Portsmouth Accommodation

Southsea's Clarence Pier is every popular for family seaside amusements
Portsmouth's annual International Kite Festival is held on Southsea Common
Hovercraft travel from Southsea to Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Cycling or strolls along the prom in Southsea
Family seaside holidays are popular in Southsea

Southsea Tourist Guide Shopping Portsmouth Hovercraft to Isle of Wight

Southsea is one of the oldest areas in Portsmouth and has retained much of its character. It's often a preferred shopping centre for those who want more independent shops than the usual high street names. A host of pubs, clubs, theatres and live music venues means there's plenty to keep you entertained day or night.

Southsea is also the base for the hovercraft over to Ryde on the Isle of Wight. It's a quick hop over and a popular day out.

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Southsea Tourist Information

Southsea is at the south of the city of Portsmouth. It has retained much of its original Georgian character of terraces and villas which originated from the mid 1800s when it first became a popular suburb for the middle classes.

Today Southsea offers a wide range of things to do from the attractions along the Esplanades to shopping and entertainment in central Southsea.

One of Portsmouth's three Visitor Information Centres is in Southsea on Calarnce Esplanade next to the Blue Reef Aquarium. It is open daily from 9.30am-5.15 pm.

Portsmouth Visitor Information Service, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PB. Tel: 023 9282 6722. Email: vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Southsea Hovercraft to Ryde Isle of Wight

You can easily take a day trip over to the Isle of Wight from Clarence Pier. The hovercraft takes foot passengers only, although you can take your bike over free of charge.

Hovertravel run a regular service to Ryde on The Isle of Wight. Hovercrafts run at least every half hour and the journey only takes 10 minutes, making it the quickest crossing from the mainland to the Isle of Wight.

If you're travelling to Southsea by car there is a mix of pay and display and street parking around Clarence Pier.

Hovertravel Ltd, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3AD. Tel: 023 9281 1000.

Southsea Shopping & Entertainment

The centre of Southsea is full of shopping, cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs. Southsea prides itself in offering a good range of independent boutiques and smaller high street stores rather than the usual generic town centres. There are also regular markets and festivals - check out the link right for up-to-date events.

Southsea also has a good range of venues for live music and comedy. Albert Road and Palmerston Road are the main centres for evening and lunchtime entertainment. The King's Theatre is a fantastic example of Italian Renaissance style of decor, one of the best examples of the elegant Edwardian playhouses in the British Isles with most original features intact. It hosts a full programme of live theatre acts from ballet to comedy. For evening performances parking is available at the Waitrose car park nearby. Check out the link right for current listings. Box Office: 023 92 828282. Email: enquiries@kings-southsea.com.

Other venues include the Wedgewood Rooms and the Cellars at Eastney for regular live music, comedy clubs and club nights. Check the link right for up-to-date listings. Also check out Eastney Tavern, Little Johnny Russells and the King Street Tavern for other live acts.

Featured Hampshire Accommodation

Ibis Portsmouth Centre budget hotel - Portsmouth

Portsmouth town centre budget hotel, ideal for business guests and family holidays. Café bar, restaurant and parking. Discount hotel rooms rates available.

From £60 Per room, per night