Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
644 within 3 miles
Attractions
166 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,274 reviews
Excellent
1,703
Very good
1,131
Average
293
Poor
57
Terrible
90
AckbarSnackbar
Portsmouth, UK1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Friends
I can understand the need for reasonable COVID precautions but the way they've been implemented at Gunwharf is just painful and takes all enjoyment out of visiting.
We visited on Mon 17th Aug. On arrival at the usual entrance by the Portsmouth bus station we were told by a staff membet that we had to walk halfway round the complex to use another entrance as this was now an exit only. This seemed odd as the area is spacious enough that they could have set up a two lane system but the reason became apparent soon enough.
The only allowable entrance has been converted in to a rat run of barriers as they are operating a 'one in one out' system to even get in to the complex. The queue was huge and there was no obvious indication of how long we would be expected to wait just for the privilege of entering a shopping mall. This area is completely uncovered so whether it's boiling hot or prone to raining you could be stuck out in it for quite some time. Once inside you can expect to queue to get in everywhere else too.
Seeing as it's a shopping mall and not Alton Towers we decided it just wasn't worth it and left to go somewhere else for lunch. I'm not really sure how anyone could book a restaurant reservation inside Gunwharf and be confident of arriving on time. With this access system in place you'd have to turn up ridiculously early to ensure you made your table. Maybe thats the point.
If you've got young kids with you, if you're elderly or disabled or if you just value your time sufficiently not to want to queue for an unspecified duration in the boiling heat just to even be allowed in then my advice would be to stay away and find an alternative.
It's perhaps undetstandable why they've done this but that doesn't change the fact it makes the experience rather unpleasant and not really worth the hassle. There are plenty of nice places to eat in Portsmouth who need supporting and for everything else you can always shop online. There's no real need to jump through these hoops.
We visited on Mon 17th Aug. On arrival at the usual entrance by the Portsmouth bus station we were told by a staff membet that we had to walk halfway round the complex to use another entrance as this was now an exit only. This seemed odd as the area is spacious enough that they could have set up a two lane system but the reason became apparent soon enough.
The only allowable entrance has been converted in to a rat run of barriers as they are operating a 'one in one out' system to even get in to the complex. The queue was huge and there was no obvious indication of how long we would be expected to wait just for the privilege of entering a shopping mall. This area is completely uncovered so whether it's boiling hot or prone to raining you could be stuck out in it for quite some time. Once inside you can expect to queue to get in everywhere else too.
Seeing as it's a shopping mall and not Alton Towers we decided it just wasn't worth it and left to go somewhere else for lunch. I'm not really sure how anyone could book a restaurant reservation inside Gunwharf and be confident of arriving on time. With this access system in place you'd have to turn up ridiculously early to ensure you made your table. Maybe thats the point.
If you've got young kids with you, if you're elderly or disabled or if you just value your time sufficiently not to want to queue for an unspecified duration in the boiling heat just to even be allowed in then my advice would be to stay away and find an alternative.
It's perhaps undetstandable why they've done this but that doesn't change the fact it makes the experience rather unpleasant and not really worth the hassle. There are plenty of nice places to eat in Portsmouth who need supporting and for everything else you can always shop online. There's no real need to jump through these hoops.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brianandpat2016
Dartford, UK237 contributions
Feb 2020
Obviously manufactured retail experience with extortionate car parking charges, it is awfully fascinating to wander around as we did on a crisp sunny day. We parked along the front in Southsea to avoid the high charges and enjoyed the walk with views of the Solent and harbour mouth activity. Both of us had a specific clothing accessory item in mind but could find neither in any emporium, in fact, the selection in most shops appears streamlined in comparison with, say, Bluewater in Kent. There is a very good cafe with a great view in the base of the spinnaker tower and all the usual chain eateries are represented.
Written May 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear brianandpat2016,
Thank you for you review of Gunwharf Quays, we always value feedback from our Guests, and we are constantly looking at ways to enhance our shopping environment.
We were sorry to hear that you thought our Car Parking tariff was slightly expensive. We would like to assure you that our parking fees are extremely comparable with other private car parks in a city, and parking within Portsmouth.
If you plan on joining us again and are looking for a specific item, you may like to visit our website for an update on the amazing Brand offers, hopefully there will be something that suits your needs, so you can leave us satisfied with your purchase.
Your feedback is appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our centre in the near future.
