Spring has definitely sprung, and with the weather getting warmer, here are some well-known and not-so-well-known spots in the city for you to go and get some fresh air
Spring has definitely sprung, and with the weather getting warmer, here are some well-known and not-so-well-known spots in the city for you to go and get some fresh air.
1 | Southsea Rose Garden and Japanese Garden
Take time out of your day to enjoy the display of up to forty varieties of roses which bloom in Southsea Rose Garden. The garden is quiet and provides a peaceful walk from Canoe Lake to the beach.
Tucked away in a secluded area at the back of the Rose Gardens, the Japanese Garden commemorates the link between the twinned cities of Portsmouth and Maizuru in Japan. The garden includes a stone taken from Maizuru's 16th century Tanabe Castle.
2 | Southsea Common
Purchased from the War Department for in 1922 for public use, the Common was originally kept clear in the early nineteenth century so that harbour defences could fire on enemy ships approaching the dockyard.
Today, Southsea Common hosts a variety of events, from music festivals and open-air markets to firework displays and sporting activities. It's also a popular spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the coastal breeze.
3 | Victoria Park
Sequestered behind Portsmouth's Guildhall, Victoria Park is a peaceful green space perfect for unwinding between lectures, revising in the sunshine or catching up with friends. With its picturesque gardens, resident peacocks, and café, it offers a relaxing escape just a short walk from campus.
4 | Farlington Marshes
Just at the north of the city is a great place for seeing nature right on our doorstep. It takes about an hour to walk around the sea wall at Farlington Marshes nature reserve, and on the way you can see anything from owls to seals!
Credit: Leimenide
5 | Milton Common and Milton Locks
Milton Common is a large grassy space that was only established in the 1970s. Since then nature has moved in, and it's home to a range of butterflies, birds and even lizards.
Just a little down the coast is Milton Locks, a historic site marking the entry point of an old canal that ran through the city.
Credit: Leimenide
6 | Baffins Pond
Located a little further than most of the other parks in this list, Baffins Pond is a serene and family-friendly spot surrounded by greenery. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life and is a haven for local wildlife, including ducks, swans, and other waterfowl, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those looking for a tranquil walk or picnic by the water.
Credit: Tim Sheerman-Chase
7 | Portsdown Hill
It’s a rite of passage for people from Portsmouth to make the trip up to the top of the chalk hill that overlooks our city. Take a picnic to sit on the benches, or drop by the legendary Mick’s Monster Burgers truck. If you have the time, go for a stroll down the slope to explore the hill’s nature area.