From its vibrant streets to its waterside charm, Gosport is brimming with character, creativity, and community spirit.
Whether you live in Gosport or are visiting the area, here are 10 meaningful ways to support the local people and businesses that make Gosport special.
1. Shop at unique and independent stores
Gosport is full of characterful independent shops, from gift shops and boutiques to specialist stores and creatives. Shopping locally means finding unique items whilst supporting passionate business owners.
Head to the High Street, or Stoke Road to the west of Gosport town centre which is a hub of over 100 independent businesses, including specialist shops like Vanguard Comics for collectible comics, Stoke Emporium for vintage and retro items, and Stoke Gallery for art materials and original artwork.
Find out more about shopping and markets in Gosport
2. Eat and drink at local cafes, bars, and restaurants
Gosport’s food and drink scene is full of flavour and friendly faces. From cosy cafés and traditional pubs to modern restaurants and waterside bars, choosing to eat and drink locally supports small businesses and helps maintain vibrant areas.
Gosport has lots of welcoming independent cafés, including Craft Coffee, T by the Sea, Haslar Coffee Quarters, and The Boathouse.
Top independent restaurants include Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar, Arty’s, The Lightship, and Lizz Restaurant and Bar.
Or say cheers to buying local with drinks at Katie’s Vinyl Bar & Kitchen, The Old Bakehouse, Powder Monkey Brewing Co., Four Ale Tap Room, or 33 Green Bottles.
Discover more food and drink in Gosport
3. Savour locally-produced food and drink
From local bakeries and butchers to brewers, growers, and producers, Gosport and the surrounding area are rich in high-quality local food and drink. Buying locally made products means fresher flavours, fewer food miles, and stronger local supply chains.
Try these top products locally produced in Gosport: artisan sourdough from BEK Sourdough Bakery on the High Street, baked treats from On The Solent Bakery in Lee-on-the-Solent, and craft beer from Powder Monkey Brewing Co.
4. Visit Gosport’s markets
Gosport’s markets for discovering handmade crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, and unique gifts — while soaking up the friendly community atmosphere.
In the town centre, the Gosport High Street market is held every Tuesday and Saturday.
In Lee-on-the-Solent a mini market is held on the High Street on the first Saturday of the month from April to November.
Anchored In Gosport hosts bespoke markets on the last Saturday of the month from March to September.
Find out more about shopping and markets in Gosport
5. Go to Gosport’s events and festivals
Gosport’s events and festivals bring people together in a celebration of community for all to enjoy.
In May, the Gosport Marine Festival – which also includes the Tales from the Sea Shanty Festival – is an annual community event celebrating marine activities, heritage, and culture in Gosport.
In August, the Summer in Lee charity event in Lee-on-the-Solent brings festivities to the seafront.
Every September, Gosport Heritage Open Days offer the chance to visit heritage sites often not open to the public for free.
Discover more events in Gosport
6. Learn with the locals
The people of Gosport are full of talent, and many local makers, artists, and sportspeople share their skills through workshops and classes where you can learn something new whilst supporting a local business.
Take part in art with craft workshops like pottery and ceramics classes at Misty Ceramics Studio, crochet and sewing lessons with Flamin’ Good Crafts, or lino printing workshops at ThirteenEight.
Or try a new sport or wellness activity whilst supporting a local club like Gosport Pickleball Club, Alverstoke Lawn Tennis Squash & Badminton Club, or Gosport BMX.
Discover more arts and culture in Gosport
Find out more about community groups in Gosport
7. Meet the friendly faces of Gosport
Local businesses take pride in offering excellent customer service. Whether it’s a shopkeeper who remembers your name or a barista who knows your favourite coffee, shopping local feels more personal and enjoyable.
Meet the people behind Gosport’s brilliant independent businesses in our Faces of Gosport features.
8. Enjoy independent attractions and activities
Have fun with family and friends on a day out that also supports local at one of Gosport’s independent attractions or activities. Visiting small attractions and taking part in local activities, supports local culture, preserves history, and ensures these much-loved places remain open for future generations.
Top independent attractions and activities in Gosport include Solent Springs Adventure Golf at Stokes Bay, the Solent Sauna at Lee-on-the-Solent, and GoSport Activity Centre.
9. Work with local professionals and businesses
From professional services like accountants and solicitors to local businesses and entrepreneurs, local companies offer a personal and passionate service.
Gosport Ambassadors is a network of local businesses, organisations, community groups, and residents working together in the borough.
10. Celebrating Local Businesses in the Gosport Independent Business Awards
Gosport Borough Council’s Independent Business Awards shine a spotlight on the fantastic independent businesses that make our town unique.
Although voting closed last week, you can still find out more about the awards and the amazing local businesses involved here: The Best Small Independent Business In Gosport 2026.
