Beach and Seafront
Last updated: 13 April 2012 13:59 UKThe seafront is one of the most popular areas in Portsmouth, enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. The beach stretches along the whole southern end of Portsea Island from Old Portsmouth to Eastney.
Adjacent to the beach and seafront promenade, Southsea Common is a vast open space that was purchased from the War Department in 1922. It is ideal for kite flying, picnics and informal ball games.
Centrally located, Southsea Castle is one the historic fortifications built during Henry VIII's reign. Nowadays the castle is bordered by Castle Field which also hosts events, floral bedding in the main approach, the D-Day Museum and The Bandstand set within the western ramparts.
There are two play areas along the seafront for children of all ages (the one at Canoe Lake also has a splash pad facility) and a further water-play facility near to D-Day Museum. At the eastern end of the Common, Southsea Skatepark caters for extreme sports such as skate boarding, in-line skating and BMX bikes. The seafront also offers facilities such as a cricket pitch, tennis, bowls, crazy golf, pitch and putt and beach volleyball.
There are outstanding horticultural displays along the whole of the seafront, varying from award winning bedding displays at The Dell, Burgoyne Gardens and Southsea Rose Garden to the varied sheltered planting at the Rock Gardens.
Seafront Strategy
Building on successful work that has been done so far to enhance the seafront, such as the beach volleyball court and an extended events programme, we have put together a plan of future improvements for the seafront.
This seafront strategy was approved by the city council's Cabinet on 8 March 2010.
The seafront strategy is a major part of the overall regeneration strategy for the city. It will play an important role in realising ambitions for Portsmouth to become a European city break destination with world-class attractions. The strategy identifies:
- improvements that are needed to the seafront
- particular character areas for which more specific guidance will be developed
- plans to increase the range of events and cultural activities that take place
- proposals for attracting and sustaining investment in seafront regeneration
If you have any questions about the strategy, please call (023) 9282 8112 or email: seafront.services@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
More information about the seafront
Barbecue safety tipsEastney Beach
Life Aids
Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces
Play Areas, Ball Courts and Skate Parks
Seafront Services
Sun Huts
