Things to do in Portsmouth: 9 of the best activities this weekend despite Met Office rain warning

From beloved attractions to soaking up some culture in our fascinating museums, here are some of the best activities on offer in the Portsmouth area this weekend - taking place on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, February 3.

Southsea Model Village

Southsea Model Village, in Eastney Esplanade, welcomed visitors back for a new season on Saturday, February 10. It comes after vandals broke in and attacked the model village - in Eastney Esplanade - in December last year, causing damage estimated to cost around £1,000. You can find out more about the beloved attraction here:

Walk The Millenium Promenade

The Millennium Promenade is a 3km walking route which takes those who follow it across Portsmouth’s historic waterfront. Follow the anchors imprinted in the pavement and you’ll find yourself passing landmark like the Spinnaker Tower, Clarence Pier and the Round and Square towers in Old Portsmouth. Start your free tour of the city by finding the first anchor at Spur Redoubt near Clarence Pier.

Visit Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery

Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery has plenty of excellent – and free – displays on local history, and is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 5pm.

A statement on the museum’s website reads: “discover the world of Sherlock Holmes, see fascinating works of art, trace the history of Portsmouth FC and a whole load more besides.”

For more information, visit https://portsmouthmuseum.co.uk/.

Visit a new Portsmouth sweetshop

Paulsgrove has welcomed a brand new sweet shop and ice cream parlour – and locals are enjoying old fashioned treats at old fashioned prices. You can visit Ice Creams and Sweet Dreams at 199 Allaway Avenue this weekend and pick up some penny sweets.

Visit the Mary Rose Museum

The Mary Rose Museum, in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, offers a fascinating glimpse into Tudor history with thousands flocking to see it every year. It is one of the cities main tourist attractions but shouldn't be overlooked by locals either.

Visit Spinnaker Tower

Home to some of the best-loved views in the city, a visit to Spinnaker Tower can make for a truly special memory. Entry to the iconic attraction costs £16.25 per adult, and visitors can check out the recently added Sky Bar. Find out more information here: https://www.spinnakertower.co.uk.

Go for a muddy puddle walk

There is still fun to be had in the Portsmouth area when it’s damp underfoot. Inspired by the antics of Peppa Pig, we’ve put together a list of the best walks to enjoy the simple joy of splashing in a muddy puddle. Get your wellies at the ready and explore some of the best family walks near the city which are just as fun come rain or shine: 10 Peppa Pig muddy puddle walks around Portsmouth.

Enjoy a free Portsmouth day out

A great day out in the island city doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Read on here for 8 of the city's best free attractions – and watch our reporter see them all in one day out.

Join a Parkrun

Parkruns are free weekly races held across the country – including in Portsmouth. You can find your race on the Parkrun website, and for more details about the best Parkruns in and around Portsmouth, see here: Parkruns: Courses in Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant, Lee-on-the-Solent and Whiteley and what they are like to run.

Join a gym

Its that time of year again when many people make an effort to get their health back on track, or even join a gym for the first time. We’ve put together a list of some of the area’s best gyms, with all the information you need to get started. Here are some of the best options: Portsmouth gyms to join in 2024 including David Lloyd, Village, and the Mountbatten Centre.