Club Arnage

I will be travelling via Portsmouth this year.I am flying into Gatwick Volcanos permitting and taking the train to Portsmouth in the morning. The ferry does not leave until late night so I am looking for suggestions of what to do and see.
 Keep in mind Cheap Bastard/ Fat Git with all his camping gear so no Short walks in the Hindu Kush, thank you very much ;D

Canada Phil

Gunwharf key will keep you occupied.

Lots of discount shops [cheap bastard] and it's a few minutes walk from the station [fat git].

Not only the shops but resturants, the tower but a cinema and a nightclub too.

I'm < 30 mins up the road if you fancy company at lunchtime?

My ferry doesn't sail until Weds, I seem to think that you're earlier than that?

If you have not been before then the Historic Dock yard (HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and all that stuff) http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/ (http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/) may be an interesting way to pass some time.  I gave them a call to check on Left Luggage facilities.  They don't have any but the lady tells me there is a small coffee shop opposite the entrance and they will look after luggage for a small fee. 

Entrance is £16.50 for over 60s £14.00 for Students and Under Sixteens and £19.50 for the rest. 
You might get away with the over 60 but I  think you'll be on a looser if you try to swing the under sixteen one.  (On offence mate!!!)

She also tells me that if you don't manage to see the whole shabang you can go back, so if you had time to kill on return that might help.

t.

When are you travelling Phil? And have you booked your ferry yet? Otherwise may be able to help out!

Me and she are sailing from Pompey, 23:45 (or something similar) on the Wednesday, 9th, arriving in town early afternoon and incorporating a quick visit to the outlaws then going on to eat before sailing. any takers for a meet / meal, or any recommendations for same?

It's a while since I did the Pompey crossing.  I found that the Port Solent area had a few pleasant eateries. 

t.

Phil is travelling with me and I am meeting up with him in Portsmouth, (Details to be arranged) though I expect our convoy of two cars to arrive in the Portsmouth area around 5 or 6 pm ish when I will meet up with Phil. We are travelling out on the 23.00 hrs ferry to Le Harve (I think)

So Phil is flying in to Gatwick on Wednesday the 9th  and catching the train to Portsmouth, but as he has said he will have all his gear in a back pack so could do with somewhere to leave it until I meet up with him later in the day.

Plan to meet up with him and then hopefully all go out for a meal somewhere and maybe make a last minute trip for supplies to the supermarket before getting the ferry. I do have the full day off off work so may decide to drive down earlier and meet up with Phil sooner but need to talk to Phil first before deciding.

Thanks for all the replies.  I hope I answer all the questions.
Certainly up for meeting people. Ferry booked with Chris24 so that part is sorted.
I should google a map of the town. i have visited the Dockyards twice so have seen that and a bit pricey for the cheap bastard part ;D Very good for those who have not seen it. Ferry is Wednesday night 11+

Phil

We are also traveling on the 9th. I expect to get to Portsmouth about 4ish, then meeting Norway Nick.His Dad is collecting him from heathrow. We are going to Caen. So there may be time for a quick beer.

Hi Mike,
           There used to be a Pub at the Ferry gate but I belive it closed afew years ago so not sure where to suggest for a Beer. Sounds as though Chris 24 is coming in a bit earlier than originally planned and some have suggested dinner some where.
 What time is your ferry to Caen? We are going via le Havre.
 Phil

Hi Landman,
                 This sounds interesting. Other coming in later have suggested dinner, see other posts.
Wednesday the 9th
is ferry day for me. Which ferry are you on?

Phil

Phil,

I see that you too are sailing on the 9th.

My lot are on the 07:30 from Pompey to Cherbourg, so that renders lunch/dinner impossible as we'll already be "sausage side" by then.

For no real reason I thought that you were hitting Pompey earlier in the week.

Catch you over on BN on Thursday.

Paul.

We are on the 23:45 to Caen, all tickets etc sent to us yesterday, or so I'm told!

Will ask the outlaws for a few 'reasonable' meet venue ideas and, as they are cheapskates, I guess they should be able to fulfil their brief in our favour. Any promising prospects arising I'll post here.

See you soon.  8)

Had a reply from the sis-in-law already, bless her.

Apparently Port Solent would be favourite, thats J12 off the M27. It has acres of free parking, whereas Gunwharf costs a fortune to park, and several eateries including a pub, The Mermaid, which does a fair meal. Ten minutes from the port by car so handily placed too. There are some convenient hotels too for anybody who wants/needs somewhere to rest up at all en-route.

Almost as an afterthought she suggested this place, The Sovereigns, http://www.pub-explorer.com/hampshire/pub/sovereignsportsmouth.htm (http://www.pub-explorer.com/hampshire/pub/sovereignsportsmouth.htm) located just off the M275 into Portsmouth, right opposite the Ferry Terminal. Parking, pub grub and accommodation all in one place.

Over to you guys.

Hi All,

I will be in Portsmouth about 3.30/4ish, I have pm Phil my mobile. We are also the night ferry to Cean. I hope we all can meet for a spot of dinner, if the time scale allows us.

Mike

I'm basically open to any ideas of where to meet up, so will go with whatever gets decided but expect to arrive anytime between 3 pm and 5pm ish.

