With both beaches and the countryside on our doorstep – as well as a whole host of tourist attractions which keep visitors flocking to Portsmouth – we can be spoilt for choice for things to do, even on a miserable day. We know there is an abundance of walks and parks to visit, but we have all had days where we are scratching our heads thinking of new ideas. So we have put together this guide of places to visit which may help to inspire you and your family.
![You can turn back the clock at Retro Gameplay in Cosham High Street where people can pay an entrance fee and can play 'retro' board games or computer games inside.
Retro Gaming is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, from 2pm to 8pm on weekdays, 11am to 8pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. https://www.facebook.com/groups/646523713386851 or email retrogameplay.enquiries@hotmail.com
Picture: Sam Stephenson.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmRkYWZmNTJhLWUzOTgtNDkxNC04M2MxLTdjMjg5ODhmN2E3ODo0OWM0MDA5Yy0zNjM4LTRlZWYtYjBlZi0wYzgwYmViOWY0YWI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. Retro Gameplay
You can turn back the clock at Retro Gameplay in Cosham High Street where people can pay an entrance fee and can play 'retro' board games or computer games inside. Retro Gaming is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, from 2pm to 8pm on weekdays, 11am to 8pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. https://www.facebook.com/groups/646523713386851 or email [email protected] Picture: Sam Stephenson.Photo: Sam Stephenson
![Fort Nelson is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannon and is a great day out for all the family - and best of all admission is free (pre booking advised). You can step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground and underground tunnels. Parking costs £3 at the site at Portsdown Hill Road, Portchester. At peak time there are events and activities including a popular children's assault course. royalarmouries.org/venue/fort-nelson](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmIyYTM5MGRkLTc0MDQtNGM1Yi05MWM3LWE2MDk5NTQ0MTUzNjo0ZWRkYmJjNS04YTlhLTQ5NWUtYjBlZS1kZWZiY2U2NjQ3NDM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannon and is a great day out for all the family - and best of all admission is free (pre booking advised). You can step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground and underground tunnels. Parking costs £3 at the site at Portsdown Hill Road, Portchester. At peak time there are events and activities including a popular children's assault course. royalarmouries.org/venue/fort-nelsonPhoto: Matt Scott-Joynt
![Take a walk through the A-Z of Portsmouth's Natural History with a visit to Cumberland House Natural History Museum on Eastern Parade, Portsmouth. On your visit to the free attraction you can also get up close with a huge dinosaur - and visit the wonderful Butterfly House. Butterfly season is May to September, although the butterfly house is often open through the year as well. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. https://portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk/
Picture: Karen Davis-Duncan](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjI2ZWNiNTE3LTI5OGItNDM0ZS1iMDA0LTFhNWI1Mjg0MDRlZTozMWJmNTg0ZS1lMjgyLTQ1ZmQtYmIyMi1iOTExODM4M2Y4MGQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Cumberland House Natural History Museum and Butterfly House
Take a walk through the A-Z of Portsmouth's Natural History with a visit to Cumberland House Natural History Museum on Eastern Parade, Portsmouth. On your visit to the free attraction you can also get up close with a huge dinosaur - and visit the wonderful Butterfly House. Butterfly season is May to September, although the butterfly house is often open through the year as well. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. https://portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk/ Picture: Karen Davis-DuncanPhoto: Karen Davis-Duncan
![One of the oldest and most iconic skateparks in the UK, Southsea Skatepark is open all year round and welcomes everyone from beginners to pros. Opening times for the skatepark, which can be found on Clarence Esplanade, vary with entry starting at £5. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. southseaskatepark.org
Picture: Keith Woodland (030421-25)](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjEzZTM4YzcyLWMwM2UtNDQxMS1hOWE5LTk2MGY3MGI3OTNlNzo3Yjc4YTcyYS1iMTJjLTRkZjItODdkYy1hMWZlNDI5NjAzYzY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
8. Southsea Skatepark
One of the oldest and most iconic skateparks in the UK, Southsea Skatepark is open all year round and welcomes everyone from beginners to pros. Opening times for the skatepark, which can be found on Clarence Esplanade, vary with entry starting at £5. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. southseaskatepark.org Picture: Keith Woodland (030421-25)Photo: Keith Woodland