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Guide to shopping at the Gunwharf Quays outlet shops in Portsmouth

Gunwharf Quays stands as a premier shopping destination in Portland. It was once a military site occupied by several buildings used for servicing and storing armaments and ammunition. Today, the shopping centre proudly boasts an impressive array of top-notch outlets.

From the most famous brands, you’ll find from fashion to homeware and everything in between. But coming here is more than just shopping. There are entertainment and leisure activities to enjoy, not to mention a host of dining options. For boaters, Gunwharf Quays is home to a modern marina offering access to the Solent.

Planning on a trip to the Gunwharf Quays? Here’s a handy guide to get you started. The information here is more than just about shopping. It includes entertainment and leisure activities, dining in the area and the marina as well. There are also suggested accommodations if you prefer to stay close to the shopping centre.

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About Gunwharf Quays

This former military complex is situated on the Portsmouth waterfront. The complex has an illustrious history and the centuries-old buildings here were once used for servicing and storing ordnance until 1995. Today, more than 90 premier outlet shops fill the buildings, not to mention a host of restaurants and cafés.

The waterfront is a well-known destination in Portsmouth for affordable luxury. As you stroll along, you’ll be greeted by stores offering the best brands at the best prices. The allure of the unbeatable deals attracts both locals and out-of-towners for an indulgence in retail therapy. Weekends and holidays are especially busy.

With exceptional transport links, Gunwharf Quays is easy to reach. It’s well connected by road and beneath the shopping centre, there’s a multi-level car park for 1,500 vehicles. What’s more, The Hard Interchange (for bus and coach passengers) and Portsmouth Harbour railway station are just a few minutes walk.

A major landmark here is the 170 metres (558 feet) high Spinnaker Tower, designed to look like a sail billowing in the wind. The top offers one of the best views of Portsmouth and the coast. A few minutes walk north from the shopping centre is the Historic Dockyard, a large museum complex and a treasure trove of British naval history.

There’s always something going on at Gunwharf Quays such as special events, a new store opening and most of all special promotions from the outlets. So visit the Gunwharf Quays website for the latest information. You’ll also find useful information about dining, leisure activities, parking, guest services and more.

Visit the official Gunwharf Quays website for a range of updated information.

Gunwharf Quays Opening Hours

The shopping centre on the waterfront welcomes visitors 7 days a week all year round. Weekends, holidays and especially Black Fridays are very busy at Gunwharf Quays. To avoid the crowd, consider coming early in the morning or later in the day. It’s usually quieter on weekdays except for holidays and Black Friday.

Here are the regular opening hours at Gunwharf Quays. That said, the trading hours of individual stores may differ from the ones shown below. You can check the individual outlets’ opening times at the Gunwharf Quays website.

• Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Saturdays – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Sundays – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Due to Sunday trading regulations, the larger stores at Gunwharf Quays open later and close earlier than others. These larger stores include Adidas, Boots, BOSS, Clarks, M&S, Nike Unite, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Superdry. Their trading hours are from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sales & Deals at Gunwharf Quays

Throughout the year, the outlets offer regular sales and promotions. Discounts are up to 60 per cent less than the recommended retail price (RRP). From fashion to homeware, the discounts are an excellent opportunity to shop for renowned brands for less than you’d normally pay, offering big savings!

Visit the Gunwharf Quays website to be on the lookout when the outlets are offering special promotions. For the savvy shopper, don’t miss out on the winter and summer sales. This is the time when many outlets drop their prices further on top of the regular discounts as they make way for new arrivals.

Gunwharf Quays’ Black Friday Weekend is a 3-day event from Friday to Sunday in November. This is another great time for big discounts and to enjoy incredible savings on branded items. Savvy shoppers come in full force to find these exclusive deals. So come early before the deals are taken up by other shoppers.

Gunwharf Quays Outlet Shops

Gunwharf Quays is not just your average shopping destination. It’s a unique shopping experience, offering a diversity of retail options from the top brands. With more than 90 premier outlets to explore, there’s something for everyone. What’s more, the regular discounts make it hard not to shop here.

The shopping centre has got you covered. There’s a fantastic selection of fashionwear, sportswear, footwear, accessories, watches and jewellery. You can also find beauty and bodycare products as well as items for the home. Now let’s take a closer look at some of the stores to pique your interest.

Outlets for Fashionwear

• Marks & Spencer – This is one of the largest outlets in Gunwharf Quays. Its great prices are a haven for fashion enthusiasts and savvy shoppers alike. Additionally, you can find homeware and beauty products at an exceptional value.

