Thanks for the write-up and photo's Dave W!
For the flyer for whom food is a key element of any days flying, here is some more local info, starting with the nearest:
The Wyvern
http://wyvernleeonsolent.co.uk/Aviation Themed pub (you do know what a Wyvern looks like eh?)
Five minute walk from the Main Gate, can sit outside with view to airfield.
The Bun Penny
http://www.bunpenny.co.uk/Picturesque traditional building, family run. Pub food, and restaurant sittings. Dog friendly.
10-15 minute walk from Main Gate, south along Broom Way towards seafront.
The High Street, Lee-on-Solent 15-20 minute walk from Main Gate, south!
The town still retains a lively traditional High Street, with a varied selection of independent shops and restaurants - British, Italian (Sapori's), Indian, Chinese. Bookshop, Gadget Shop, Bakery, Pottery Painting for the Kids.
Milville Road - at the west end of the High Street
The Tea Room
Spoil yourself or other half with Very Nice Sandwiches and/or CAKES try The Tea Room
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant ... gland.htmlAlso : The White Dog Gallery. A Gift Shop I forget the name of right now.
The Seafront, Lee-on-Solent 20 minute walk from Main Gate, south
The views out to sea of the Solent and Isle of Wight from Marine Parade are forever changing and are always interesting.
The long-standing Bluebird Cafe remains a popular seafront attraction and is home to the 'large mixed 99' ice-cream and 'mega breakfast'
The Waterfront Brasserie 25 minute walk from Main Gate
http://www.waterfront-brasserie.co.uk/Right on the water front. Good food. Having arrived at Seafront, along Broom Way, from the airfield, head west along the parade for a couple of minutes. Childrens play area nearby.
If you keep heading west along seafront for five more minutes you will come to the Snack Shack which is under the climbout of runway 23. Tea, Coffee, Cake, stuff n chips. Outside eating only, but can watch the arrivals / departures close up.
A couple of other places that some folk might think are worth a short taxi-ride /bike ride
Titchfield Haven
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/titchfield.htm"A nationally renowned nature reserve, celebrated as a winter refuge for ducks, geese and wading birds, and summer breeding ground for the rare Avocet. Our hides provide spectacular views of the wildlife and a network of paths and boardwalks take you through a rare, unspoilt landscape." Has decent visitor centre with cafe garden.
The Diving Museum
http://www.divingmuseum.co.uk/"It is not yet popularly known, but Gosport is the home of the global diving industry...". Nearby cafe and beach. Dog-walking on the Browndown camp (except when Royal Marines on beach assualt exercises!)
Pebbles Fish and Wine Bar
http://www.pebbleswinebar.co.uk/Very good apparently. Can take a walk east along to Gilkicker Point for interesting perspective on the Solent scene.
The above are the local insights. For the Mainline attractions like HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Shopping for SWMBO at Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays, Military Museums, Gosport-Portsmouth harbour ferry, and much more Google is your friend.