Living in Portsmouth

Welcome to our city
Photo: Stefan & Sara Venter www.upixphotography.com

Family Life

Portsmouth is a vibrant city that has taken its waterside location and ship-shaped heritage and reinvented them for the 21st century. Quality of life is lively with a brilliant choice of activities and facilities for all the family.

Southsea Seafront

The seafront at Southsea is not to be missed, with the beach stretching 4 miles from Old Portsmouth to Eastney. The sunny promenade looks out across the Solent, Europe’s busiest waterway. It offers miles of pebble beaches to explore and gigantic green spaces where you can let off some steam and enjoy the sea air.

There are also tennis courts, crazy and mini golf courses, pitch ‘n’ putt and beach volleyball courts to keep you entertained.

On warm days the beaches in Southsea, with excellent bathing water, are perfect for a swim or a paddle.

Canoe Lake

This fun, family spot is popular for crabbing, pedalos and picnics. With a model village, rose garden, tennis courts, choice of cafes and play park complete with water splash, it’s a must on sunny days.

Blue Reef Aquarium

Explore the underwater world at Blue Reef – from sharks to clownfish, jellyfish to otters, there’s plenty to see. Take in the colourful and exotic inhabitants of the coral reef in the spectacular underwater tunnel and come face to face with the wonders of the aquatic world. Explore the planet’s rainforests as you encounter some of the most amazing amphibians –from deadly poison dart frogs to curious iguanas.

In warm weather enjoy the Blue Reef Beach Club with its sandy beach, rock pool, sandpit and outdoor splash play area. 

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Spinnaker Tower

The Spinnaker Tower stands at 170 metres tall, offering breath-taking 23 mile views over Portsmouth Harbour, the city, the Solent, the South Downs and the Isle of Wight. The iconic structure is a popular destination boasting a high speed lift and three sky-high viewing decks. Venture across the thrilling glass floor at 100 metres above sea level; discover stories behind the surrounding sites with informative touch screen displays.

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The Piers

A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the pier. South Parade Pier is ideal – offering spectacular views out across the Solent, plus a restaurant, shops, pop-up eateries and an arcade. Further along the seafront promenade you’ll find Clarence Pier, one of the largest amusement parks on the south coast, boasting a wide range of rides and activities for the whole family.

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Cumberland House Natural History Museum

Cumberland House Natural History Museum includes a seasonal butterfly house. Meet the resident iguanodon, find out about Portsmouth’s local wildlife including the observational beehive and explore the variety in the natural world in the A-Z of Natural History display.

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