What is there to love about Southsea Parade Pier?

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Southsea is a popular tourist destination along the south coast of England, and its Southsea Parade Pier on South Parade is just as popular. Located on one of the best beaches in Portsmouth, it’s ranked as one of the top things to do in the area. It’s a traditional family seaside pier that was fully restored and reopened in 2017. As a much-loved structure, it’s not difficult to see why. It’s eye-catching. Inviting. Welcoming. Charming. And everything you would want from a day at the seaside!

Southsea Parade Pier is a lovely walk, even if you don’t become involved in anything along the pier. The views at the end of the Isle of Wight, Southsea and Portsmouth’s coastline are stunning and worth taking the time to soak in these Water Wellness vibes.

The pier is open all year round, 364 days a year (that just leaves Christmas Day as closed).

Interested in the history of Southsea Parade Pier? Find a timeline of its colourful and eventful history here.

With so much to see and do, we’ll kick off with a full below list:

Southsea Parade Pier Amusement Arcade

This is hard to miss and is cleverly located right at the pier’s entrance! You have been warned for those with kids, little and not so little! You can walk around the edges of the pier to access the rest of what’s available, but what would be the fun in that? Full of family favourites, including:

Penny Pushers of all shapes and sizes, Grabbers, Fruit Machines, high-tech Gaming Machines, Simulators, Basket Ball, Air Hockey and more. Have fun, play, collect tickets and win prizes at the Pier prize shop!

Southsea Parade Pier Funfair

No doubt the biggest highlight of Southsea Pier is the Kidz Island Funfair. You can’t miss it walking towards the pier, and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to ride a rollercoaster whilst overlooking the sea? Take a spin on the Disney Cars Race O’Rama, take back the Pirate Ship, smile with the Happy Caterpillar, launch off with Helicopters, fly with Mini Jets, go looney with Wacky Racers, face your fear with the Drop ‘n’ Twist and get bashed about (nicely!) on the Bumper Carz.

Tokens are required for each ride or save money by buying credits. The more you buy, the more you save!

Southsea Parade Pier Shopping

Stop at the Pier Shop for everything you could need for the day. Kids’ beach equipment, fishing gear, body boards, refreshments, souvenirs, postcards, candy floss, and don’t forget the ice cream!

Occasionally small market stalls are set up along the pier for you to browse locally made arts and crafts.

The Gaiety Bar

The Gaiety Bar Southsea is a mixture of all sorts, and you’ll get that feeling once you head inside. On one hand, it’s very new and modern; on the others, it’s kept its seaside tradition by having space for Tea Dances. Bizarre until you get used to it! It’s a popular venue for locals and holidaymakers with the number of events they hold throughout the year. It’s worth a visit during the day for some of the best views in Southsea, and just watch the place come alive at night!

Deep Blue Restaurant & Take-Away

With their signature Fish & Chips as part of an extensive menu, the Deep Blue Restaurant has to be one of the biggest pier restaurants – with seating for 300! You can’t miss its bold signage, stunning views, traditional chandeliers, and black and white chequered flooring. Another popular venue for locals and tourists alike.

Book ahead during peak periods to avoid disappointment.

Jewels & Gems

Welcome to the freshest Seafood Bar in Southsea! Serving hot and cold seafood including Mussells, Prawns, Seafood Mix, Jellied Eels, Whelks, Dressed Crab, Cockles, Crab Stix, Prawn Cocktail and more! Check out their menu for rolls, sandwiches, toasties, Seafood Pots and Platters, Salad Bowls and weekly specials.

The Old Pier Hut

The newest kid on the pier! The Old Pier Hut offers a variety of food, including pizzas, wraps, baguettes and burgers – all served with alcohol if this is your choice. Enjoy the picnic seating along the pier’s edge and soak in the Southsea vibes!

Greek Cuisine Tony

A taste of Greece in Southsea. Situated in one of the turrets on the main promenade, they serve delicious greek inspired sandwiches, homecooked meals, snacks, frapes and more. So as you take a seafront stroll, take away a taste of Greece!

Best of British Food

We love this eye-catching Best of British food truck towards the end of the pier! There is nothing like being on a traditional seaside escape with the union jack flying high! #proud!

Keep calm and enjoy freshly prepared doorstep sandwiches with hot and cold fillings, burgers, bubble and squeak and many more British delights, including the humble Sunday Roast!

Coffee @ The Pier

At the front of the Pier, Coffee @ The Pier serves Lavazza coffee, with a wide selection of teas and luxury hot chocolates. Simply perfect to pop in on a walk along the seaside! Mouth-watering hot & cold foods, all with fresh & tasty fillings. Freshly made baguettes, paninis, toasted sandwiches, breakfast rolls and winter soup to take-away. We also have an amazing selection of handmade cakes, muffins, brownies and more! A small selection of seating is available inside.

This kind of place is perfect for wrapping up warm, sipping a hot chocolate whilst watching the winter waves rolling in along the beachfront.

The Beach Hut Southsea

The Beach Hut boasts amazing views and an extensive selection of cocktails & craft beers.  Whether it be a quick drink on the pier or a few cocktails with friends and family before hitting the town, The Beach Hut has something for everyone.

Why not treat yourself to some small Lite Bite Bowls with a classic cocktail with a twist?  If you are after something a little more bespoke, speak to their mixologists, who will more than happily create your dream cocktail.

Ice Cream Emporium

Don’t miss Southsea’s famous pink & white ice cream served here! No visit to Southsea is complete without it!

Southsea Parade Pier Fishing Deck

At the head of the pier, there is a popular large fishing deck. Not only is this fantastic for fishing, it also gives some of the best views of the coastline and the Isle of Wight.

During the summer, there’s mackerel, garfish, pollack, bass, mullet, bream, smoothhounds, scad and flatties and in the winter, codling, whiting and flounders.

Do you love spending time at Southsea Parade Pier? Are you planning on visiting whilst in the Portsmouth area? We’d love to know in the comments below.