Written June 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
XBunnyX
Bracknell, UK141 contributions
Oct 2020
Love this place, but omg, what a farce with the social distancing. They are very strict on which entrance you can go in by but can exit by any one, which is rather strange since the two that dont allow entry are actually wider and would have better scope for entry/exit than the one that lets you in and out. Also, security lets who they want in at the no entry points. One toilet is out of use (next to the pasty shop) due to them not being able to have social distancing however it is manned by a security person, so cant understand why they cant monitor the flow of people in and out. Once in the centre, NOBODY adheres to the one way system or the arrows on the floor, and none of the security seem to care, so this seems ridiculous that they are so strict at the entrance/exits.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear XBunnyX,
Thank you for your review.
We realize the new systems we have put in place to meet all the social distancing guidelines from the government have made the centre quite different to before and we're sorry if you found our one way system unclear.
Our security guards are always monitoring the number of people coming in and going out by using clickers. Once the capacity has been reached, we have to restrict the number of people coming in but the people you have seen going past the barriers were most likely members of staff.
Our toilets by the Cornish Bakery have been reserved for baby changing and disabled access only, in order to provide our guests who might find it difficult, physically or otherwise, to wait in a queue, a smoother experience.
We can assure you that we are encouraging guests to follow the government guidelines on social distancing and that we are reviewing our procedures all the time to try and make improvements and make it as safe as possible.
Alternatively, we can advise calling our friendly Guest Services team to inquire about any updates prior to your visit and we hope this experience has not deterred you from visiting us again.
We look forward to welcome you back again soon.
Written November 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DiandR0b
Derby, UK28 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Visited shops and Spinnaker tower while staying at Hayling Island. Dockyard museum would need at least two days but you can buy a twelve month ticket.
High end shopping if that is what you enjoy. I only visited M&S and the Body shop 15% discount.
High end shopping if that is what you enjoy. I only visited M&S and the Body shop 15% discount.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear DiandR0b,
Thank you for you review of Gunwharf Quays.
We were thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your recent visit to our Centre, and we hope you found some bargains whilst shopping.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written July 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TorchyPyrford
West Byfleet, UK409 contributions
Jan 2020
We come here a couple of times a year and usually find some good bargains. Easy to find your way about, with convenient parking. Can be a bit cold in winter, with the wind blowing in off the estuary. Even with the discount, some shops are still very expensive, never yet bought anything in Boss or Lacoste, don't see the need to pay their prices. Some good restaurants just outside the complex.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sheila and David,
Thank you for taking your time to leave a review of Gunwharf Quays.
We were glad to hear that our Car Park has met your expectations and that you have managed to find some bargains while you were shopping.
We hope to entice you back in the future and, in the meantime, if you happen to be preparing for a new visit, you can have a look on our website for new store arrivals, events as well as for any additional shopping and dining offers.
We look forward to having you as our guests in the near future.
Written January 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cjblackburn04
Gosport, UK3 contributions
Sep 2019
I live local but I don't go to the Gunwharf Quays to do shopping very often unless I really need to, i e with friends or visitors. Personally I find the Designer shops rather expensive; You can get a good bargain in he shops but you have to look very hard to find them.
The harbour views are excellent, when the weather's nice and you can have a very good outlook from up on the Spinnaker Tower but for my regular shopping I avoid the Gunwharf I'm afraid, having to live on a tight budget. We need something like it across the water in Gosport which is, how can I put it, a dying town.
The harbour views are excellent, when the weather's nice and you can have a very good outlook from up on the Spinnaker Tower but for my regular shopping I avoid the Gunwharf I'm afraid, having to live on a tight budget. We need something like it across the water in Gosport which is, how can I put it, a dying town.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear cjblackburn04,
Thank you for you review of Gunwharf Quays, we are pleased to know that you enjoy the time spent with us.
We are truly lucky to have such a unique seaside destination and there is plenty to do here on top of shopping, whether it be dining down by our picturesque marina, bowling or even visiting our Aspex Gallery.
We are also very lucky to have neighbours such as the Emirates Spinnaker Tower and the Historic Dockyard, which we recommend visiting, if you have not done so already.
Upon your next visit we recommend speaking to our Guest Relations team, located in Central Square, who will be more than happy to highlight some key dining offers and additional discounts. We also recommend checking our website for updates on events and special offers.
