfront, making it an attractive spot for al fresco dining.

3. Spinnaker Tower: Overlooking Gunwharf Quays is the striking Spinnaker Tower, one of Portsmouth’s most iconic landmarks. This 170-metre observation tower offers panoramic views across Portsmouth Harbour, the Isle of Wight, and beyond. Visitors can take a high-speed lift to the top viewing decks, where glass floors and 360-degree views provide a memorable experience. The Spinnaker Tower also features a café on one of its upper levels, where visitors can enjoy a coffee while taking in the stunning scenery.

4. Cultural and Historic Significance: Gunwharf Quays is located on the site of a former Royal Navy ordnance yard, which supplied ships with weapons and ammunition for centuries. While the area has been transformed into a contemporary shopping and leisure hub, elements of its naval history are preserved. Historic buildings, such as the Vulcan Building, have been repurposed as part of the development, and visitors can see plaques and markers that highlight the site’s military past. Its proximity to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard further enhances its appeal for those interested in the city’s naval history.

5. Cinemas and Entertainment: For those seeking entertainment beyond shopping and dining, Gunwharf Quays offers a variety of options. The Vue Cinema, with 14 screens, shows the latest blockbuster films, while the nearby Hollywood Bowl provides a family-friendly bowling experience. In the evenings, the complex is a lively social hub, with bars like Slug & Lettuce and All Bar One offering relaxed spaces for drinks and socialising.

6. Boat Trips and Harbour Tours: Gunwharf Quays’ location along the waterfront makes it a prime departure point for boat trips around Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent. Various operators offer sightseeing tours, giving visitors the chance to view the city’s naval history from the water. These tours provide unique perspectives on landmarks like the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and modern naval ships stationed at the Royal Navy base. Some services also offer trips to the Isle of Wight, allowing visitors to combine shopping and sightseeing with a maritime adventure.

7. Art and Sculpture: Gunwharf Quays incorporates art into its public spaces, with several sculptures and installations scattered throughout the complex. The most notable is The Lipstick, a tall, brightly coloured sculpture by artist Philip King. The use of art adds a distinctive character to the shopping centre and enhances the aesthetic of its public spaces, making a walk around Gunwharf Quays more than just a retail experience.

Gunwharf Quays Visitor Facilities

Gunwharf Quays is designed with visitor comfort and convenience in mind. The complex is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps allowing easy access to all areas for visitors with mobility issues. There are well-maintained restrooms, baby-changing facilities, and seating areas available throughout the centre.

The site has a large, secure car park with over 1,500 spaces, and parking is charged by the hour. Visitors can also make use of electric vehicle charging points. For those travelling by public transport, Gunwharf Quays is a short walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station, which offers frequent services to London and other regional destinations. Local buses and taxis also serve the area.

Gunwharf Quays is pet-friendly, and while animals are not allowed inside stores, there are designated areas and water stations for dogs.

Nearby Attractions

Gunwharf Quays is located in the heart of Portsmouth, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history and cultural attractions. In addition to the shopping and leisure options at the Quays itself, visitors can easily access the following nearby sites:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Just a 10-minute walk from Gunwharf Quays, the Historic Dockyard offers a chance to explore iconic warships such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, as well as the fascinating Mary Rose Museum.
Southsea Castle: A short drive or a longer walk from Gunwharf Quays, this coastal fort was built by Henry VIII in the 16th century and offers scenic views of the Solent.
Old Portsmouth: The historic heart of the city, Old Portsmouth is home to cobbled streets, traditional pubs, and the atmospheric Point area. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum: A short journey from Gunwharf Quays, this small museum is dedicated to the life and works of the famous author, who was born in Portsmouth.

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Times: Gunwharf Quays is open daily, with most shops typically opening from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sundays. Restaurant and entertainment venues often have extended hours into the evening.

Parking: Gunwharf Quays offers ample parking, with a large multi-storey car park available on-site. The car park operates on a pay-per-hour basis, and spaces are usually available even during peak periods.

Public Transport: Gunwharf Quays is conveniently located near Portsmouth Harbour train station, which is well-served by regular trains to and from London and other destinations. The site is also connected by local bus services, and there are ferry links to the Isle of Wight.

Visitor Tips: 
- To make the most of the outlet deals, it’s worth visiting on weekdays, as weekends and school holidays can get crowded.
- Gunwharf Quays hosts seasonal events, including Christmas markets and summer festivals, which add an extra layer of excitement to a visit.
- If planning to dine at one of the restaurants during peak times, it’s advisable to book a table in advance, especially at the more popular venues.
- For the best harbour views, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, which offers fantastic photo opportunities of the Spinnaker Tower and the busy harbour.