Portsmouth visitor guide
Portsmouth Guildhall is on Guildhall Square, right beside Portsmouth & Southsea station. The city has a rich maritime history and a long seafront, and Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard are both easy to reach.
Hannah Fry plays Guildhall on 15 Oct 2027. Here is what to see, where to eat and where to stay.
Things to do near Guildhall
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard — Home to HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Warrior. Allow at least half a day.
- Spinnaker Tower — A 170-metre observation tower at Gunwharf Quays with views across the Solent.
- Gunwharf Quays — Shops, restaurants and the Spinnaker Tower on the waterfront, a short walk from the Guildhall.
- Southsea seafront — A long promenade with views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
- D-Day Story — The museum of the D-Day landings, on the Southsea seafront.
- Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum — The house where Dickens was born in 1812, in the Old Commercial Road area.
Source: Visit Portsmouth. Check each attraction for current opening times before you visit.
Places to eat near Guildhall
These areas are recommended by Visit Portsmouth. We do not rate or review individual restaurants; check availability and menus directly.
- Gunwharf Quays restaurants — A waterfront cluster of restaurants and chains, a short walk from the Guildhall.
- Albert Road, Southsea — Independent restaurants, cafés and pubs in Southsea's main street.
- Palmerston Road, Southsea — Restaurants and bars in the Southsea shopping area.
- Old Portsmouth — Pubs and restaurants around the old harbour, near the Cathedral.
Where to stay
Southsea has the most character and is close to the seafront. The city centre around the Guildhall is practical for the show. Gunwharf Quays has modern hotels right on the waterfront.
How long to allow
Portsmouth is a day trip from London or the South Coast. The Historic Dockyard alone takes half a day. If you want the dockyard and the show, stay overnight.
Common questions
What is there to do near Guildhall in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has plenty to see. Near Guildhall: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays and more. See the full list above.
Where should I eat before the show in Portsmouth?
Popular areas for eating near the venue include Gunwharf Quays restaurants and Albert Road, Southsea. We list only areas recommended by the Visit Portsmouth; check individual restaurants for availability.
Where should I stay for the Hannah Fry show in Portsmouth?
Southsea has the most character and is close to the seafront. The city centre around the Guildhall is practical for the show. Gunwharf Quays has modern hotels right on the waterfront.
How long should I allow for a trip to Portsmouth?
Portsmouth is a day trip from London or the South Coast. The Historic Dockyard alone takes half a day. If you want the dockyard and the show, stay overnight.
Related pages
Other city guides
- Birmingham visitor guide
- Nottingham visitor guide
- Leicester visitor guide
- Newcastle visitor guide
- Edinburgh visitor guide
- Cardiff visitor guide
- Bath visitor guide
- Manchester visitor guide
- London visitor guide
Information sourced from Visit Portsmouth. Last checked 2026-10-12. We are not affiliated with any of the attractions or restaurants listed.