• Polo Ralph Lauren – The outlet is also one of the largest stores. The brand is famous for its classic American fashion from polo shirts to tailored pieces, not to mention accessories that exude sophistication and style.

• Tommy Hilfiger – This is another classic American fashion brand offering superior styling. The outlet offers a wide selection of casual shirts, jeans, jackets and footwear. There are also stylish accessories to complement them.

• Hugo Boss – This renowned luxury brand exudes style and elegance. That said, you can find a diverse range of products, from contemporary casual attire to timeless suits and formal wear for the discerning fashionista.

• Ted Baker – This British high-street clothing company combines classic designs with a modern twist. The outlet offers a range of smart-casual clothing, including suits, shirts, dresses, trousers and blazers as well as a host of accessories.

• Calvin Klein – This global brand offers timeless minimalist fashionwear. Known for its iconic underwear and designer jeans, you can also find other clothing options as well as accessories like bags and sunglasses.

• Superdry – The brand is a blend of vintage American styling and Japanese-inspired graphics. The outlet offers chic activewear for men and women, including hoodies, sweaters, t-shirts, dresses, jeans, caps, bags and backpacks.

• French Connection – The brand merges classic designs with contemporary styles that reflect the latest fashion trend. Here you’ll find an impressive collection of men’s and women’s clothing to suit different styles and preferences.

• GANT – This Swedish clothing retailer has American roots. Clothing includes shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, chinos, jeans, knitwear, skirts and dresses. There are also homeware items including towels, bedding and pillowcases.

• Joules – This is the go-to brand for clothing at affordable prices without compromising on style and comfort. The brand offers its signature vibrant patterns with a touch of British heritage ranging from polo shirts to nightwear.

• Phase Eight – The outlet offers beautifully designed clothing for women. It’s a range of outfits, including day-printed dresses, wedding dresses, jumpsuits, maxis, coats, blouses and skirts. The designs are elegant with a stylish appeal.

• Mint Velvet – This outlet is another excellent choice for women’s fashion. The focus is on comfort and style, featuring stylish contemporary designs from versatile dresses to jumpsuits, coats, jackets and jeans.

Outlets for Sportswear

• Adidas – The outlet is one of the largest stores in Gunwharf Quays. There’s a wide selection of sportswear including t-shirts, jackets, hoodies, pants, leggings and shoes. There’s also equipment for various sports including football and basketball.

• PUMA – This famous brand offers a range of sportswear, footwear and accessories. Whether you’re an active athlete or a casual sportswear enthusiast looking for something trendy, there’s something for everyone.

• Nike Unite – This is the brand’s concept store. Here you’ll find a selection of sportswear including apparel, footwear and accessories catering to athletes and casual wearers. The seasonal offerings offer great value.

• Asics – The outlet is a haven for sports enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. The store’s quality range includes shoes for various sports as well as tops, bottoms and accessories like caps, headbands and socks.

• Lacoste – This well-known brand fuses sportswear with a touch of elegance and comfort. The outlet here stocks a range of clothing, including tracksuits, sweatshirts, swimwear, polo shirts, t-shirts, jackets, trousers and shorts.

• Under Armour – You can find an assortment of athletic apparel, footwear and accessories for various sports and outdoor activities. The brand is noted for using innovative fabrics to provide user comfort and improve performance.

Outlets for Footwear & Accessories

• Clarks – This well-known brand has a host of high-quality footwear. You’ll find a variety of men’s, women’s and children’s footwear, including casual, formal and sports shoes. There are also accessories like handbags and wallets.

• Kurt Geiger – The outlet is a must-visit for shoe enthusiasts. They offer a curated collection of stylish footwear, including heels, boots, sneakers, and sandals. You can also find accessories like handbags, belts and sunglasses.

• Skechers – This show brand has a loyal customer base worldwide. The outlet offers the brand’s comfortable shoes, including trainers, casuals, boat shoes, sandals and slippers. There are also accessories like socks and backpacks.

• Osprey London – The brand specialises in luxury leather goods. Browse their crafted selection of handbags, workbags, backpacks, shoulder bags, wallets and belts. Other stylish accessories include scarves and sunglasses.

• Loake – The outlet is a must-visit for those seeking crafted men’s shoes made from the finest materials. Whether you’re looking for formal shoes or everyday footwear, you’ll find a perfect blend of comfort, style and enduring quality.

• Radley London – The brand is renowned for its high-quality women’s handbags including tote bags, backpacks, shoulder bags, wallets and purses. But there are a lot more like umbrellas, sneakers and sandals for women.

