I have always lived within a stone's throw away from the sea - and I would not have it any other way. It feels like a real breath of fresh air whenever I get to the coastline and is perfect to take a stroll, take in the views, de-stress and of course accidently nip into an ice-cream shop along the way.I have always lived within a stone's throw away from the sea - and I would not have it any other way. It feels like a real breath of fresh air whenever I get to the coastline and is perfect to take a stroll, take in the views, de-stress and of course accidently nip into an ice-cream shop along the way.
I have always lived within a stone's throw away from the sea - and I would not have it any other way. It feels like a real breath of fresh air whenever I get to the coastline and is perfect to take a stroll, take in the views, de-stress and of course accidently nip into an ice-cream shop along the way.

9 reasons Portsmouth is a glorious place to be this summer - and one reason why it is not

By Kelly Brown
Published 31st Jul 2024, 14:26 BST
The sunny south coast is just glorious in the summer with its wonderful coastline just a few miles away from spectacular countryside there is something for everyone.

We know we attract the tourists, but there is also plenty to be thankful for and enjoy as a local resident. Here are nine reasons our city and surrounding area will be the most glorious place to be this summer – and one reason why it’s not.

One of the highest points in the county can be found at Butser Hill which is an easy trip to make this summer thanks to its proximity off the A3 just north of Clanfield. There is a carpark at the top, or if you are feeling energetic you can park down at the bottom next to Queen Elizabeth Country Park and walk up. Either way at the top you can enjoy some stunning views to the north of the South Downs National Park, and equally breath taking views of the Solent to the south. There is also a cafe at the top - always a win!Butser Hill in National Park by Daniel Greenwood

5. Breathtaking Butser Hill

One of the highest points in the county can be found at Butser Hill which is an easy trip to make this summer thanks to its proximity off the A3 just north of Clanfield. There is a carpark at the top, or if you are feeling energetic you can park down at the bottom next to Queen Elizabeth Country Park and walk up. Either way at the top you can enjoy some stunning views to the north of the South Downs National Park, and equally breath taking views of the Solent to the south. There is also a cafe at the top - always a win!Butser Hill in National Park by Daniel Greenwood Photo: contributed

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Gunwharf Quays is the perfect place to have a mooch around on a summer's day with shops to explore, plenty of places to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while taking in the harbour views and there are always plenty of activities going on in and around the complex for families. As well as the usual small boats in the basin area, this summer there will also be a mini golf course to enjoy. And of course on a summer's day a trip up the Spinnaker Tower Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak

6. Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays is the perfect place to have a mooch around on a summer's day with shops to explore, plenty of places to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while taking in the harbour views and there are always plenty of activities going on in and around the complex for families. As well as the usual small boats in the basin area, this summer there will also be a mini golf course to enjoy. And of course on a summer's day a trip up the Spinnaker Tower Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak Photo: Marcin Jedrysiak

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As well as the usual parks and beaches which provide fabulously free entertainment for the family, there are also a number of free local attractions too - including Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery and Aspex Gallery. A family favourite is Cumberland House Natural History Museum next to Canoe Lake which also boasts its popular butterfly house.

7. Free days out

As well as the usual parks and beaches which provide fabulously free entertainment for the family, there are also a number of free local attractions too - including Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery and Aspex Gallery. A family favourite is Cumberland House Natural History Museum next to Canoe Lake which also boasts its popular butterfly house. Photo: Sophie Lewis

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Our seafaring and naval connections are just one of many reasons why our area has so many wonderful and historical gems to explore - many of them for free too! This includes Fort Nelson, the Garrison Church and Southsea Castle. A popular destination is Portchester Castle where you can walk around and inside the external wall of the castle and enjoy the views. If you pay to go inside the remains of the castle itself - within the walls - there are also more spectacular views to enjoy.Picture: Mark Cox. Instagram: @marlcox_sonya7iii

8. Historic gems

Our seafaring and naval connections are just one of many reasons why our area has so many wonderful and historical gems to explore - many of them for free too! This includes Fort Nelson, the Garrison Church and Southsea Castle. A popular destination is Portchester Castle where you can walk around and inside the external wall of the castle and enjoy the views. If you pay to go inside the remains of the castle itself - within the walls - there are also more spectacular views to enjoy.Picture: Mark Cox. Instagram: @marlcox_sonya7iii Photo: -

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