Local information
Q. Where can I get something to eat?
A. Our on-site restaurant the Bombay Bay offers excellent value contemporary Indian meals. In the summer, you can sit on the first-floor balcony and look over Langstone Harbour. If you fancy a change from the Bombay Bay, the Thatched House is a pleasant walk along the foreshore for some inexpensive pub fare. Lou Lou's Café in Marmion Road does great breakfast and lunches, and if you like cake, make a beeline for the Tenth Hole Tea Rooms on the seafront, next to the Pitch and Putt.
Q. Is there a beach locally that my children can play on if we decide stay on the boat but not go anywhere?
A. Being on a peninsula there are plenty of options. Southsea Beach is within walking distance or a short ferry ride takes you to the sandy beaches of Hayling Island. Eastney beach is the closest, but watch out for the nudist area in the 1.5m shoreline.
Q. What else is there to do?
A. Too much to mention. Some highlights are Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose. One ticket covers all and you can choose to view each one on a different day for the same price. There is also Action Stations - very popular with the boys! Portsmouth has 12 museums from the birthplace of Charles Dickens, the D-Day Museum and the Blue Reef Aquarium - great for kids on a wet day.
Q. What is the view like from Spinnaker Tower?
A. Truly stunning. On a clear day, you can see around 23 miles. Are you brave enough to walk on air - across the largest glass floor in Europe? Prices vary - a family ticket costs £21 but there are discounts, at certain times, for residents who provide proof of address. Book online at the website, (at least 24 hours in advance), to avoid the queues.
Q. How many shops are there at Gunwharf?
A. More than 80, ranging from Polo Ralph Lauren, Fat Face, Gap, White Stuff, Kipling to outdoor and camping specialists Tog 24 and Mountain Warehouse. Don't forget there are 20-plus bars and restaurants, Ken Hom's Yellow River restaurant, plus Pizza Express and Frankie and Benny's for family fare.
Q. Where can I pick up groceries?
A. Eastney Convenience Store, five minutes walk from the marina, is open every day, from 0600 till 1900 (1700 on Sundays). There is a cash point inside the store. Alternatively a 15 minute walk away the local Milton shopping centre has a Co-op supermarket and Lloyds Bank.
