Beaches

Portsmouth’s beaches are a haven for locals and visitors alike, who line the miles of seafront with their picnics and cool boxes – that is, when the great British weather allows!

The beaches aren’t just a summer hotspot, though. Whether it’s going for an early morning dog walk, shaking off the winter blues with a bracing stroll, or simply boosting your wellbeing with a view out to the horizon, the beaches around Portsmouth are a year-round destination. Read about each location below, to make your mind up about which stretch of shoreline best suits your needs and requirements.

Please note the shoals around the Hotwalls Beach and in the section between Clarence Pier and the Pyramids are very rocky, have strong tides and aren't patrolled by lifeguards, making them a dangerous area for swimming. The designated bathing areas are east of South Parade Pier.

Southsea Beach

The big one - and the one many people think of when Portsmouth's beaches come to mind. The stretch along Southsea Seafront is a perennial favourite, with wonderful views out to sea and plenty of space to spread out.

The beach provides a prime location to explore or soak up some sun. Dogs are allowed on this beach but only during the winter months. Keep an eye on the signs along the promenade for information about dog-friendly beaches and the time of year enforcements are in place.

Hotwalls Beach

Venture through the Sally Port between the artists studios to reach the Hotwalls Beach. Backed by the high fortifications, this secluded spot is a favourite for locals who often sit and watch the world go by with their backs resting against the walls. From this vantage point you can watch ships sailing out to France, enjoy views out to the Isle of Wight, and see people on the small pier trying to catch their fish supper.

Eastney Beach

Head east from South Parade Pier and you'll find the Yomper Statue, around which point Southsea Beach turns into Eastney Beach. Whilst still a favourite space to spread out during the popular summer months (where Southsea gets full very quickly), this is where it starts to get a little more rugged. Scattered across the shingle you'll find gorse and scrub - a great place for playing hide and seek with the little ones! It's also dog-friendly all year round, so is often where you'll see doggy paddle of the more traditional variety! Continue further on to the area around Fraser Range and you'll discover more history. Be careful, though, as you may also discover more than you bargained for - as a small section around Fraser Range is popular with nudists. Though, of course, this is much more of a concern in summer than the cold winter months...

Lock Lake and Milton

Though not strictly beaches, there is a shingle foreshore to explore around Lock Lake and Milton Common too. What's more, these areas are thriving wildlife habitats, where you can spot migratory birds, waders, rare fauna and plenty of creepy crawlies! Pop on the wellies and take the little ones to Lock Lake for an afternoon of exploring the rock pools and shallows.