12 staycation ideas near Portsmouth: attractions and activities for a holiday close to home - from Isle of Wight to Hayling Island

Here are some ideas within touching distance of Portsmouth if you’re looking to get away this summer
(Photo: Shutterstock)(Photo: Shutterstock)
(Photo: Shutterstock)

On 4 July, lockdown restrictions on campsites, holiday parks and tourist attractions were lifted in England, reopening the country’s tourism sector after months of pandemic-triggered closure.

So while travel abroad may be fraught with risk – and outright advised against by the UK Government in many cases – the concept of a ‘staycation’ has never been more appealing.

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Visit our new Staycation page to discover great things to do in Portsmouth

From accommodation to attractions, here are some ideas within touching distance of Portsmouth to spark some inspiration if you’re looking to get away this summer.

Titchfield Abbey

Titchfield Abbey was first built in the 13th century and was originally the home of a community of Premonstratensian canons. Later the buildings were transformed into a great Tudor house, featuring a grand turreted gatehouse.

For more information visit the website

Isle of Wight

A short ferry ride over the Solent will take you to the sandy shores of the Isle of Wight, which are just waiting to be explored.

Famed for its chalky cliffs, golden beaches and rural landscape, this small island off the south coast is a popular haunt for outdoor enthusiasts, with lots of places to enjoy walking and cycling.

There’s also quality local food and drink to sample, fossils to discover in hidden coves, or simply just relaxing on one of the island’s many beaches.

Fishery Creek Touring Park

Fishery Creek caravan park is situated on the stunning tidal creek of Chichester Harbour with views across an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Restrictions in place include pitch availability restrictions, and a limited number of washing up areas and basins (check their website for the full list of measures).

For more information visit the website

Fort Nelson, Portsmouth

Fort Nelson is one of five defensive forts built on Portsdown Hill in the 1860s overlooking Portsmouth.

Visit the museum to find out more about the collection of artillery and how it changed the nature of battles over hundreds of years. Admission is free.

For more information visit the website

Weymouth

If recent scenes of crowded Bournemouth beaches have put you off that particular town trip, Weymouth is an alternative choice slightly further west.

If you’re keen to escape for some sea and sand, this pretty seaside town in Dorset has all the assets for a relaxing break.

As well as the sandy shores of Weymouth Beach, visitors can also pay a visit to the harbour or take a wander to the historic Nothe Fort, which offers stunning views out towards Portland and Weymouth Bay.

Scotts Farm Camping

This spacious, family-friendly campsite in West Wittering has 40 acres of pitches, with a large children’s play area that the little ones are sure to love.

If you're a fan of beaches, West Wittering is famous for its sand and coastline.

For more information visit the website

Hayling Island

Just a short drive from Portsmouth, Hayling Island boasts all of the essentials for a traditional seaside holiday.

Visitors can wander the many miles of unspoiled coastline and countryside, with numerous cycling and walking trails to explore, or make the most of some of the other sporting pursuits on offer.

Windsurfing was invented on Hayling Island and remains a popular pastime, and there are opportunities to enjoy sailing, swimming and beach volleyball, among other activities.

Hayling Billy Trail

While you’re there, why not track this trail, which uses the Hayling Billy coastal path along the west coast of Hayling Island.

The five-mile round path is regularly used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The route starts at the car park at North Halt on Havant Road and is clearly signposted.

If you do decide to make your way over to Hayling Island, a stay at Hayling Island Holiday Park will put you within touching distance of fun activities and stunning Blue Flag beaches, with both coast and countryside in reach.

For more information and a map visit the website

Marwell Zoo, Winchester

There are hundreds of animals to admire at Marwell, including giraffes, tigers, meerkats, and penguins.

Three adventure playgrounds and a train will also keep the little ones occupied, in case the animals aren’t enough.

For more information go to marwell.org.uk

Hinton Ampner

Head over to Hinton Ampner, a country manor with a tranquil garden and breathtaking views across the South Downs. You can explore the garden, wander the estate, and discover the house, which was rebuilt following a fire in 1960.

National Trust has reopened the garden, parkland, estate, café, shop and toilets at Hinton Ampner. You will need to book your visit in advance.

For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner

Winchester Science Centre

Use a fully-functioning pinball machine to learn how we harness the potential of stem cells to repair our bodies, visit the Ancient Wisdom zone, or go on a journey of discovery through an enormous colon.

Yes, you read that right.

For more information visit winchestersciencecentre.org

Portchester Castle

Portchester Castle was originally built late in the 3rd century and is the best-preserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts. You can visit the exhibition on the history of the castle and Portchester, and you can enjoy a family picnic surrounded by history.

For more information visit the website