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Portsmouth is home to one of the UK’s most iconic waterfronts. Portsmouth’s seafront is a vibrant collective attraction, offering a blend of beaches, promenades, and scenic views. In fact, it’s completely surrounded by water which makes it the UK’s only island city! So there you go, no need to go all the way to Venice for that lagoon lifestyle, simply drive down to the south coast and imagine you’re in the Adriatic sea.
Of course, with all that water, you’d get expect there to be a few good beaches too. Luckily Portsmouth doesn’t disappoint. Portsmouth features some iconic shingle beaches that each have a speciality, from walks to watersports to fishing. If you want to find some sandy beaches, there’s some great options nearby too!
With miles of coastline to explore, there’s plenty of space for walking, running, and enjoying the sea air. If you want to find some sandy beaches, there’s some great options nearby too! A trip to Portsmouth’s beaches is ideal for a day out or a longer seaside escape.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 5 of our favourite Portsmouth beaches for you to enjoy this summer—perhaps as part of exploring some of the best scenic drives in the UK—when taking out an hourly car insurance policy.
Introduction to Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a vibrant island city on the south coast of England, famous for its rich maritime history and lively seafront. As the UK’s only island city, Portsmouth offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the coast.
The city’s seafront stretches from the cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth to the open spaces of Eastney, offering visitors a chance to discover everything from ancient fortifications like Southsea Castle to the fascinating D-Day Museum.
Whether you’re wandering along the promenade, soaking up the views of Portsmouth Harbour, or exploring the city’s many beaches, Portsmouth is packed with opportunities to relax, learn, and enjoy the best of the south coast.
With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, it’s no wonder Portsmouth is a favourite for visitors looking to discover something new by the sea.
Getting to the beach
Reaching the beach in Portsmouth couldn’t be easier, whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor. The city’s seafront is well-connected, making it simple to get from the heart of Portsmouth to the sands and shingle of Southsea.
Many visitors choose to stroll or cycle along the promenade, taking in the sea air and the sights of Southsea Common. If you’re driving, convenient parking is available at the Pyramids Centre and Southsea Common car parks, both just steps from the beach. Public transport is also a breeze, with regular buses running from Portsmouth city centre to the seafront, and train connections bringing you right into the heart of the action.
With so many easy ways to get there, Portsmouth’s beaches are the perfect destination for a spontaneous day out or a longer seaside escape.
Southsea Beach (Shingle)
Just under a mile from Portsmouth’s city centre is the resort town of Southsea, named after the nearby Southsea castle. Southsea Beach is lined with cafes and restaurants offering a variety of food and drink options. It features a canoe lake, recreation area, promenade and, nearby, Clarence Pier, an amusement park with rides and entertainment for families.
Of course, there is also a long stretch of beach that slopes into the sea, where you’ll find deck chairs and other amenities available for hire, including beach huts that are available year round. The beach’s features are complemented by popular attractions close by, such as the Blue Reef Aquarium and the D Day Story museum.
For swimming and beach activities, there are designated bathing areas for water safety. The Yomper statue is a notable landmark near the beach. If you’re wanting to make sandcastles and run around barefoot, this might not be the beach for you, as it’s mostly made up of flinty shingle. However, after a seaside stroll set amongst a historic resort town, this could be the perfect option for you.
Eastney Beach (Shingle)
To the east of Southsea beach is the radically named, Eastney beach. If you’re a nature buff, this could be the perfect spot for you as the long, wide stretch of sand is home to over 100 different species of plant. The beach is also ideal for walking and exploring the natural surroundings.
They’ve specially adapted to the salt and shingle to thrive in the seaside conditions – who wouldn’t? If you’re not so keen on the local botany, there’s also loads of opportunities for water sports with a whole area marked out for windsurfing.
There are designated bathing areas at Eastney Beach, where water quality is regularly monitored for safe swimming. Equipment for hire, such as windsurfing boards and kayaks, is also available for visitors looking to enjoy the water. Again, bear in mind that this is a shingle beach so sandcastles might be a bit of a challenge.
Beachlands (Pebble)
Whilst not technically on the same island as Portsmouth, Beachlands is only a stones throw away, situated on the neighbouring Hayling Island Beach. Hayling Island Beach is renowned for its Blue Flag awards, safety, and cleanliness, making it a popular destination for a trip.
It features an eight kilometer stretch of pebble beach that’s mostly sheltered by a sandbar, offering a vast open space ideal for walking, swimming, windsurfing, and sailing. This makes it a great option for budding swimmers seeking calmer waters.
Old Portsmouth Beach (Shingle)
Tucked away near the historic heart of the city, Old Portsmouth Beach is a classic shingle beach with a character all its own. Overlooking Portsmouth Harbour and surrounded by the charm of the old town, this beach is a favourite spot for those looking to relax and soak up the maritime atmosphere.
While the strong harbour currents mean swimming isn’t recommended—and there are no lifeguards on duty—Old Portsmouth Beach is a great place to sit back, watch the boats drift by, or try your hand at fishing. With its unique blend of history, harbour views, and peaceful setting, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a different side of Portsmouth’s coastline.
West Wittering Beach (Sandy)
To find a sandy beach, you’ll have to venture slightly outside of Portsmouth. One of our favourite options is West Wittering, which is only a half an hour drive from the city.
Often lauded as one of the best beaches in West Sussex, the expansive seaside stretch is flanked by dunes and salt marshes, making it a great spot for finding rare species of plants and wildlife, or simply admiring the breathtaking views.
South Parade Pier
No visit to Southsea’s seafront is complete without a stroll along South Parade Pier. This historic landmark is perfectly situated by the beach, offering sweeping views across the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour. Whether you’re looking to take in the sea breeze, enjoy a classic amusement arcade, or grab a bite at the pier’s café, South Parade Pier is a great place to relax and soak up the traditional seaside atmosphere.
The pier’s rich history and lively surroundings make it a favourite with visitors of all ages, and its location right on the beach means you’re never far from the sound of the waves. For anyone exploring Portsmouth’s seafront, South Parade Pier is a must-visit destination that captures the spirit of the city by the sea.
Island beach experience
There’s something truly special about the island beach experience in Portsmouth. As an island city, Portsmouth offers a unique blend of beaches where visitors can swim, sunbathe, or dive into a range of water sports. Whether you’re looking for a lively stretch of sand to play beach volleyball, a quiet spot to relax, or a base for exploring the wider coast, Portsmouth has it all.
The city’s location makes it easy to hop over to nearby island destinations like the Isle of Wight or Hayling Island, each offering their own attractions and adventures. With its mix of history, stunning sea views, and endless opportunities for fun on and off the water, Portsmouth is the perfect place for anyone seeking a classic island beach getaway on the south coast.