• Sunglass Hut – This outlet is the place to go if you’re looking for a wide selection of designer sunglasses. Various styles and frames are available from several leading brands including Ray-Ban, Prada, Giorgio Armani and Gabbana.

Outlets for Watches & Jewellery

• Watch Station – The outlet offers a wide selection of watches from some of the most prestigious brands. Among them are Fossil, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and Diesel. There are also jewellery, including bracelets, rings and necklaces.

• Pandora – The place to go for exquisite high-quality jewellery and most of the pieces are hand-finished. There’s a stunning array of meticulously designed bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and charms made from premium materials.

• Swarovski – Besides its renowned jewellery collections, the outlet has a fine selection of watches and home décor items. Crystals are an essential ingredient of all the pieces, which are crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Outlets for Beauty & Body Care Products

• Boots – This high-street store is a treasure trove of health, beauty and personal care products. There’s everything from pharmaceuticals and toiletries to skincare and makeup from a vast range of trusted brands at discounted prices.

• The Body Shop – This is the place to go for body care products, facial toners, makeup and fragrances made from nature-inspired ingredients. Only raw materials sourced ethically from around the world are used to make the products.

• Clarins – This French brand has built a strong reputation for its range of skincare products. Here you can find cleansers, toners, moisturisers and shower gel to name a few. It’s not only skincare, there are also makeup products.

• The Cosmetics Company Store – You’ll only find premium skincare, makeup and fragrances from prestigious brands here. Among the brands are Estee Lauder, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Aramis, Clinique and Darphin.

• L’Occitane – This French luxury retailer offers a wide selection of skincare, hand creams, bath and beauty products. They are made from natural ingredients and use a strict formulation policy to ensure the products are of the highest quality.

• The Perfume Shop – This high-street retailer is a gem of fragrances, with a large selection for both men and women. You’ll only find the top designer brands here, including Chanel, Dior, Prada, Armani, Burberry and Hugo Boss.

Outlets for Homeware

• Tefal – The renowned brand is famous for its high-quality cookware. Its range of non-stick pans and pots is well-known for its durability. Other kitchen items include air-fryers, rice cookers, food processors and hand blenders.

• Le Creuset – The brand is best known for its signature enamelled cast iron cookware, first produced in France in 1925. There are other items for the kitchen and dining table like storage jars, oven gloves, plates, bowls and mugs.

• Denby – The outlet offers the brand’s beautifully designed stoneware. The handcrafted collection includes dinner sets, plates, bowls, mugs, cups, platters and teapots. In addition, there’s some lovely quality glassware.

• Bedeck – There’s a wide range of home items from several exclusive brands. Shop for bed linens, duvets, pillows, pillowcases, curtains, towels and more in a variety of vibrant designs and colours.

• Murmur – The outlet carries its own brand of quality home items, including bedding, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, duvets and towels. The designs have a purist approach using quieter patterns and relaxing colours.

Entertainment & Leisure Activities

A trip to Gunwharf Quays is not just about finding the latest from the designer brands or scoring great deals. This vibrant waterfront hub also offers entertainment and leisure activities. It’s a wonderful complement to the shopping trip, promising an unforgettable experience for any visitor to Portsmouth.

Vue Cinema

The Vue Cinema is a modern 14-screen multiplex with state-of-the-art facilities for an exceptional cinematic experience. You can expect high-definition picture quality and pin-sharp sound. There’s a diverse range of films to satisfy all kinds of preferences, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to independent films.

Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl is a modern American-style bowling alley with 26 lanes of 10-pin bowling. There are also full-sized American pool tables and a host of the latest arcade games for all ages. If you’re in need of refreshments, family favourites include burgers, chicken nuggets, nachos and delectable shakes.

Spinnaker Tower

Spinnaker Tower stands majestically at 170 metres (558 feet) and is a must-visit attraction. Its sleek design is inspired by the billowing sails of a ship. An admission ticket to the top offers unforgettable views of Portsmouth and the coast. Or treat yourself to delicious high tea at the Clouds café while enjoying the majestic views.

Power Boat Rides

There are thrill rides on the powerboats departing from the marina. The on-the-water trips last from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your option. There are trips that’ll speed you around the Solent Forts and trips to the Isle-of-Wight. Private group tours are also available for half-day and day trips.

Wetwheels Solent

The Wetwheels boat ride is a unique opportunity for the disabled to safely enjoy the thrill of being on the water. The boat is wheelchair-accessible and specially designed. Friends and families are welcome to join the disabled guests. It’s a delightful journey passing through Portsmouth Harbour and absorbing views of the city.

