Our area guide to living in Southsea
Located to the south of Portsmouth city centre, Southsea is a popular and vibrant seaside resort in Hampshire.
Amenities
Southsea is a quirky creative hub that’s home to independent shops and a thriving arts culture. Marmion Road and Elm Grove have a wonderful selection of shops selling everything from vintage fashion to pot plants and artisan made bread. Albert Road is just around the corner with more fascinating shops, trendy bars and the beautiful Kings Theatre.
There is a growing coffee shop culture that is worth checking out – there are a huge variety of independent, fashionable coffee shops making yummy food too.
And when it comes to restaurants you can choose from pizza or mezze to fish and chips or fine dining.
Bars and pubs that brew their own beer are popular destinations and you will find Southsea’s own gin served in many of the bars.
Transport
Southsea is serviced by nearby train stations, Fratton and Portsmouth and Southsea station, which offer connections to Cardiff, Southampton, Bristol, Brighton and more. The Portsmouth Direct Line runs conveniently to London Waterloo station.
Getting about is easy by car or on foot. There are great bus links and cycle routes along the seafront.
Green spaces
Southsea Common is one of the biggest open green spaces in Southsea, used for football matches, picnics, dog walks and BBQs. It is also a popular venue for outdoor events such as Victorious Festival, Kite Festival and Military Vehicle Show.
Activities
With a 2 mile long shingle beach, Southsea is fantastic for walkers and cyclists. On clear weather days, you’ll be able to look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and marvel at the variety of craft enjoying this special stretch of water.
You can also visit the Isle of Wight from Southsea. Take the hovercraft to the island in just 10 minutes or jump on the car ferry.
For golf lovers, there is a 9 hole pitch and putt course adjacent to the beach with a wonderful tea room serving yummy cakes. Close by, you will find Canoe Lake, a popular park with pedal boats and swans, as well as a children’s play area, equipped with a zip wire, sand pit and water area.