The city and surrounding towns and villages are packed with natural beauty and historic charm, and these top spots showcase the area at its finest. From peaceful woodlands to sea views there’s something for everyone.
Holly Hill Woodland Park has stunning lakes, woodlands, and a riverside walk, while Port Solent has a marina which could make you think you are on holiday on mainland Europe, and Emsworth has a magnificent Slipper Pond where you can feel you are getting away from it all.
Whether you’re after history, wildlife, or just a beautiful walk, these destinations highlight the very best of the Portsmouth area which I love — rich in scenery, full of character, and perfect for day trips or long weekends.
17. Fareham Creek and Cams Hill
So many people drive past the Cams Hill Railway Viaduct every day which makes it easy to take it for granted. But for me, the 16 brick archways perfectly frame a picture-perfect area when you take a stroll along the footpath at Upper Fareham Lake and down towards the wider Portsmouth Harbour area. Photo: Google
18. Stanley Park in Gosport
Found in Alverbank, Stanley Park is a perfect oasis of calm making it a perfect beauty spot to visit. The well kept gardens and peace and quiet makes you think you are a million miles away! Photo: PR
19. Bosham
Head a few miles down the road past Emsworth and you will find Bosham which is a quaint village nestled in Chichester Harbour. The harbour is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which means you can expect to see many breeds of migrating wildfowl here. For this reason - and because of its stunning views - the quay is a wonderful place for a walk on a warm day. Bosham has a rich history too, and has been inhabited since Roman times. | Bosham Photo: Getty Images