Dining at the Waterfront

You’ll never go hungry at Gunwharf Quays. The shopping centre features more than 30 restaurants and café. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there’s something for everyone. It’s a fantastic range that includes a mix of global and British chains as well as independent eateries.

The dining establishments operate 7 days a week. Some start as early as 8:00 AM and some later at 11:00 AM. As far as closing times go, it can be as early as 6:00 PM or later in the evening at 11:00 PM. You can check the business hours of the individual establishments on the Gunwharf Quays website.

The number of restaurants and café here ensures you’ll always find something that caters to your taste and preference. Options range from traditional British fare to globally inspired cuisines, including Italian, Greek, French, Mexican, Vietnamese and Japanese. Dining here is mostly casual and prices are moderate.

If you prefer American fast food, there’s Burger King. Another is Five Guys, famous for its handmade burgers and generous toppings. Frankie & Benny’s is an American-Italian restaurant offering a variety of comfort foods. The Real Eating Company is an independent café that serves seasonal British fare.

For Italian classics, options include Bella Italia and Zizzi. Brasserie Blanc brings out the best of French cuisine. Chiquito is packed with Mexican favourites while Tortilla offers its California-style burritos and tacos. Wagamana serves a variety of “noodles in a bowl”, not to mention its tasty katsu curry dishes.

The waterfront location makes dining here more than just about the food. If you enjoy dining al fresco, many restaurants and cafés offer outdoor seating during the warmer months. While savouring your meal outdoors, you can enjoy picturesque views of the harbour while basking in the sunshine.

Guest Services & Facilities

There are services and facilities for the convenience of shoppers. If you need cash, you can find ATMs on the ground floor, near Tesco Express and M&S. Free Wi-Fi is available and all you’ve to do is set up an account on your mobile phone to log in. There are other conveniences as follows.

Guest Services Offices

A Guest Services Office is located at the central square for customer assistance and enquiries. For international visitors, foreign language assistance is available. The staff here can help you with a variety of useful information about the shopping centre, including the outlets, dining options and attractions.

You can enquire about special offers and additional discounts from the outlets. The staff can even assist you with a restaurant reservation. For your convenience, the office serves as a pick-up point for hands-free shopping (next section). The office also serves as a first-aid point and the place to go to for lost and found.

The staff can also help you with a range of tourist-related information on Portsmouth. You’re at the right place if you need information about accommodation and transportation in the city. While at the Guest Services Office, don’t forget to pick up some handy tourist maps to get your way around the city.

Hands-Free Shopping Service

You don’t have to carry your shopping bags around after purchasing from the outlets. Use the hands-free shopping service and pick up your purchases at the Guest Services Office or delivered to your car before you leave. Or have them delivered on the same day to an address in Portsmouth and the next day for the rest of mainland UK.

The hands-free service is a partnership with Dropit. There’s an app which you can download from the App Store or Google Play. Without the shopping bags weighing you down, you can effortlessly explore the outlets. Not to mention enjoying the various attractions and savouring a meal at a restaurant or café.

Car Parking

There’s a multi-level underground car park with spaces for 1,500 vehicles. The car park opens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From the car park, the entrance to the shopping centre is near the Guest Services Office. To pay the parking fees, download the QwikPark app (before arrival) from the App Store or Google Play.

It’s best to arrive early on weekends and busier days. On these days, the underground car park is usually filled during the peak hours. Another option is the nearby Wickham Street Car Park. The car park is located opposite The Hard Interchange and is a few minutes walk from the shopping centre.

Water Refilling Stations

You can refill your water bottle at several restaurants and cafés displaying the “Refill Me” sticker on the windows. It’s free to refill and there’s no obligation to dine. Participating establishments include Brasserie Blanc, Caffé Nero, Caffé Nero Kiosk, Costa Coffee, Krispy Kreme, Pret A Manger and The Cornish Bakery.

Toilets & Facilities for Babies

You’ll find standard and accessible toilets at several locations. For those accompanied by little ones, there are well-equipped baby feeding and changing facilities. The spaces are clean, well-maintained and feature modern interiors. You can use these facilities without any charge, making your visit all the more enjoyable.

Holiday Inn Express Gunwharf Quays

There are plenty of places to stay for visitors in Portsmouth. That said, Holiday Inn Express Gunwharf Quays stands out as a convenient location if you plan to stay near Gunwharf Quays. The rooms are bright, modern and all have views of the docks. You can also follow this link for more hotels in Portsmouth.