Haslar Marina Lightship
Dine on a historic lightship at Haslar Marina, offering fine dining with fresh, local seafood and stunning maritime views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Haslar Marina Lightship
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine on a historic lightship at Haslar Marina, offering fine dining with fresh, local seafood and stunning maritime views.
"Quite possibly the best venue on the south coast! The venue was spectacular!"
🎯 Reserve Your Table
Essential for weekend dining to secure your spot on this popular lightship restaurant.
🚢 Ferry for Easy Access
A quick 5-minute ferry from Portsmouth makes getting here a breeze.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dining Aboard the Lightship
The Lightship
Experience fine dining with locally sourced food in a truly unique maritime setting. Fresh seafood and wine on a boat!
Historic Maritime Ambiance
Haslar Marina
Soak in the atmosphere of a refurbished lightship, offering stunning views and a sense of being on the water.
Art Exhibitions
The Lightship
Discover rotating art exhibitions, often with themes like Nature and Heritage, adding a cultural layer to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Dining
Consider Ferry Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Your Table
Essential for weekend dining to secure your spot on this popular lightship restaurant.
🚢 Ferry for Easy Access
A quick 5-minute ferry from Portsmouth makes getting here a breeze.
🥂 Try the Cocktails
The salted caramel martini is a crowd favorite!
🖼️ Check for Art Shows
Look out for unique art exhibitions hosted on board.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Your Table
Essential for weekend dining to secure your spot on this popular lightship restaurant.
🚢 Ferry for Easy Access
A quick 5-minute ferry from Portsmouth makes getting here a breeze.
🥂 Try the Cocktails
The salted caramel martini is a crowd favorite!
🖼️ Check for Art Shows
Look out for unique art exhibitions hosted on board.
🎶 Ambient Music Wish
Some visitors wished for background music to enhance the ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Haslar Marina Lightship as a top venue, highlighting its spectacular setting, fabulous food, and amazing service. It's frequently recommended for special occasions and everyday dining alike, with many eager to return. Some minor suggestions include adding ambient music to enhance the atmosphere.
"Quite possibly the best venue on the south coast! We booked a huge wedding anniversary party for our family and friends in June of this year. Maria sorted everything out for us to every last detail. On the day, the staff were amazing, The food was fabulous, The weather was kind to us, The venue was spectacular! We were so lucky and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough."
Angela Ellis
"We went with friends on 26-07-25 and I can’t fault anything the food, service and atmosphere were amazing. And such a cool place for lunch or dinner. Can’t wait to go back."
David Proctor
"Starter and mains perfect. I'll happily flirt with the lighthouse in an evening, please.
I little ambient music playing in the background on your Bose speakers would have been nice."
Justin Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lightship is easily accessible via a short 5-minute ferry ride from Portsmouth. This offers a scenic and convenient way to reach the destination.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, Haslar Marina typically offers parking facilities. It's advisable to check with the marina directly for the most up-to-date information on parking availability and costs.
If you are in the Gosport area, walking to Haslar Marina is possible. The Lightship is docked within the marina, so once you reach the marina, you will be able to locate it.
For those coming from Portsmouth, the ferry is a highly recommended and efficient option. If arriving by car, navigate to Haslar Marina, Gosport.
Yes, local bus services operate in Gosport, which can take you to the vicinity of Haslar Marina. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the marina itself is generally free. However, for dining at The Lightship restaurant, reservations are strongly advised, especially for peak times.
The Lightship restaurant is now open for the season. Specific daily opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information.
There is no specific admission fee to visit the Lightship itself as it's a restaurant and venue. However, you will need to book a table if you plan to dine there.
While primarily a restaurant, the unique setting might allow for brief visits during off-peak hours or for specific events like art exhibitions. It's recommended to contact them directly to inquire about non-dining visit possibilities.
For weekend evenings or special occasions, booking several weeks in advance is a good idea to secure your preferred time slot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Lightship offers fine dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, particularly fresh seafood. Expect delicious food with beautiful presentation.
While seafood is a highlight, the menu often features a variety of dishes. It's advisable to check the current menu or inform the restaurant of dietary requirements when booking.
Reviewers rave about the food, with starters and mains being perfect. The salted caramel martini is a standout cocktail choice.
Absolutely! It's described as a spectacular venue for celebrations, with staff going above and beyond to make events memorable.
As a fine dining establishment, expect prices to reflect the quality of food, service, and unique location. It's considered a great value for the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the iconic lightship against the marina backdrop, especially during sunrise or sunset. The views of Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower are also picturesque.
Yes, guests are welcome to take photos inside the restaurant to capture the unique ambiance and your dining experience.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for professional shoots or commercial use, it's best to inquire with the management beforehand.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the lightship and marina.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the ship and its surroundings. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the marina views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday lunchtimes for a potentially more relaxed atmosphere. It's advisable to check the menu for kid-friendly options or call ahead to inquire about their suitability for children. The short ferry ride from Portsmouth can also be an enjoyable part of the family adventure.
🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
Booking a table in advance is crucial, especially for weekend evenings, to ensure you secure the perfect spot. Enjoying cocktails like the popular salted caramel martini adds a touch of indulgence to the experience.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Portsmouth
Plan to spend a few hours enjoying a leisurely lunch or dinner, taking in the marina views and the historic charm of the lightship. It's a perfect way to add a distinctive culinary and scenic element to your day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Unique Dining Experience
Reviewers consistently praise the fabulous food, amazing service, and spectacular venue. The waves from passing cruise ships add to the immersive feeling of being on the water. It's a place where the atmosphere is as memorable as the meal, making it ideal for both casual lunches and significant celebrations.
While the food and setting are the main draws, the Lightship also occasionally hosts art exhibitions, adding a cultural dimension to its offerings. This blend of culinary excellence, historical charm, and artistic flair makes the Haslar Marina Lightship a truly special destination.
Navigating to the Lightship
If you're arriving by car, the destination is Haslar Marina in Gosport. While parking is generally available at the marina, it's always wise to confirm specifics regarding availability and any associated fees. For those relying on public transport, local bus services in Gosport can bring you close to the marina, making it accessible for a wider range of visitors.
Planning your travel in advance, especially checking ferry schedules, will ensure a smooth and enjoyable arrival, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique experience the Lightship has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit