
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
Discover Portsmouth's history, art, and a fun Sherlock Holmes trail, all for free!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Portsmouth's history, art, and a fun Sherlock Holmes trail, all for free!
"A fantastic, free place to visit with engaging exhibits for all ages."

Free Entry! 🎉
Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly must-visit in Portsmouth. :moneywithwings:
Sherlock Holmes Fun 🕵️
Don't miss the interactive Sherlock Holmes trail on the grounds for a unique experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sherlock Holmes Trail
Museum Grounds
Uncover clues and solve mysteries on this engaging trail inspired by the famous detective.

Local History Collections
Various Galleries
Explore Portsmouth's rich past, from maritime heritage to social history.

Art Exhibitions
Art Galleries
Discover diverse art collections, including temporary exhibitions that showcase local and international artists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Hidden Gem
Check Opening Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are your thoughts on the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
Free Entry! 🎉
Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly must-visit in Portsmouth. :moneywithwings:
Sherlock Holmes Fun 🕵️
Don't miss the interactive Sherlock Holmes trail on the grounds for a unique experience.
How To Get Around Portsmouth
Trying to find pictures of ancient Portsmouth
Check Special Exhibitions 🖼️
They often host fascinating traveling exhibitions alongside permanent collections. :frame_photo:
Picnic Spot Available 🧺
Enjoy your lunch in the outdoor picnic area on a sunny day. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry! 🎉
Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly must-visit in Portsmouth. :moneywithwings:
Sherlock Holmes Fun 🕵️
Don't miss the interactive Sherlock Holmes trail on the grounds for a unique experience.
Check Special Exhibitions 🖼️
They often host fascinating traveling exhibitions alongside permanent collections. :frame_photo:
Picnic Spot Available 🧺
Enjoy your lunch in the outdoor picnic area on a sunny day. :sandwich:
Knowledgeable Volunteers 🙋♀️
Engage with friendly volunteers who are happy to share insights about the exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery for its free admission and engaging exhibits, particularly the Sherlock Holmes trail and local history displays. The friendly staff and convenient amenities like a cafe and picnic area also contribute to a positive experience, though some note that not all areas may be open at all times.
"Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is a fantastic place to visit! The location is convenient and easy to get to. It's free to visit. The building itself is a well-preserved historic site that's clean and spacious.
Inside, the exhibitions are really interesting, especially the Sherlock Holmes gallery. There was also a special travelling exhibition dedicated to Sudan that was both informative and moving. A lovely volunteer lady was on hand to answer questions—she was incredibly knowledgeable and kind.
There’s plenty to enjoy for both adults and children, with engaging exhibits and hands-on activities. The museum also has clean toilets, a gift shop at the entrance, a nice little café, and an outdoor picnic area, which is perfect on a sunny day.
Highly recommend stopping by if you're in Portsmouth!"
Rosi Petkova
"Great museum with local history. Love the Southsea beach and Arthur Conan Doyle displays.
Went for the new nightclub exhibition which was fun.
Shame not everything was open, but still plenty to see."
emma benson
"I've lived in Portsmouth for a few years and keep forgetting about the museum. It's a lovely building, and it's free to get in, so we'll worth a visit. We visited this time for the Ancient Sudan exhibition in conjunction with the British Museum, which was very small but interesting and educational. We had a potter around the gift shop, and bought several items, including a book, a mug, post cards, books, and a pamphlet about the battle of Southsea in 1874. Because it's free to get in, we didn't feel we had ro see everything in one go, so we went off for lunch and plan to go back for both the art exhibition that's currently on until August 2025 (The Quietness of Feeling) and the Portsmouth Suffrage Banners."
Slim Jim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to reach by public transport. Many visitors arrive via bus or train, with the station a short walk away. If you're arriving by ferry, it's also accessible. Parking options are available nearby, though they can be busy.
Yes, there are several car parks within walking distance of the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. Some are pay-and-display, so factor that into your budget.
To get to the museum from Gosport, you'll typically need to cross the harbor. This might involve a ferry or a bus service that goes around the harbor. Check local transport schedules for the most efficient route.
The museum is generally accessible, with efforts made to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility details regarding exhibits or facilities.
Portsmouth is quite walkable, especially the central areas. Buses are a good option for longer distances, and there are also park-and-ride facilities. For crossing the harbor to places like Gosport, ferries are a popular choice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The great news is that admission to the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is completely free! This makes it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers.
As entry is free, booking tickets in advance is generally not required. However, for special temporary exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check their website for any specific booking recommendations or requirements.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery website for the most up-to-date information. They are typically open daily, but specific times may differ.
Beyond the free general admission, the museum sometimes hosts free talks, workshops, or family activities. Keep an eye on their events calendar for any special happenings.
Yes, the Sherlock Holmes trail is part of the museum's grounds and attractions, and you can enjoy it as part of your free visit. No separate ticket is needed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the Sherlock Holmes gallery and trail, as well as the local history displays. Temporary exhibitions, like the one on Sudan, also receive high praise for being informative and moving.
Absolutely! The museum offers engaging exhibits and hands-on activities that appeal to both adults and children, making it a great family outing.
Yes, the museum provides clean toilets, a gift shop at the entrance, a nice little café, and an outdoor picnic area, perfect for a sunny day.
You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the permanent collections and any temporary exhibitions. If you plan to do the Sherlock Holmes trail and enjoy the cafe, allow for a bit longer.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, personal photography without flash is permitted in many areas, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a nice little café where you can grab refreshments. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit.
The museum offers an outdoor picnic area, which is perfect for enjoying your own packed lunch on a pleasant day.
Being in the city center, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the vicinity of the museum, offering a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets.
While specific menus can change, museum cafes typically offer light snacks, sandwiches, cakes, and hot and cold beverages. It's a good place for a quick bite or a coffee break.
The cafe is more geared towards lighter fare. For a full meal, you would likely want to explore the many dining establishments located just outside the museum in the surrounding city center.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography without flash is permitted in many areas of the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. Always look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
Yes, you can typically take photos of the Sherlock Holmes trail and the surrounding grounds. It's a great opportunity to capture some fun memories of your visit.
Some temporary exhibitions might have restrictions on photography to protect the artworks. This will usually be clearly indicated by signs within the exhibition space.
The historic building itself offers great architectural shots. The Sherlock Holmes trail can provide some unique and playful photo opportunities. The art galleries also offer visually interesting pieces to capture.
Tripods and professional photography equipment are usually not permitted without prior arrangement or special permission. This is to ensure the safety of exhibits and the comfort of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📚 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit