Posted on 19th May 2025
Looking for pre-festival fun this half term? Our seafront home has everything, from castles and codes to turtles, tennis, tasty treats and more!
Southsea Skatepark
Event Dates: Monday 26th May – Friday 30th May
Southsea Skatepark will be open for thrill-seekers Monday-Friday from Noon! Plus, special sessions for Under 12s on Saturday and Sunday mornings! Find out more HERE.
Blue Reef
Event Dates: Saturday 24 May – Sunday 1 June. Opening times: 10 AM – 5 PM (last entry 4 PM)
Celebrate turts, torts, and Terras with Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth’s Turtle Power event this May Half Term.
Step into an underwater world and be immersed in these unique reptiles. Attend a feeding demo with one of the shelled residents. Learn about responsible pet ownership in honour of the aquarium’s rescued snapping turtle, Kelly. Plus, test all your newfound knowledge on turtle quizzes.
Experts will be around to deliver talks every hour of the day and answer all your questions on the turtle-y weird. All are included in standard entry to the aquarium. Find out more HERE
The D-Day Story
Event Dates: Tuesday 27th May – Sunday 1st June
There is something for all the family this half term at The D-Day Story.
On Tuesday 27th May – Thursday 29 May the museum has a range of activities, including create your own toy aeroplane or paper doll. Be inspired by VE Day and make paper flowers, flags and bunting plus there will Second World War outfits for you to try on.
That’s not all on Saturday 24 May – Sunday 1 June, Operation: Spies and Lies will be available. Your mission is to work together to complete challenges, crack codes, and answer questions to find a mystery object hidden in the museum.
The challenge will take you around the museum, learning more about the objects and people involved in D-Day. All activities are included in the museum admission price. Find out more HERE
Hovertravel
From half-term family travel deals to Pleasure Flights, Hovertavel have half term sorted! Fancy an afternoon in Ryde? Take advantage of their Afternoon Flyer deal! Find out more HERE
Southsea Castle
What’s better than exploring a castle and its ramparts for free!? Discover some Southsea history, then refuel at the Courtyard Café! Find out more HERE
Southsea Tennis Club
Summer Tennis Camp
Event Dates: Tuesday 27th May – Friday 30th May
Coach Josh Barrett will be running a Tennis Coaching Camp for children aged 5 to 13 from Tuesday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.
Young players can improve their skills, stay active, and have fun on the court! For more information or to book a place, contact: joshbarretttenniscoaching@gmail.com
Jazz at the Clubhouse Café
Event Date: Sunday 25th May
Head to the Clubhouse Café for a relaxed afternoon of live jazz music on Sunday 25th, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, in the garden.
Everyone is welcome – no booking required! Enjoy a delicious selection of food and a full range of beverages while soaking up the music. Don’t miss this perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Come & Try Pickleball
Event Date: Tuesday 27th May
Curious about Pickleball? Come along to our free “Come and Try” session on Tuesday 27th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
No need to book – just turn up in suitable sportswear. All equipment and basic instruction will be provided free of charge.
A great way to try something new and meet other players!
For further details, call: 07856 828806
Find out more HERE
BH Live Pyramids
Event Dates: Monday 26th May – Sunday 1st June
Get moving this half term with family & junior gym sessions – then refuel at the new South Terrace café with pizza, treats and sea views! Find out more HERE
Exploria
Explore a world of fun with extra sessions to enjoy, plus dedicated SEN sessions on Tuesday, 27th May! Find out more HERE
Waterfront Garden Centre
Get the kids involved in gardening with a trip to the amazing Waterfront Garden Centre. Find out more HERE
Clarence Pier
Rides galore! Open May Half Term from 11 AM each day! Fun for the whole family! Find out more HERE
Bandstand
The Bandstands back – a Summer of live music kicks off on Sunday, 25th May. Find out more HERE.
Food and Drink
There are tons of incredible places to fuel your Half Term fun – whether you’re after coffee, cake, sea views or snacks, we’ve got you covered!
The Tenth Hole – Tuck into legendary cakes and explore the 9-hole pitch and putt course – perfect for a quick game with the kids! With a full kids’ menu, activity packs, and 8am–5pm opening all week, including the Bank Holiday, it’s the ideal spot for families. Find out more HERE
Canteen
‘The Hut’ is back for the sunny season – grab a takeaway coffee, smoothie, ice cream or cold drink to enjoy along the seafront. Plus, there are kids’ menus and activity packs to keep little ones happy while you relax. Open 8am–4pm daily, including Bank Holiday. Find out more HERE
The Briny
Breakfast is back! Enjoy seaside mornings with weekday breakfast service launching from Bank Holiday Monday (9am–11:30am), then running Tuesday to Sunday ongoing.
Try a fresh poke bowl (choose citrus-cured salmon or sweet chilli king prawn) from the takeaway window, and soak up the views from the newly reopened seafront promenade. Keep your eyes peeled for a brand-new summer menu launching in June! Find out more HERE
Other fantastic favourites include The Clubhouse, The Courtyard Café, Coffee Cabin, Waterfront Tea Rooms, Deep Blue, Southsea Beach Café and many more!
Whatever your taste, Southsea’s got something delicious waiting for you.