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A mini guide to
Southsea: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk the seafront
Visit Portsmouth's walking route runs about 900 metres along Clarence Esplanade from Clarence Pier to the Blue Reef Aquarium, then 200 metres to the D-Day Story and 150 metres more to Southsea Castle.
Check the pier first
Clarence Pier's rides are closed until 2027, according to its own site. The arcades and crazy golf stay open.
Book the hovercraft ahead
Hovertravel suggests booking at least 48 hours ahead to save money on the crossing to Ryde.
Open days only
Eastney Engine Houses opens on regular open days rather than every day. Check its visit page before going.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Southsea?
Southsea is in Portsmouth and Southampton, England. Portsmouth's seafront: the D-Day Story, Southsea Castle, the piers and the restaurants of Albert Road. Nearby stops and stations include Portsmouth and Southsea station, Park & Ride PR1, Hovertravel.
How long do I need in Southsea?
Half a day to a full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include The D-Day Story, Southsea Castle, Clarence Pier. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Portsmouth and Southsea station (South Western Railway and Southern); Park & Ride PR1 (From the site off junction 1 of the M275); Hovertravel (Hovercraft from Southsea seafront to Ryde Pier). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 24 places to eat and drink in and around Southsea, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 9 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Southsea accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Southsea
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Lumps Fort
Disused fort on the seafront, built as part of the defences of the Portsmouth naval base.
Pyramids Centre
Indoor leisure complex on the Southsea seafront, just east of Southsea Castle.
Kings Theatre
Theatre in Southsea, a short walk from the restaurants of Albert Road.
Portsmouth and Southampton
More areas to explore
Southampton Old Town & City Centre
Medieval walls and merchants' houses, the Titanic story at SeaCity and the ferries at Town Quay
Open the mini guide →
Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth
The Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays and the old harbour-mouth streets
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Cumberland House Natural History Museum: Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 2.0, source
- Lumps Fort: RAF, Public domain, source
- Pyramids Centre: Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 2.0, source
- Kings Theatre: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Southampton Old Town & City Centre: Michael Coppins, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Portsmouth Harbour & Old Portsmouth: geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Portsmouth and Southampton