Royal Garrison Church

Visit Royal Garrison Church

Activities

Portsmouth travel guide

Still standing after taking a hit in World War II, this spectacular church tells its tumultuous and varied history through its impressive stained-glass windows.

The Royal Garrison Church is a 13th-century church that once served as a hospital and lodging for pilgrims. Having served many purposes, the religious hub has been partially damaged over the centuries and remains an important historical landmark in the Old Town quarter of Portsmouth. Visit the Royal Garrison Church to enjoy the absolute serenity in and around the building.

Marvel at the intriguing frame of the façade. The upper part has stood alone since the destruction of the church roof in the 1940s. A lower gabled roof covers the main body of the church. Stroll around the grassy area that lines the side of the building and revel in the tranquility. Pointing away from the church in the corner of the grounds is a lone black cannon.

Enter the historic structure to find yourself in its restored nave. Admire the 20th-century stained-glass windows that portray an array of religious figures as well as scenes from World War II. The chancel features a majestic vaulted roof and contains the choir and sanctuary. Notice how the oak stalls pay tribute to iconic military personnel.

Speak with the clergy about the long and complex history of the church, which was severely damaged by bombing in World War II. The building was previously used as a medieval hospital, an ammunitions store and as part of the city governor’s residence in the 16th century.

Find the Royal Garrison Church just south of the Portsmouth Cathedral in the heart of the Old Town district. Ride a bus to a nearby stop or walk south from Portsmouth Harbour Station for about 20 minutes to get here. The church is open to visitors in summer, Tuesday through Saturday from late morning until afternoon. It is free to enter.

While you’re in the vicinity, visit other nearby sights such as the Round Tower, the Horatio Nelson Statue and the Square Tower.

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Top Hotel Deals

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Things to do near Royal Garrison Church

Near the Royal Garrison Church in Portsmouth, visitors can enjoy activities such as taking a scenic ferry ride. An essential experience is the audio tour, which provides insightful commentary on the church's history and architecture, enhancing your visit. This combination of cultural immersion and leisurely exploration ensures a memorable outing in this historic area.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Gunwharf Quays, just 805m from the Royal Garrison Church, offering a mix of entertainment and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider WestQuay Shopping Centre, 24.1km away, for a wider selection of shops and experiences.

Recreation

Explore Fratton Park for an exhilarating sports experience, just 3.2km from the Royal Garrison Church. For a family-friendly atmosphere, visit the Pyramids Centre Portsmouth, located 1.4km away, where you can enjoy aquatic activities. Experience live music and entertainment at the Wedgewood Rooms, situated 1.6km away.

Adventure

The Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath, located 8.0km from the Royal Garrison Church, offers stunning scenery and invigorating hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. For a thrilling water sports experience, Nomad Sailing is a mere 1.3km away, while CBK Hayling Island, also 8.0km away, provides exciting water activities.

Nightlife

In Portsmouth, the Kings Theatre offers a charming blend of culture and romance, perfect for an enchanting evening. For a thrilling experience, head to Leisure Island's arcadeAdventureZone, where adventure awaits. If you're in the mood for a film, Cineworld Isle of Wight provides a delightful cinematic escape.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Garrison Church

Visitors to the Royal Garrison Church in Portsmouth can enjoy a variety of attractions nearby, including scenic beaches, fascinating military museums, and bustling marinas. These points of interest provide a delightful blend of culture and outdoor experiences, catering to those seeking relaxation by the coast or a glimpse into the area's rich history. Whether you're exploring the local heritage or soaking up the sun, there's something for every traveller to enjoy in this vibrant locale.

HMS Victory: Step aboard this iconic warship, which served as Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar. Located 1.4km from Royal Garrison Church, HMS Victory offers a unique glimpse into maritime history, with its preserved decks and fascinating exhibits that embody British naval heritage.
University of Portsmouth: Situated 1.1km away, this historic institution combines modern facilities with rich educational traditions. Stroll through its vibrant campus and enjoy the cultural atmosphere, where students from diverse backgrounds contribute to a lively community.
Portsmouth Guildhall: Located 1.3km from the church, this impressive venue hosts a variety of events and conferences. Its grand architecture and business vibes make it a central hub for local gatherings, showcasing Portsmouth's dynamic culture and community spirit.

Best time to go to Royal Garrison Church

The best time to visit Royal Garrison Church can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Garrison Church falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Royal Garrison Church falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	49.1°F (9.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	54.1°F (12.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Garrison Church

To save money during your visit to the Royal Garrison Church, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Monday is the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter your preferences and sort accommodation by price. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities with Expedia can lead to significant savings. For getting around, explore the area on foot or use the affordable public transport options available in Portsmouth.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Garrison Church are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Garrison Church is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Garrison Church is Saturday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Garrison Church with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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