About
Cumberland House Natural History Museum is Portsmouth's celebrated free natural history museum, housed in a distinctive building on the Southsea seafront near Canoe Lake. For nearly a century this much-loved local institution has introduced generations of Portsmouth residents and visitors to the wonders of the natural world, from the creatures of the deep sea to the birds of Hampshire's chalk downs.
The museum is perhaps best known for its working freshwater aquarium, which has delighted families since the building opened in 1930. The aquarium showcases native British freshwater species including carp, perch, roach and other inhabitants of Hampshire's rivers and lakes. Watching these fish glide through the illuminated tanks remains one of Portsmouth's most enduring free family experiences, and the aquarium continues to be one of the first places local parents bring young children to discover wildlife.
Beyond the aquarium, the museum's collections span the full breadth of natural history. The zoology galleries display an impressive array of taxidermy specimens, from British mammals and birds to exotic animals from around the globe, assembled over decades by local naturalists and presented in carefully curated dioramas and display cases. The geology section explores the rocks and fossils of the Hampshire Basin, giving visitors an insight into the deep time of southern England's landscape, from ancient seas to more recent ice ages.
The entomology and invertebrate collections are particularly strong, reflecting the museum's roots in Victorian natural history collecting. Drawers of pinned insects, shells from worldwide oceans, and specimens of remarkable diversity reveal the extraordinary variety of life on Earth.
Cumberland House also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, school visits, and natural history events throughout the year, making it a living centre for natural history learning in Portsmouth. The museum sits within easy walking distance of Southsea Castle, the D-Day Story museum, and the seafront, making it an ideal stop on any Southsea heritage trail.
Categories:
Annual Visitors (2019)
30,000
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Weekday mornings for school-holiday periods
💡 Visitor Tips
- Admission is free — no need to book tickets in advance for general visits.
- The freshwater aquarium is most popular with children; visiting on a weekday morning avoids the busiest periods.
- The museum is a short walk from Southsea Castle and the D-Day Story — combine all three for a full day on the seafront.
- Canoe Lake and the seafront are immediately adjacent — bring a picnic to enjoy in the park after your visit.
- School holiday periods see higher visitor numbers; the aquarium area can become busy with families.
- The museum is fully accessible at ground floor level; check specific accessibility requirements when planning your visit.
- Photography is generally permitted throughout the museum — great opportunities at the aquarium tanks.
- Check the museum website or Portsmouth City Council for current opening hours and any temporary closures.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
Freshwater Aquarium
Working aquarium displaying native British freshwater fish species from Hampshire rivers and lakes.
British Wildlife Gallery
Taxidermy specimens of native British mammals and birds in naturalistic displays.
World Wildlife Collections
Specimens of exotic animals from around the globe, assembled over more than a century.
Hampshire Geology
Rocks, minerals and fossils from the Hampshire Basin and southern England.
Entomology Collection
Extensive collections of pinned insects and invertebrates representing worldwide diversity.
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.