New year, new things to try in Gosport. Get 2026 off to a great start with local activities and wellbeing boosters.
Try these 10 healthy, wholesome, and uplifting ways to start the new year and brighten winter days in Gosport.
1. Take in a seafront sunrise
With late sunrises at this time of the year, it’s a great opportunity to head to the coast to welcome the day. Seeing the sunrise can help regulate your body clock and energise you for the day ahead.
Gosport’s coastline, with its stunning views across the Solent, is a perfect place to take in a calm winter sunrise – head to Stokes Bay or Lee-on-the-Solent beach for the best views.
2. Savour warming food from friendly restaurants
Nourish your start to 2026 with some warm and welcoming food and drink from Gosport’s restaurants and cafes.
Delight in the taste of the Turkish Mediterranean at Lizz Restaurant and Bar, savour fresh seafood at Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar, or try a comforting pie or plate of pasta at independent restaurant Arty’s at Royal Clarence Marina.
Gosport also has lots of welcoming cafés where you can enjoy a wholesome bite or a hot drink, including Craft Coffee, T by the Sea, Haslar Coffee Quarters, and The Boathouse.
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3. Try a new sport or wellness class
January is a wonderful time to try something new, and Gosport has a great selection of sports clubs and community classes to join, perfect for feeling good and meeting new people.
Local options include:
- Swimming, sports clubs, gym, fitness and wellbeing classes at Gosport Leisure Centre
- Gosport Pickleball Club
- Alverstoke Lawn Tennis Squash & Badminton Club
- Ice skating lessons at Planet Ice
- BMX coaching and BMXercise at Gosport BMX
Find out more about community groups in Gosport
4. Embrace a swim and sauna
When the January chill starts creeping in, the Solent Sauna at Stokes Bay offers one of the most uplifting winter wellness experiences in Gosport.
This beautifully crafted, wood-fired sauna sits right on the shoreline, giving you front-row views of the Solent while you unwind in deep, soothing heat.
Inside, the warmth melts away winter tension; step outside and you’re met with fresh sea air and the option of a revitalising cold-water dip.
5. Roll into the new year on a bike ride
Gosport’s flat terrain and coastal paths make it a perfect place for some family-friendly cycling, with the option to extend the routes for more challenging rides.
Exploring the area by bicycle is a fun and cost-free way to discover Gosport, and the former Gosport to Fareham railway line offers over two miles of peaceful cycle track, plus another two miles of dedicated path running alongside the Eclipse Busway.
Coastal cycling is also a great option – Marine Parade in Lee-on-the-Solent is a flat, shared cycle and foot path with sea views, and you can extend your ride by continuing east to Stokes Bay.
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6. Step out on a walk or a run
A little movement goes a long way in boosting endorphins, and stepping out on a walk or a run means you can explore at the same time.
Try one of Gosport’s self-guided walks, like The Millennium Walk and The Waterfront trail, taking in the historic waterfront, or join others on one of the free weekly community Gosport Healthy Walks.
Walk, jog, run at the Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun, a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event held every Saturday at 9:00am. For the kids, there’s also the Stokes Bay Junior Parkrun held every Sunday at 9:00am for 4 to 14-year-olds.
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7. Get creative with arts and culture
Get creative in 2026 and join in with one of Gosport’s arts and culture groups or try your hand at a new craft, like:
- Pottery and ceramics classes and workshops with Misty Ceramics Studio
- Craft club workshops, crochet and sewing lessons with Flamin’ Good Crafts
- Art for Wellness (Tuesdays) and Art and Craft Club for Adults (Fridays) at Gosport Discovery Centre
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8. Enjoy Gosport’s green spaces
Even in winter, there’s much to enjoy in nature, and getting outside, even for 20 minutes a day, is proven to reduce anxiety and lift your spirits.
Bundle up and explore Gosport’s green spaces, including:
Alver Valley Country Park – 580 acres of tranquil woodlands, meadows, and wetlands.
Walpole Park – take a stroll around the boating lakes in Gosport town centre’s green park.
Stanley Park – wander amongst ancient trees and spot birdlife in this Stokes Bay park.
9. Discover Gosport’s maritime museums
Explore Gosport’s rich maritime heritage at the quietest time of the year with a visit to one of Gosport’s museums.
In January, museums offer warmth, inspiration, and a refreshing change of scenery.
Explore the fascinating and powerful world of naval warfare at Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower and step aboard a real Second World War submarine at The Royal Navy Submarine Museum.
Both museums are part of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and connected to the other attractions across the water in Portsmouth – including the HMS Victory and The Mary Rose Museum – by the Dockyard’s waterbus service (available on weekends only from November to March and daily in the summer).
A Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ticket gives unlimited access to all attractions for 12 months so you can revisit as many times as you like throughout 2026.
10. Get the winter wind in your sails
For those who love the sea—or want to try something completely invigorating—winter sailing in the Solent is a powerful way to shake off the winter slump. Gosport’s marinas offer easy access to one of the UK’s most iconic sailing waters, and winter brings its own unique magic of crisp air, quieter seas, and dramatic skies.
Jib and Tonic Sailing runs skippered and bareboat yacht charters from Gosport’s Haslar Marina and Stokes Bay Sailing Club is a friendly local sailing club welcoming people of all ages, families, and skill levels, hosting everything from casual sailing sessions to high-octane National-level racing.
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