If you are looking for a breath of fresh air then there is nothing better than a coastal walk. The three-mile stretch from Old Portsmouth to Eastney along Southsea seafront makes it to perfect walk for everyone as whether you take in the whole walk or just some of it. And the fantastic bonus is that the section between Clarence Pier and Blue Reef has now reopened. Picture by Marcin Jedrysiakplaceholder image
If you are looking for a breath of fresh air then there is nothing better than a coastal walk. The three-mile stretch from Old Portsmouth to Eastney along Southsea seafront makes it to perfect walk for everyone as whether you take in the whole walk or just some of it. And the fantastic bonus is that the section between Clarence Pier and Blue Reef has now reopened. Picture by Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

21 fabulous Hampshire spring walks to explore in and near the Portsmouth area

By Kelly Brown

Editor

Published 18th Mar 2026, 13:35 GMT
Updated 2nd Apr 2026, 20:25 GMT

Spring has finally (just about) sprung across Hampshire with daffodils now blooming and those lovely bluebells even starting to make an appearance. And, of course, a little bit of sunshine!

With our perfect location of being both right on the coast and at the edge of the South Downs National Park, Portsmouth and its surrounding towns have a whole host of fantastic walks to enjoy this spring to enjoy the changing season. And the great news is so many of them are right near a cafe so you can grab that all important cuppa and slide of cake!

Here are just some of our favourites:

There is much to enjoy in Gosport's wildlife haven through the changing seasons. With wood walks and ponds to explore - and of course a park for those with children and an on site cafe and toilets - it really does have it all. Picture: Sarah Standing (180641-3088)

9. Alver Valley Country Park

There is much to enjoy in Gosport's wildlife haven through the changing seasons. With wood walks and ponds to explore - and of course a park for those with children and an on site cafe and toilets - it really does have it all. Picture: Sarah Standing (180641-3088) Photo: Sarah Standing

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Foxes Forest in Hilsea is the perfect walk for all of the family taking in the wooded area across the top of the city leading from the Hilsea Roundabout to Eastern Road. With ducks to feed, trees hide behind and the earth ramparts of Hilsea Lines to explore it is perfect for all ages. And don't forget you can visit the cafe at nearby Casemates as well! Just be aware that there are ongoing sea defence works in the area. Picture: Sam Stephenson.

10. Foxes Forest

Foxes Forest in Hilsea is the perfect walk for all of the family taking in the wooded area across the top of the city leading from the Hilsea Roundabout to Eastern Road. With ducks to feed, trees hide behind and the earth ramparts of Hilsea Lines to explore it is perfect for all ages. And don't forget you can visit the cafe at nearby Casemates as well! Just be aware that there are ongoing sea defence works in the area. Picture: Sam Stephenson. Photo: Sam Stephenson

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Gosport boasts not only fantastic views of the Solent - but also the best views of Portsmouth too! And a stroll along the eastern shoreline will confirm this, starting at the Hardway Slip carpark area and following the path leading to Heritage Way, past the Explosion Museum towards Millennium Bridge. Once over the other side of the bridge there are a number of places to stop, and get a drink and admire the scenery - or you can carry on into the town centre - and beyond into Haslar and Alverstoke if the mood takes you. Picture: Neil Harris

11. Harbour View, Gosport

Gosport boasts not only fantastic views of the Solent - but also the best views of Portsmouth too! And a stroll along the eastern shoreline will confirm this, starting at the Hardway Slip carpark area and following the path leading to Heritage Way, past the Explosion Museum towards Millennium Bridge. Once over the other side of the bridge there are a number of places to stop, and get a drink and admire the scenery - or you can carry on into the town centre - and beyond into Haslar and Alverstoke if the mood takes you. Picture: Neil Harris Photo: Neil Harris

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With just perfect views across the whole of the Solent, Portsdown Hill has plenty of places to explore along the way this autumn and enjoy the changing seasons. It is great for short walks with all of the family or a longer ramble if you want to follow the hill and trace the length of the city. The most popular place to park is the carpark in front of the Churchillian.

12. Portsdown Hill

With just perfect views across the whole of the Solent, Portsdown Hill has plenty of places to explore along the way this autumn and enjoy the changing seasons. It is great for short walks with all of the family or a longer ramble if you want to follow the hill and trace the length of the city. The most popular place to park is the carpark in front of the Churchillian. Photo: -

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