A city surrounded by sea, Portsmouth offers an exciting mix of things to do and plenty of sunshine and is fast becoming one of Britain’s favourite waterfront destinations. Its seafront is one of the most popular areas in Portsmouth; the beach stretches along the whole southern end of Portsea Island from Old Portsmouth to Eastney.

The main seafront area of Portsmouth can be found at Southsea, the Victorian seafront has a funfair, and the underground passages at Southsea Castle are worth exploring. Or take the kids to the Blue Reef Aquarium, whatever the weather. Clarence Pier offers rides and fun for all the family including the Sky Trail new for 2011.

Portsmouth offers allsorts of watersports for all levels and is completely accessible at the Portsmouth Watersports Centre.

Portsmouth has a proud navel and maritime heritage and there are some superb museums such as the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the D-day Landings Museum.

Take a trip up the 170m Spinnaker Tower, which offers stunning views over Portsmouth and on a clear day you can see up to 23 miles over to the Isle of Wight.

Away from the seafront Portsmouth is a unique shopping destination with independent vintage shops at Southsea to Gunwharf Quay, which offers shops, bars and restaurants and lost of entertainment.

Portsmouth Beaches Include: -

Old Portsmouth Beach
A small shingle beach sheltered by the historic fortifications of Portsmouth. It is located in the mouth of Portsmouth harbour.

Southsea Beach
Southsea is a very popular beach. It offers a funfair and swimming complex, and a large open green spaces for picnics and kite flying. It stretches from Old Portsmouth to Eastney. It is mostly shingle and slopes quite rapidly into the sea.

Eastney Beach
About 1.5 miles long and a shingle beach backed by the main seafront road. It is situated at the eastern undeveloped end of Southsea seafront. It’s a good place for sunbathing and building sandcastles. The adjoining beach is wilder in nature and offers patches of vegetation and a large selection of sea birds.

Image Credit
  © Copyright Chris Downer and
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  © Copyright nick macneill and
licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.