Gunwharf Quays - View of Portsmouth with Gunwharf Quays, the Spinnaker tower and the lipstick from Gosport in the golden sun just before sunset
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Gunwharf Quays

4.4
·33k reviews·, United Kingdom

A premier outlet shopping destination with stunning harbor views, offering designer brands at reduced prices and a vibrant dining scene.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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Gunwharf Quays - View of Portsmouth with Gunwharf Quays, the Spinnaker tower and the lipstick from Gosport in the golden sun just before sunset

Gunwharf Quays

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier outlet shopping destination with stunning harbor views, offering designer brands at reduced prices and a vibrant dining scene.

4.4
(33k reviews)

"Highly recommended for a day out with shopping, food, and beautiful views all in one place!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🛍️ Outlet Bargains Galore

Hunt for designer deals! Many stores offer prices below RRP, making it a great shopping destination.

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Waterfront Walks

Take a relaxing stroll along the pier for stunning harbor views. Perfect for photos!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Designer Outlet Shopping

Designer Outlet Shopping

Score high-end fashion and brands at significantly reduced prices. A shopper's paradise!

Harborfront Promenade

Harborfront Promenade

Enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor, perfect for a leisurely stroll or relaxing break.

Diverse Dining Options

Diverse Dining Options

From casual cafes to waterfront restaurants, find delicious food with scenic backdrops.

Boat Trips

Boat Trips

Explore the harbor and surrounding areas with various fascinating boat excursions.

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Outlet Shopping & Harbor Views

Gunwharf Quays offers a fantastic blend of outlet shopping with designer brands at reduced prices and stunning harbor views. It's a great spot for a relaxed day out, combining retail therapy with scenic walks and dining options.

Getting There & Parking

Easily accessible by car with a large, reasonably priced underground car park. Public transport options are also available, making it convenient for day-trippers. Consider boat trips for a unique arrival.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Enjoy the harbor views
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Pretty lights, dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Safety and Parking near Gunwharf Quays

🛍️ Outlet Bargains Galore

Hunt for designer deals! Many stores offer prices below RRP, making it a great shopping destination. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Waterfront Walks

Take a relaxing stroll along the pier for stunning harbor views. Perfect for photos! Reddit

reddit.com

How To Get Around Portsmouth

reddit.com

"Free VV bus" from Gunwharf Quays to Cruise Terminal, Portsmouth UK

🅿️ Convenient Parking

The underground car park is spacious and reasonably priced for a full day of exploring. Reddit

🚢 Harbor Boat Tours

Book a boat trip for a unique perspective of the harbor and local sights. Reddit

reddit.com

Moving to Portsmouth, wondering if I can rely on street residents parking in the gunwharf Quays area (north of Queen street) or should I look for places with allocated parking?

Tips

from all over the internet

🛍️ Outlet Bargains Galore

Hunt for designer deals! Many stores offer prices below RRP, making it a great shopping destination. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Waterfront Walks

Take a relaxing stroll along the pier for stunning harbor views. Perfect for photos! Reddit

🅿️ Convenient Parking

The underground car park is spacious and reasonably priced for a full day of exploring. Reddit

🚢 Harbor Boat Tours

Book a boat trip for a unique perspective of the harbor and local sights. Reddit

☀️ Best on Sunny Days

The open-air nature means it's best enjoyed when the weather is good. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(33k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Gunwharf Quays for its excellent outlet shopping, offering designer brands at great prices. The stunning harbor views and diverse dining options, many with waterfront seating, are also major highlights, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed day out. While primarily a shopping destination, the scenic location and activities like boat trips add to its appeal.

"A great spot to chill whether you’re shopping, playing, eating, or just walking around. Most of the stores are outlets, so prices are lower and more convenient for everyone. There’s also a nice selection of restaurants, all within a similar price range."

Mohammed qasem

"Amazing! So clean and fresh, and with so many designer shops, all selling their gear below the normal RRP. Underground car park too. There are some great eating places with outside seating providing veiws of the harbour. There are also various boat trips that you can book fron there too; my wife and I took one around the harbour - fascinating!"

Nick

"Gunwharf Quays is one of the best shopping malls I’ve visited! The location is absolutely fantastic - right next to the harbour with lovely views. You can take a relaxing walk along the water or simply sit on one of the many benches and soak it all in.

It's clean, spacious, and with a great selection of shops, from high street brands to designer outlets. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, perfect for a break between shopping.

The large underground parking is super convenient and very reasonably priced at £12.70 for the whole day.

Highly recommended for a day out with shopping, food, and beautiful views all in one place!"

