From beautiful gardens a stone’s throw from the Southsea seafront to an open-air swimming pool named as one of the country’s best secluded lidos in a survey commissioned by bath retailer Showers to You. here are 11 hidden gems in the Portsmouth area.
9. Portchester Castle
Another site rich with history that is within a stones throw of Portsmouth, Portchester Castle has many interesting stories to tell and with large open grounds it is a great place for a scenic stroll. Photo: Alison Treacher
10. The Strand City Map Mural
Mapping the city in stylised form, the Strand mural is on a 3,000 sq ft wall of a building at the junction of Waverley Road and Clarendon Road in Southsea. Muralist Mark, 52, first painted the mural in 1997 before it was damaged by a leaking pipe and redone in 2010. It is regularly updated and has recently added more features from the north of the city.Picture: Sarah Standing Photo: Sarah Standing
11. Stokes Bay
Stokes Bay, just south of Gosport, is a fantstic place for a beach walk and to see marvellous views of the Solent. Photo: Alison Treacher
12. 19 Fourteas Tearoom - Havant
The 19 Fourteas Tearoom opened in West Street, Havant in 2013, and offers a wartime-theme place to stop for tea and cake. Step back in time and admire 1940s memorabilia including an air raid shelter. Find out more here: www.19fourteas.co.uk. Photo: Keith Woodland