Stagecoach buses bring free kids’ travel to Portsmouth this summer
Families are being encouraged to explore Portsmouth by bus this summer, with free travel for children and the chance to win a year of free Stagecoach travel while discovering the city's Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail.
Children aged 5–15 can travel free on Stagecoach buses as part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative, making it easier for families to enjoy some of Portsmouth's biggest attractions throughout the school holidays.
Visitors can spend the day exploring Southsea, Canoe Lake, Clarence Pier, Portsmouth Museum, the D-Day Story, Gunwharf Quays and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, all easily accessible by Stagecoach services.
This summer also sees the arrival of the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail, celebrating the city's centenary. Stagecoach South is sponsoring Cumberland Rose, a beautifully designed lion sculpture created by local artist Katherine Griffin, located at Canoe Lake in Southsea.
Families visiting the sculpture can scan the QR code on the lion and complete a short feedback form for the chance to win a year of free travel on Stagecoach services across the South, with one lucky winner to be announced on 14 September 2026.
Stagecoach Service 23 provides a direct link to Canoe Lake and also connects visitors with Portsmouth city centre, Southsea and the Hard Interchange for onward rail and ferry connections. The service operates 24 hours a day, making it easy to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Marc Reddy, Managing Director of Stagecoach South, said: "Summer is the perfect time to discover everything Portsmouth has to offer, and with children travelling free there's never been a better opportunity for families to explore by bus.
"We're also delighted to be supporting the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail through our sponsored sculpture, Cumberland Rose. We hope families enjoy discovering the trail, visiting Portsmouth's fantastic attractions and entering our competition for the chance to win a year of free travel."
For more information about Stagecoach services, the children's free travel offer and the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail, visit stagecoachbus.com.