Phil, please PM me your plans for camping at Le Mans and if you need me to bring or source anything that will make your trip more comfortable. I will bring the spare car keys so that you can have full acess to the car at all times if you want to leave your stuff in it for security.

Regards
Chris

I/we will be happy to meet and eat absolutely anywhere though, without wishing to step on any toes, suggest that the Sovereign looks favourite.

+ Good ales, grub, parking and right next door to the terminal, seems just about perfect to me.?  
- Might be pretty full, though this'll be with like minded travellers so not too shabby.

You won't be able to recognise me by my CA t-shirt 'cos I ain't got one!

In view of the overwhelming apathy in arranging a meet I propose Sovereigns, adjacent to the ferry terminal and meeting all (most, then) of our needs. Might even be feasible to park up in the terminal and stroll back to the pub ready to be refreshed.

We'll be there, unless an alternative is agreed upon. Not sure when but not late. Any CA liveried bodies appearing will be approached and welcomed by my 6.5 foot, 18 stone and grey haired frame, don't be scared, I'm not a bouncer, quite nice really.

Bon voyage.  ;)

Hi guys sorry i was away a few days hence the delay. Dinner would be a good idea. i seem to recall the pub at the gates closed which sounds supiciously like th Sovereign suggested above. In the past t was good for a beer but not much else.
Perhaps the locals cou;d suggest somewhere ? good for dinner.
I must check my flight time again but suspect I will be at the station well ahead of those coming by car. Late morning hence my request for suggestions for "what to do" on foot.
Busy time before i leave so not much tme to research. 2 minutes in the car is a bloody long walk for a fat git with backpack  ::)
Phil

Well it's one way to slim Phil. Or you could jog from Gatwick to Portsmouths and lose alot more and you will be ready for a nice cold beer when you get there at the same time as everyone else ! LOL ! ;D

The pub that used to be at the entrance was the Rudmore Cellars. As Phil says, that is no more!!  :'(

The Sovereigns is just the other side of the roundabout at the entrance to the port and is attached to a Travelodge!

I will see you all there I also in CA poloshirt, 6 foot 18+ stone ex bouncer/Landlord

Haave you lost weight since last year Mike???  :P

No they are all 5 foot and 18+ stone, thats so they can fit in the boats without ducking ;D And mike have you got shorter too ;-)

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Hi MikeC,
             Ok looks like You and I and Chris24 for dinner at the Sovaruign (sp)accross the road from the enterance to ferry Port.
Of the 4 stations to choose from I think Portsmouth & Southsea is the one I will head to. Thanks JPC for clarifying where the pub is :)
Phil

Phil,

Your tent, air bed and pillow is already packed in the car, so at least you are sorted. Damn, room is tight when you are packing for Le Mans and it feels like you are going for a month rather than a few days. Not sure where the kitchen sink will fit in, but sure I can squeeze it in there somewhere LOL !

Just glad i have an estate car and not a Caterham ! ;D

Phil/Chris/MikeC - looks like you might be getting a gate crasher, as now had to re-arrange ferry (due to funeral) so will meet you lot at the pub if Ok with you lot

see you there

Phil/Chris/MikeC - looks like you might be getting a gate crasher, as now had to re-arrange ferry (due to funeral) so will meet you lot at the pub if Ok with you lot

see you there
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Hi Neil,
          The more the merrier. What ferry are you on? When do you roll into Pompey.
 I am probaly there before lunch.
Phil

Hi Neil,
          The more the merrier. What ferry are you on? When do you roll into Pompey.
 I am probaly there before lunch.
Phil
[/quote]


Phil - Where are u coming from, I'm traveling down from up North on Wen to a funeral at Bath on the Wen, and then traveling to Portsmouth at about 3.00pm on Wen.  On the LD lines 23.00 Le Harve ferry.

Hi Neil,
          Sounds like we are on the same ferry to Le Havre.
  Dinner at 7:00pm and we will save a seat or two for you.

Phil

Phil - as normal, your a top man!

7pm dinner time sounds great, because Mark and Chris should have also arrived in Portsmouth by then as well as they are setting off from Blackburn at around 1 pm. So they will also be joining us for dinner at the Sovereign.

Phil, I also have a spare battery powered lantern for you to use in the tent.

Ok so dinner is sorted. Looks as though I will arrive at the Portsmouth & Southsea station at 1 PM so what to do for 6 hours remains the question :angel: >:D ???
Always travel with a good book and a towel ;D

Phil

 

and dont forget Mike Cs passenger  ;D

Hi Peter,
            Where is this OLD town of which you speak? Have I picked the best station?
Phil the moose

You seem to have forgotten Norway Nick also going to be there. he is riding shotgun with me. We shall see you at 7ish as planned.

Mike

PS No I have not shrunk since last year "still a 6' Fat B"

And the missus and me, if thats ok? We'll be in town about then so t'would be good for us.

I was going to book a table for 8 but now I think 12 is possible I will have a better chance of them looking after my back pack for me while I wander aimlessly and alone around the streets of Portsmouth ;D
I love it when a plan comes together.
 Phil