Rosi Petkova

What People Like

Designer outlet shopping
Harbor views
Variety of restaurants

What People Dislike

Can be crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gunwharf Quays is easily accessible by car, with a large underground car park. It's also reachable by public transport, including buses and ferries. For those arriving by sea, it's a popular stop for cruise ships, with easy access to the quays. Reddit

Yes, there is a large underground car park available. It's generally considered reasonably priced for a full day of shopping and activities. Reddit

Absolutely! Buses frequently stop near Gunwharf Quays, and it's also a hub for local ferry services, offering a scenic way to arrive. Reddit

Yes, numerous boat trips depart from Gunwharf Quays, offering tours around the harbor and to nearby attractions. It's a highly recommended activity. Reddit

Definitely! With shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place, it's an ideal destination for a full day out. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee to access Gunwharf Quays. You only pay for your purchases, dining, or any specific activities like boat trips. Reddit

The Quays itself is generally open from morning until late evening, with individual store hours varying. It's best to check the specific store times if you have particular shops in mind. Reddit

No, you do not need to book tickets for the shops. Entry is free, and you can browse and purchase items as you wish. Reddit

Generally, there are no age restrictions for visiting Gunwharf Quays. However, some entertainment venues or restaurants might have their own policies. Reddit

While some outdoor areas might be dog-friendly, it's best to check with individual stores and restaurants regarding their pet policies. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Gunwharf Quays is primarily an outlet shopping destination, featuring a wide range of designer fashion retailers, high street brands, and lifestyle stores, all offering discounted prices. Reddit

Yes, most stores are outlets, meaning they sell items at reduced prices compared to their standard retail rates. It's a great place to find bargains. Reddit

There's a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, many with waterfront seating, offering various cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets. Reddit

While there are plenty of shops and food options, specific dedicated children's entertainment might be limited. However, the open spaces and boat trips can be enjoyable for families. Reddit

You can find various items that could serve as souvenirs, from branded merchandise in outlet stores to unique finds in gift shops. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The harborfront promenade offers fantastic views of the marina, boats, and the Spinnaker Tower. Evenings can be particularly picturesque with the lights. Reddit

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

Sunny afternoons provide great natural light for capturing the harbor. Evenings offer a different charm with the illuminated waterfront. Reddit

Yes, you can photograph the boats. The marina is a picturesque part of Gunwharf Quays and a popular subject for photographers. Reddit

The Spinnaker Tower, visible from Gunwharf Quays, is an iconic landmark. The marina itself, with its array of boats, is also a key photographic subject. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gunwharf Quays offers a pleasant outing for families, though it's primarily focused on shopping and dining. The open spaces and waterfront promenade are great for kids to explore, and the boat trips can be a highlight. While there aren't many dedicated children's play areas, the general atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dedicated kids' meal deals might vary. Reddit

Look for restaurants with family-friendly menus and enjoy the visual stimulation of the marina. The convenience of the car park and the ability to find bargains can also make it an appealing destination for parents looking for a day out that combines a bit of retail therapy with family time.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Gunwharf Quays is a fantastic option due to its extensive outlet shopping. You can find high-quality items at significantly reduced prices, making your money go further. Pack a picnic or opt for more affordable cafes and fast-food chains within the Quays to save on dining costs. Reddit

The harbor walk is completely free and offers beautiful scenery, providing a great way to enjoy the location without spending extra. Consider visiting during weekdays when crowds are lower, potentially leading to more relaxed browsing and less pressure to make impulse purchases.

couples

Gunwharf Quays offers a lovely setting for couples, combining retail therapy with romantic waterfront dining and scenic views. Enjoy browsing the designer outlets together, perhaps finding matching outfits or gifts. The harbor promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand, especially during sunset. Reddit

Many restaurants offer waterfront seating, providing an ideal ambiance for a date night or a relaxed meal. Consider a boat trip for a shared adventure, adding a unique element to your visit. The overall atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it a great spot for a day or evening out.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Outlet Shopping Experience

Gunwharf Quays is renowned as a premier outlet shopping destination. Visitors can expect to find a wide array of designer brands and popular high street labels offering their merchandise at significantly reduced prices. This makes it a prime location for bargain hunters and fashion enthusiasts looking to snag high-end items without the premium price tag. The layout is modern and spacious, making the shopping experience enjoyable and less crowded than traditional high street stores, especially during weekdays. Reddit

Beyond the discounts, the variety of stores ensures there's something for everyone, from clothing and accessories to homeware and gifts. Many visitors make a special trip specifically for the outlet shopping, driving from considerable distances to take advantage of the deals. The convenience of having so many outlet stores in one location streamlines the shopping process, allowing for efficient browsing and purchasing. Reddit

Harborfront Charm and Activities

The picturesque harbor setting is a major draw for Gunwharf Quays, offering more than just a backdrop for shopping. A leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade provides stunning views of the marina, filled with boats of all sizes, and the iconic Spinnaker Tower. This area is perfect for a relaxing walk, enjoying the sea air, or simply sitting on a bench to soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

Several boat trips depart from the quays, offering visitors a chance to explore the harbor and learn about Portsmouth's rich maritime history. These excursions are highly recommended by visitors for providing a unique perspective of the area and are a great way to break up a day of shopping. The waterfront also boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy their meals with beautiful views, especially during sunset. Reddit

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