Southsea: Time Out names our resort as third best seaside town in the UK
Southsea has been highlighted in a survey looking at the best seaside towns in the UK
People are cottoning on to what we have always known - that Southsea is one of the best seaside towns on these isles.
Time Out has given our resort third place in its round up of the UK, beaten only by Saundersfoot in south Wales and the joint package of Hastings and St Leonards in East Sussex. Southsea is described as an old-school resort with indie charm and a fascinating naval history.
Among the reasons for its ranking are the kite festival each summer, and Victorious festival, which this year will see Richard Ashcroft, Scissor Sisters and Faithless head to the coast.
While some of Time Out’s observations are maybe not what we’d recognise - “colourful beach huts” is an obvious yes, but “cobbled streets”... well less so - we’ll all recognise many of Southsea’s strengths.
Time Out says: “Southsea has also got fascinating historical landmarks, an enviable cluster of pubs and a brilliant programme of summer events.
“So what exactly does the perfect trip to Southsea look like? For a slice of history visit the Southsea Castle (it’s free entry), which was built by Henry VIII in 1544 out of concern over French attack. Stop by The D-Day Story to be taken through the story of Operation Overlord during the Normandy D-Day landings, or catch a boat to the Solent Forts, which were commissioned by Lord Palmerston in the 1860s to ward off Napoleon III.”
Also flagged up are our boozers, with the Hole in the Wall in Great Southsea Street, the Lawrence Arms in Lawrence Road and the Phoeniux, behind the Kings Theatre, all singled out for praise. For food, the recommendations from the lifestyle mag were “pie, mash and liquor from Pies and Vinyl, flammeküche from Belgian bar and kitchen Huis, sushi from Sakura or a selection of sweet treats from artisan bakery Bread Addiction”.
For those interested, the reason why Saundersfoot took the title is, says Time Out: “Though far smaller than its popular neighbour Tenby, Saundersfoot is one of Pembrokeshire’s most energetic spots. Its centrepiece is its gorgeous golden Blue Flag beach, but lining that beach is a brilliant host of shops, caffs and pubs that give Saundersfoot its lively spirit.”