Discover Portsmouth’s Best Local Sustainable Activities

Portsmouth is full of fun, affordable, and environmentally friendly activities for guests at the Royal Maritime Hotel to enjoy.

One highlight is the 2.6-mile (4 km) Millennium Promenade, which links Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to Southsea. Along the way, you can take in charming sights, stop for a coffee, or enjoy an ice cream while strolling.

The Southsea seafront and coastal defence scheme stretches roughly 4.5 km (2.8 miles) from Old Portsmouth to Eastney, offering stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and Hayling Island. Recent improvements have added beautiful banked seating with poetry inscribed along the sea wall at the Theatre of the Sea, making it a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the scenery.

For those keen on supporting the local environment, regular beach clean events take place near Eastney’s “The Coffee Cup,” often run by community groups and charities to keep the coastline litter-free and safe for wildlife. Guests can also explore protected nature reserves around the harbour and coastline, where clearly marked paths allow for safe birdwatching and sea views while preserving delicate habitats.

This combination of walking routes, scenic spots, and eco-friendly activities makes Portsmouth an ideal destination for exploring the city while being kind to the environment.

Morning: Give Back to the Shoreline and make new friends

Start your day with purpose. Join a community beach clean along the seafront or at Southsea Common. These are often organised by local charities and are a fantastic way to meet locals, protect marine life and ensure our coastline stays pristine for everyone. Don’t worry if you haven’t booked ahead—many groups leave equipment caches on the beach for passers-by to use spontaneously.

Midday: Slow Travel & Picnics

Instead of hopping in a taxi, lace up your walking shoes. Portsmouth is surprisingly compact, and the Visit Portsmouth walkable Portsmouth webpage is a very useful source of information:  https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/plan/intinerary-ideas/walkable-portsmouth/

The "Walkable Portsmouth" itineraries make navigation a breeze. One itinerary starts at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and then links nearby highlights by short walks (typically a few hundred metres each).

Key stops include HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose at the Dockyard, then Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth Cathedral, Hotwalls Studios, Clarence Pier, Blue Reef Aquarium, The D-Day Story and Southsea Castle.

Grab food for your walk from local cafes or shops, or stop along the way at one of the fantastic cafes. 

Afternoon: Conservation and Culture

Did you know Portsmouth’s museums are going green? Venues like the Mary Rose Museum have implemented energy-saving LED lighting and sophisticated humidity controls that use less power. 

Portsmouth Natural History Museum has a beautiful butterfly house. It features exhibits on local wildlife and the Solent’s marine environment, turning a cultural day out into an educational one about our planet. Relax at nearby Canoe Lake or in the Museum Garden before moving on.

Shopping on your mind? Support the Circular Economy!

Browse for bargains at local charity shops on Southsea's Marmion Road. 



Sam’s place is a beautiful charity shop styled like a boutique, and we also have Cry, Browns, Cancer Research, The British Heart Foundation, The Red Cross, and many more charity shops in Southsea. Buying second-hand clothing or books while on holiday is a growing trend among eco-conscious travellers—it keeps items out of landfills and supports local causes. You might even find a vintage naval jacket to remind you of your trip!

Evening: Tides and Tranquillity

End your day with a "blue space" moment. Head to the less-crowded western end of the seafront or wander along the harbour paths at dusk. These protected viewpoints offer incredible sunset photo opportunities and a chance to spot seabirds returning to their reserves for the evening. For a slower-paced day, visitors can follow self-guided walking routes such as “Walkable Portsmouth” itineraries, taking in historic sites, parks, and coastal paths without needing a car. Many of the city’s museums and attractions now highlight their own green initiatives, from reduced plastic use to energy-saving measures, so your day out supports businesses on a similar sustainability journey. 

Whatever you choose to do on your break in Portsmouth, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.