Perched on a peninsula on the south coast of Hampshire, Gosport is a hidden coastal gem with a rich maritime heritage, beautiful waterfront, and plenty to do during the summer months.
From beach days to outdoor activities and alfresco eating to vibrant summer events – here’s how to make the most of summer in Gosport.
Beaches in Gosport
Love the beach but don’t love the crowds? Gosport’s coastline boasts some beautiful and relatively unknown beaches, perfect for enjoying on a summer day.
Lee-on-the-Solent beach – A popular shingle beach with sea views and a promenade path. There is also a splash park and playground right on the seafront and plenty of places to get a seaside drink or ice cream. Lee-on-the-Solent beach has zoned swimming areas in the summer, and you can combine your dip with a visit to the Solent Sauna to warm up by the water.
Stokes Bay – An unspoilt and scenic stretch of coastline with views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight. There’s also a waterfront park and splash park and it’s a watersports hotspot, home to Stoked Watersports and Stokes Bay Sailing Club.
Find out more about Gosport’s beaches
Watersports in Gosport
Thanks to its sheltered location on The Solent, Gosport is an outstanding destination for watersports.
Gosport has three marinas—Haslar Marina, Gosport Marina, and Royal Clarence Marina—making it a world-class location for sailing with excellent access to the Solent, one of the UK’s most famous sailing waters. At Stokes Bay, Stokes Bay Sailing Club is a friendly local sailing club welcoming people of all ages.
On calmer days when the wind drops, paddleboarding and kayaking are ideal outdoor activities with safe and accessible paddleboard spots in Gosport at Stokes Bay and Alverstoke Lake. Stoked Watersports in Stokes Bay rents paddleboards and kayaks and GoSport Activity Centre does paddleboard and kayak rentals and lessons at Alverstoke Creek, as well as summer SUP yoga sessions.
Outdoor activities in Gosport
Back on dry land, Gosport has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer, including:
Cycling – explore Gosport’s maritime heritage by cycling the Gosport Waterfront Trail, or bike along the coast from Lee-on-the-Solent to Stokes Bay. For the more adventurous, the cycle routes and Gosport BMX track in Alver Valley Country Park are a must-visit for off-road cycling fun.
Walking – Gosport’s peninsula location makes it a perfect place for walking, with coastal and countryside trails. Follow the 3km Gosport Waterfront Trail for scenic harbour views, try the Alver Valley trail in the Alver Valley Country Park for nature and wildlife, or on the coast, The Solent Way passes through Gosport, forming part of a longer 60-mile walking route along the Hampshire coastline.
Golf – tee off at the Gosport & Stokes Bay Golf Club a 9-hole links course with views across to the Isle of Wight, Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club on beautiful park and heathland, or putt for fun at the pirate-themed Solent Springs Adventure Golf in Stokes Bay.
Summer holidays and children’s activities in Gosport
Gosport is a brilliant destination for families during the summer holidays, and many attractions in Gosport hold activities and for younger visitors.
GoSport Activity Centre’s holiday activity camps on selected dates offer children aged 5–15 the chance to dive into watersports and land-based activities from kayaking and paddleboarding to climbing, orienteering and team challenges.
Really need to stay cool? Head to Planet Ice for a summer skate or enrol in one of the learn to ice skate courses to learn some new skating skills.
Throughout the holidays, Gosport Museum & Art Gallery holds activities and events designed for children to learn about local history in a fun way.
Discover more activities in Gosport
Summer festivals and events in Gosport
Throughout the summer, Gosport hosts a range of fun festivals and events for all to enjoy.
At the start of the summer on Saturday 16 May 2026, the Gosport Marine Festival is an annual community event celebrating marine activities, heritage, and culture in Gosport. For 2026, the event will include archery and a climbing tower at Walpole Park, paddleboarding and sailing at Cockle Pond, a market at Trinity Green, a boating open day at Haslar Marina, and plenty of music from the concurrent Tales from the Sea Shanty Festival.
On 22 and 23 August 2026, Summer in Lee will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with a weekend full of music, markets, and a big funfair on the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent.
Every September, Gosport Heritage Open Days offer the chance to visit heritage sites often not open to the public for free.
Places to eat and drink outdoors in Gosport
Make the most of the summer sunshine and enjoy eating and drinking outside at one of Gosport’s fantastic alfresco places to eat and drink.
Soak up the sunshine and enjoy a cuppa on the terrace of an independent café like The Boathouse on the waterfront of Gosport Marina, or T by the Sea in Victoria Quay at Royal Clarence Yard.
Dine alfresco with coastal views at Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar in Stokes Bay, Arty’s independent restaurant in the heart of Royal Clarence Marina, or onboard The Lightship at Haslar Marina.
Or raise a glass to the new season at waterfront bar and restaurant The Old Bakehouse at Royal Clarence Marina, or within a historic gunpowder store at the taphouse of the Powder Monkey Brewing Co with sea views at Priddy’s Hard.
Parks and play areas in Gosport
Gosport has an excellent variety of green spaces and play areas to enjoy in the summer, including the large play area at Alver Valley Country Park.
In the town centre, Walpole Park has a boating lake to enjoy, plus plenty of open space and a park.
In the summer months, the Gosport Splash Park at Stokes Bay and the Lee-on-the-Solent Splash Park are perfect places for young children to play and keep cool.
For those seeking a little more shade and tranquillity, explore the wetlands of Alver Valley Country Park, wander amongst ancient trees at Stanley Park, enjoy the small Regency garden at Crescent Gardens in Alverstoke, or visit the wildlife haven of Wildgrounds Nature Reserve.
Find out more about Gosport’s parks.