Top Days Out – Theme Parks In Portsmouth For Kids
While Portsmouth, south coast may not have the many major amusement parks on offer, it does have two top attractions and one of the largest amusement parks in the UK. With Clarence Pier and a major amusement park a stone’s throw away, Paultons Park, which is perfect for taking the kids for a great day out with fun things to do for special family days out together or a treat in the school holidays!
Table of Contents
As we always say, please check the websites for further details before you travel, as things can change, including pricing.
Clarence Pier Southsea
Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PB
Ticket Price: Amusement park rides are between 3 and 5 tokens per person per ride. (Token being £1, which soon adds up)
You can buy a bumper bag for £25 for 50 tokens, which is undoubtedly worth it.
DAY RIDER WRISTBAND – As many rides as you’d like between 12:00 and 17:00 £30 per person
SAVE 10% WHEN BOOKING ONLINE! £27 per person
SUPERSAVER WRISTBAND 10 rides for £15 pp only available after 17:00 till close £15 per person
Website: Clarence Pier
While not a full-fledged theme park, Clarence Pier in Southsea, Portsmouth, is a great place to go and offers a variety of classic seaside amusements with rides, a Ferris wheel and other attractions along with some new rides since we last visited. Its a great day out for all from thrilling roller coasters to all manner of amusements arcades and games, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained for a few hours. But do make sure you have set kids’ expectations before you arrive, as it can be a costly day with so many things kids want to go on that it can soon add up.

The Tidal Wave and Mad Mouse were my 10-year-old’s favourites during our school holiday trip.
One of the highlights of our trip was undoubtedly Clarence Pier, where the kids had so much fun. From the moment we stepped onto Clarence Pier’s vibrant boardwalk,
Clarence Pier’s appeal lies in its diverse rides and attractions and picturesque seaside setting. As we strolled along the promenade, the salty breeze mixed with the joyful shrieks of delighted kidss, creating a real holiday feel.
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the Park’s exhilarating rides, which catered to thrill-seekers of all ages. From classic favourites like the rollercoaster to adrenaline-pumping newcomers like the VR experiences, there was no shortage of heart-pounding excitement. As my children ran to queue up for their next adventure ride we didnt have issues with any of them feeling left out.
In addition to its thrilling rides, Clarence Pier boasted various family-friendly attractions that appealed to visitors of all interests. From carnival games and arcades to charming seaside stalls offering delectable treats, there was something for everyone to enjoy. We enjoyed indulging in traditional fish and chips overlooking the cold sea. A great addition to the Theme Parks In Portsmouth list.
My Top Tips For Clarence Pier
To make the most of your visit to Clarence Pier and similar venues in Portsmouth, here are some top tips based on our own experience and insights from Trip Advisor reviews:
- Plan your visit strategically to avoid crowds: Arriving early or visiting during off-peak times can help you make the most of your day without long queues or overcrowding.
- Make sure you set the kid’s expectations with rides and tokens. This helped us with no mini meltdowns.
- To keep the costs down, take your own food and water bottles.
- Embrace spontaneity: While having a rough plan for the day is excellent, feel free to go with the flow and explore unexpected attractions or activities that catch your eye.
Our visit to Clarence Pier and other theme parks in Portsmouth was an incredible day for the kids, with many exciting things to do.
Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig World:
Located in Romsey, roughly an hour’s drive from Portsmouth, Paultons Park is a popular family attraction with many attractions, including rides, playgrounds, gardens, and the beloved Peppa Pig World. So we made sure to include in our theme parks In Portsmouth list. This Park is particularly well-suited for younger children’s rides and offers a range of gentle rides and attractions inspired by the TV show. It’s a must for all of us with a toddler, but it also provides the option of bigger rides when you have kids of different ages.
Paultons Park has five themed lands to explore with your attraction tickets, including Peppa Pig World, Tornado Springs, Lost Kingdom, Critter Creek and Wild Lands. There are over 70 rides and attractions across the Park.
My Top Tips For Paulton Park:
- Check out the biggest rides with queue times and go for them as soon as the ride opens. A quick Google will tell you what’s trending and your must-ride rides.
- Utilize the Park’s FastTrack or Express Pass options to skip the regular queues for select attractions. These passes often incur an additional fee but can significantly reduce wait times, especially during busy periods.
- Consider using a virtual queue system if available for specific rides. This allows you to reserve a spot in line without physically waiting and explore other areas of the Park, especially when you have young children who struggle to queue. I became like a ninja with this, but it makes a huge difference.
- Take advantage of parent swap options for rides with height restrictions. This allows one parent to wait with a child while the other enjoys the ride, then swap roles without waiting in line again.
- Be prepared with plenty of food, snacks, drinks, and entertainment to keep children occupied during longer queues and decrease costs. Portable games, books, or snacks help alleviate boredom and make the wait more manageable for everyone.
It may be pricey, but you will have a great time with the whole family, no matter the ages. Everyone will be happy, and it’s one of those brilliant family attractions. You will take some great memories away with you, especially those little ones who love Peppa Pig and riding on their first family-friendly ride! Our final great addition to Theme Parks In Portsmouth list.
#Theme Parks In Portsmouth