We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK23,078 contributions
Jun 2020
Great to see Gunwharf Quays back in action. Of course there are social distancing requirements in place, but over 50% of the outlets are now open with more to come. No sit down eating facilities at present, but a number of cafes and restaurants are providing a take away service and were clearly popular when I strolled the site today. In summer sunshine and with great views across the Harbour, a very uplifting experience.
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear bsandrs,
Thank you very much for your lovely comments, we are delighted to know that you've enjoyed your visit.
These are truly unique times, but we are doing our best to adhere to the social distancing guidelines imposed by the Government and will continue to do everything in our power to keep our guests feel as safe as possible.
Your feedback is appreciated and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written June 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrea H
Portsmouth, UK33 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We visited Gunwharf Quays for a lunch and were told we can’t take our bicycles with us and leave them outside where we ate. It has not been a problem before. Unfortunately we can’t leave our bicycles on a dedicated place due their cost and also we didn’t have any locks with us. Very disappointing situation as our 8 year old daughter was extremely hungry and we had a reservation .
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear andreah834,
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to hear that your visit was unpleasant due to you not being able to leave your bicycles outside the restaurants but, at this time, due to health and safety regulations as well as accessibility issues, we cannot allow for bicycles to be left outside any of our brands, restaurants or coffee shops.
We do offer bike locks you can purchase from our Guest Services suite and, should you decide to visit us again, please feel free to speak to any member of our team upon arrival, or give us a call prior to your visit, and we will be more than happy to assist you.
We look forward to welcoming you back again.
Written August 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jason G
Hampshire, UK40 contributions
May 2021
Covid has meant reasoning has gone out of the window. After some shopping we walked out to visit the dock but were told we couldn't come back via the normal underpass. Instead we were sent several minutes up the road.
This made no sense. The underpass is wide enough to allow for two directions of people. The path we were sent along was narrow and ended in traffic lights where people bunched together.
I'm not fearful of lack of Covid security but this just makes no sense. It's virtue signalling only. Within the mall itself, people are grouped together and even in the undercover section few wore masks.
This made no sense. The underpass is wide enough to allow for two directions of people. The path we were sent along was narrow and ended in traffic lights where people bunched together.
I'm not fearful of lack of Covid security but this just makes no sense. It's virtue signalling only. Within the mall itself, people are grouped together and even in the undercover section few wore masks.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jason G,
Thank you for your feedback.
We realize the new systems we have put in place to meet all the social distancing guidelines from the government have made the centre quite different to before and we're sorry if you found our one way system unclear.
We can assure you that we are encouraging guests to follow the government guidelines on social distancing and that we are reviewing our procedures all the time to try and make improvements to make it as safe as possible.
Prior to your next visit, we can advise calling our friendly Guest Services team to inquire about any updates.
We hope this experience has not deterred you from visiting us again and we hope to see you soon.
Written June 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TaNaBaN
Perth, Australia203 contributions
Sep 2020
Who doesn't love a bit of retail therapy?
You're spoilt for choice at this designer outlet/village including places to eat and drink.
This was our first trip from London for a weekend stay in the area. not knowing the local layout we parked in the onsite carpark. That wasn't cheap. But its does bring you out up the escalator right in the heart of the shops. BUT it is expensive.
We decided to go shopping on the first day of our weekend (Friday) During the day this was the best choice we made all weekend. the place was moderately busy with easy access to nearly all the shops and amenities without too much COVID disruption. Nike was the longest queue.
All the shops have great COVID procedures in place. The centre itself has a marked out walking system to help with social distancing.
Saturday was a different story. As the weekend hit we seemed to get into the village, walking from our local hotel, just at the right time. we only wanted to revisit a couple of shops but as we made our way back through to the food areas we saw a huge queue of people all packed in in a barrier area waiting to gain entry.
All food places host reported over an hour wait time for a seat inside or out and despite seeing multiple outside tables empty. We decided to leave and find somewhere else local to eat.
We will visit again but we will stick to the week day on days off.
You're spoilt for choice at this designer outlet/village including places to eat and drink.
This was our first trip from London for a weekend stay in the area. not knowing the local layout we parked in the onsite carpark. That wasn't cheap. But its does bring you out up the escalator right in the heart of the shops. BUT it is expensive.
We decided to go shopping on the first day of our weekend (Friday) During the day this was the best choice we made all weekend. the place was moderately busy with easy access to nearly all the shops and amenities without too much COVID disruption. Nike was the longest queue.
All the shops have great COVID procedures in place. The centre itself has a marked out walking system to help with social distancing.
