Discover Portsmouth’s Best Local Sustainable Activities

Portsmouth is packed with things to do that are fun,affordable, and kinder to the planet. From beach cleans to long seafront walks, guests at the Royal Maritime Hotel can enjoy days out that support the local environment and community.

The Millennium Promenade walking route linking Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to Southsea is about 2.6 miles (around 4 km), it's a great way to spend a day seeing the sights and stopping for a coffee or an ice cream along the way.

The wider Southsea seafront and coastal defence scheme stretches roughly 4.5 km (2.8 miles) from Old Portsmouth to Eastney, with great views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight and across to Hayling Island. There has been much work on the coastal defence scheme in recent years, and there is now beautiful banked seating with poetry inscribed along the sea wall at the area known as the Theatre of the Sea.

Around the seafront close to 'The Coffee Cup' AT Eastney, there are regular beach clean events, often supported by local community groups and charities, helping to keep our coastline litter-free and safe for wildlife. 

Guests can also explore protected areas and nature reserves around the harbour and coastline, where clearly marked paths help protect delicate habitats while offering great birdwatching and sea views.

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. Often organised by local charities, these sessions 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:  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 a Bee Hive and exhibits on local wildlife and the Solent’s marine environment, turning a cultural day out into an educational one about our planet.

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.