Using our year-long tickets for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, we recently took advantage of the complimentary waterbus service across the harbour to Gosport for an afternoon visit to The Powder Monkey Taphouse.
The small passenger boat departs directly from the dockyard and drops visitors at a pontoon around five minutes from the taproom, making it an easy and enjoyable crossing across Portsmouth Harbour. The journey itself offers excellent views across to the HM Naval Base, with warships easily visible as you travel across the harbour.
After arriving in Gosport, we spent a couple of hours at the taproom enjoying a pint and a selection of light bites while taking in the harbour views. Its waterfront location makes it an ideal stop for anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon with good food and drink close to the water.
Families are well catered for, with baby changing facilities available at the taproom, and the day out works well as part of a wider day out around the dockyard attractions. Visitors should check the waterbus crossing times before travelling, as the boat only accommodates around 50 passengers per journey and can become busy during peak periods.
The waterbus primarily serves visitors travelling to Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, which is included within dockyard admission tickets. The museum also features a cafe overlooking the harbour, making it another worthwhile stop during the visit. There’s also a great traditional pub called The Jolly Roger which overlooks any mothballed naval ships awaiting their fate and just a ten minute walk away from the taproom.
We travelled to and from the dockyard by bus, making the entire day perfect for using public transport and having a drink or two.
For anyone interested in local beer, it is also worth looking at the brewery tours available just across the road from the taproom at Powder Monkey Brewing Co, although you would likely want to allow additional time to fully enjoy the brewery experience too.