Saturday was a different story. As the weekend hit we seemed to get into the village, walking from our local hotel, just at the right time. we only wanted to revisit a couple of shops but as we made our way back through to the food areas we saw a huge queue of people all packed in in a barrier area waiting to gain entry.
All food places host reported over an hour wait time for a seat inside or out and despite seeing multiple outside tables empty. We decided to leave and find somewhere else local to eat.
We will visit again but we will stick to the week day on days off.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear TaNaBaN,
Thank you for your review, we are happy to know that all the hard work our team has put into making the centre in line with the COVID-19 government guidelines has not gone unnoticed.
We were, however, sorry to hear that you thought our Car Parking tariff was slightly expensive. I would like to assure you that our parking fees are extremely comparable with other private car parks in a city, and parking within Portsmouth.
Unfortunately, as you mentioned, during our busy times, we have to restrict the capacity to the centre in order to keep everyone safe, which means that a queue will begin to form. We are following the government guidelines to ensure everyone has enough space.
We realize it can get frustrating at times but we have taken on extra staff and put lots of measures in place to try and make it as safe an environment as possible for all our guests.We can recommend our more quieter hours for a visit instead, which are 11.30am and after 4pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written October 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cian W
Gosport, UK
How do Motorcycles get into the Car Park as there does not appear to be enough space to ride around the barrier?
FIL M
London, UK472 contributions
I am afraid I am uncertain. I would suggest contacting them via social media and/or phone and they should be able to shed some light for you.
Katie
West Midlands, UK16 contributions
Will Gunwharf be doing fireworks this year for bonfire night?
paulwingate37
10 contributions
Hi we are getting an early coach to London for the day early morning and return to the hard at 0059
Can we get parking at Gunwharf? And how much please?
FIL M
London, UK472 contributions
Sorry I imagine you may have already undertaken this trip by now. Hope you had a pleasant time.
How do bikes get in?
Bob
Portsmouth, UK79 contributions
dont bother over priced rubbish cycle to worthing high street
D64
Portsmouth, UK86 contributions
Do quadricycles such as Renault Twizy and Citroen Ami need to pay to park at Gunwharf? They are technically low poer electric motorcycles with 4 wheels.
Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth, UK
Dear D64,
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, due to the size of the vehicle, normal parking rates apply for quadricycle vehicles.
We hope you have a good day and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
can trikes use the motorcycle parking area, always a grey area so best to ask.
Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth, UK
Dear Kevin F,
Unfortunately trikes are not able to use the motorcycle parking area as they are usually too wide.
If you wish to visit and use our car park with a trike you will need to access via the barrier and get a ticket.
If there are any issues at the barrier, please use the help button and a member of our car park team will assist you.
Holidaysnfun73
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK820 contributions
Which restaurants have outdoor seating ?
Thanks in advance
Kevin R
Abergavenny, UK274 contributions
Loads of them, too many to list or for my old and feeble brain to remember. Sorry
Luke E
Bromley, UK32 contributions
Hello!
Do you know if most stores have there summer stock out yet?
Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth, UK
Dear 196lukee,
Thank you for your question. Our brands currently have their Spring collections in full swing at this time, but Summer will be on it's way soon. Please do check out our website for more information on current offers, promotions and products.
If there was a particular brand or product you were interested in, please do contact our friendly Guest Services team through the website and they will happily help in any way they can.
We look forward to welcoming you to Gunwharf Quays soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gunwharf Quays
- Hotels near Gunwharf Quays:
- (0.10 mi) Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays, an IHG Hotel
- (0.11 mi) The Ship Leopard Boutique Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Keppels Head Hotel
- (0.12 mi) Lady Hamilton
- (0.12 mi) College Street Abode
- Restaurants near Gunwharf Quays:
- (0.00 mi) Krispy Kreme
- (0.03 mi) Five Guys
- (0.03 mi) Pret A Manger
- (0.03 mi) Burger King
- (0.03 mi) Frankie & Benny's
- Attractions near Gunwharf Quays:
- (0.03 mi) Vue Cinema
- (0.03 mi) Hollywood Bowl Gunwharf Quays
- (0.10 mi) Harbour Tours
- (0.10 mi) Spinnaker Tower
- (0.08 mi) Onboard RIBs
Gunwharf Quays Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,703 |
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Very Good Reviews | 1,131 |
Gunwharf Quays Photos | 1,051 |