Seafront attractions open as usual

The August Bank Holiday has fast become synonymous with Victorious Festival here in Portsmouth. Each year tens of thousands of revellers head to Southsea Common for the three day extravaganza where they can see some of the biggest names in music (not to mention the packed programme of comedy, family activities and more).

That all being said, there's still plenty more to enjoy over the bank holiday weekend even if you're not heading to the festival (or, indeed, if you have Victorious tickets for certain days and want to explore some of the city outside of this). Many of the city's attractions, bars and restaurants are open as usual throughout the weekend, offering you everything you could want for an August Bank Holiday break.

Just outside of the festival perimeter you'll find a host of attractions, among them Clarence Pier, Blue Reef Aquarium, the Pyramids Centre (featuring soft play park Exploria). All three are open as usual all weekend - meaning you can still find plenty to enjoy there, or even break up your festival experience with some traditional seaside activities!

On the other hand, The D-Day Story, Southsea Castle and Southsea Skatepark all fall within the festival site to will only be open to Victorious ticketholders from Friday to Sunday inclusive. This year the site will be closed to the public from Thursday morning, so Southsea Castle will be closed that day as well, although The D-Day Story will be open (visitors will just need to be escorted by site security from Gate D near Portsmouth Pyramids).

If you're a festival ticketholders you can visit all three of these for free during the event - Southsea Skatepark will be hosting displays and Southsea Castle is rebranded 'Henry's House' - where it will be serving up champagne and DJ sets.

There's a similar abundance of choice when it comes to food and drink options around the Victorious Festival site wall. The Briny, The Beach Club, the Jolly Sailor and Deep Blue may be right next to the festival but they'll be open throughout the weekend and accessible to all.

Similarly, those just slightly further afield will also be open, with an abundance of choice available at Southsea's Palmerston, Osborne and Castle Roads.

   

Attractions open as usual

Blue Reef Aquarium could hardly be closer to the festival site, and if you're heading in through the gate to the south you may just walk past it! Head inside to go on an underwater adventure with creatures from near and far. The aquarium has long been a family favourite, not least because of the play areas and splash zone outside.

Elsewhere, Clarence Pier is the place to go for funfair rides and classic arcade games. You can also indulge in some seaside treats to really make the most of being by the coast, as there are stalls outside selling classic sticks of rock, bags of candyfloss and delicious ice creams.

The Pyramids Centre is where you'll find Exploria - the south's newest soft play arena. There's much to explore, with different worlds giving fun experiences for all ages. Since it opened Exploria has been blowing away visitors - both adults and children alike!

How about another pier? That's right, we have two! South Parade Pier is the more traditional, stretching out as it does out to sea (and peering through to the waves crashing below is always fun). Here you'll find a huge arcade with all the classic games to try and win a memento of your trip. Then, head out to the end of the pier where a funfair - complete with pirate ship, dodgems and bounce ride - awaits.

If you want something a little more gentle, why not take a leisurely stroll around Canoe Lake and enjoy the lovely August weather. There's a big expanse of parkland on which to relax, as well as the lake with its famous swan-shaped pedalos. In the nearby area you'll also find mini golf, the Southsea Model Village and CourtX tennis courts.

Food and drink

The Beach Club will be serving food and drinks (with some special cocktails to boot) throughout the bank holiday weekend. Enjoy the views out across the Solent with some delicious food and a nice cold drink. It will also host a Victorious after party on Sunday night from 9pm to 2am.

There are similarly stunning views to be had at Southsea Beach Cafe, where tasty brunches will set you up for a day of exploring. Or, head there later on for tasty evening meals with unrivalled views over the beach and out to sea.

Get your fix of fish and chips at the area's seafood restaurants. Deep Blue at the end of South Parade Pier serves traditional chippy teas in the most seaside-y location. Alternatively, there's a more modern approach at The Briny, where top chefs prepare award-winning fine fish dishes.

It's not just fish and chips to enjoy at South Parade Pier, though, as there's also the Gaiety Bar, where you can enjoy food and drink or even take in one of the events taking place over the bank holiday weekend.

If you need a caffeine fix, or a pit-stop along your seafront walk, head into the Coffee Cup near the bottom of St George's Road. Here you can refresh indoors if you'd prefer, or stay al fresco and enjoy the glorious weather from the outdoor seating area.