Gunwharf Quays

I have been here many times but this time we got the passenger ferry from Gosport. The route is simple, smooth route but a couple of quite steep inclines so I was glad to have my fri-ride. I saw multiple chair users so it is obviously well known to be accessible. Lifts to the underground carpark and upper level eateries. The wide pedestrian shopping village is level and easy to navigate, all the shops although busy have wide entrances.

Gunwharf Quays, opened circa 2001 on the HM Gunwharf site (which was basically a place for munitions etc) and forms a very large shopping mall. There's a 1,450 car space underground car park with plenty of blue badge spaces. The APNR system is technologically advanced and supposed to help you find a space, providing it knows you want a blue badge space - I just turned right after getting my ticket. Shock horror, blue badge holders pay as well so it's £2.90 for minimum payment. Not knowing Portsmouth, I went for the easy option but you can always park double/single yellow lines if you know where to go. You'll find 90+ shops and 30+ food outlets, a 14 screen cinema, casino, night club and 26 lane bowlplex! The shoppers paradise is also the location for Spinnaker Tower, the 110m high view point. I did not use the toilets but there were several dotted around.

I was amazed when i asked if they had a first aid bed i could use, so i could change my friend's pad. I was told they had just installed a hoist and bed in the disabled toilets by Boots. It was lovely not having to either lift her onto a first aid bed or having to leave her until we got back.