Portsmouth: A coast for all

Visit Portsmouth has joined with England's Coast for its latest campaign - A Coast For All. The aim is to promote and celebrate the nature, culture and heritage all around our coastline, and spread the message that England’s coast is for everyone.

Of course, right here in Portsmouth the coast plays a huge role in the way people live, work and holiday. Being an island city, the coast is inextricably linked to Portsmouth's culture and identity. You'll find many top attractions right along the water's edge, as well as some of the city's top events.

Plus, most visitors tell us that it's not a trip to Portsmouth without going to see the sea at some point! From its accessible promenade to a packed itinerary of seaside things to see and do, Portsmouth really does have a coast for all.

   

Portsmouth is as far removed as it's possible to get from those seaside destinations that seem to shut down altogether in winter. Instead, there's a year-round programme of events to enjoy, not to mention the many great attractions, museums and shopping centres open throughout the year.

There's much to enjoy at the height of summer, of course, with big events like Victorious Festival, Live at the Bandstand and Portsmouth International Kite Festival - among others. Plus it's the best chance (although no guarantees, of course!) to get the best of the British weather.

However, the shoulder seasons offer much for those wanting to experience the city's top attractions without so many crowds or queues. Whether it's taking a harbour tour, hitting up the shops at Gunwharf Quays, or admiring the view from Spinnaker Tower, those weeks and months either side of the main summer season offer the chance to take things at a more leisurely pace.

When winter comes, it's time to explore all of Portsmouth's more seasonal offerings, be that the We Shine light festival, Christmas events and activities, or events on such as BookFest in February.

   

Adventure-seekers won't have far to look for things to get the blood pumping in Portsmouth.

Naturally, we're starting on the water, with a whole host of sporting activities available for anyone itching to get off dry land. There's a dedicated wake park with cable line and features that is much loved by beginners and experts alike. Or how about booking an activity at ASC Portsmouth - with options including sailing, kayaking, wingsurfing, paddle boarding and more.

If you'd prefer to do your own thing, why not join the great many others hitting the Solent under their own steam - be that to paddleboard, row, kayak or bodyboard.

If you're more of a land lubber, you can still get plenty of fresh sea air whilst keeping your feet dry. There's a three-mile stretch of promenade running from Eastney to Old Portsmouth that has long been a favourite for walking, running and cycling. The adjoining Southsea Common is also a popular haunt, whether it's an impromptu kickabout or to use the dedicated tennis, beach volleyball and skateboarding facilities.

To really get the adrenaline going, how about an abseil down the Spinnaker Tower? Running on weekends during the summer season, the abseil gives unrivalled views across Portsmouth and the Solent for those brave enough to take it on.

   

Why just be a passive observer when you can instead get involved in experiences and make memories to last a lifetime? That's exactly what you can do in Portsmouth, with plenty of things to get hands-on with along the coast.

First off, take a trip to the Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth. The arches that were built into a historic fortification are today a suite of artists' studios for some of the region's most talented up-and-comers. The studio tenants work across a number of disciplines, with the current crop including painters, potters, textile artists, jewellers, ceramicists and even a taxidermist! As well as showcasing their works, the artists also host regular open days and workshops, so if you've ever fancied trying your hand at a new creative endeavour then this could well be the opportunity for you.

Alternatively, how about sipping some champagne or sampling the best local produce inside a castle built by and for Henry VIII? Southsea Castle may have originally been to protect Portsmouth against a French invasion, but it's now a popular tourist attraction - not least because of The Courtyard restaurant on site, serving fresh local produce all year round. Plus, in the summer months you can toast the weekend on the ramparts at the Southsea Castle Champagne Bar.

   

When we say Portsmouth has a packed programme of events, we really mean it. There's the hugely popular Victorious Festival, which brings some of the biggest bands and artists (as well as top comedians and family entertainment) to Southsea Common every August Bank Holiday. Or how about the Portsmouth Kite Festival or Live at the Bandstand, each offering free entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

There's also Southsea Food Festival, where suppliers and chefs line Palmerston Road to feed the huge swathes of people who attend every year. Plus don't forget the aforementioned We Shine Portsmouth event, bringing a jolt of light into the dark November evenings.

As well as these one-off events there's plenty going on longer term, such as the fascinating installations at Portsmouth's many museums and art galleries. From young, contemporary artist showcases at Aspex, to the visiting exhibitions at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, there's lots to explore.

If you're instead just looking for a day out, Portsmouth is the place to go. Where else can you go on board centuries-old ships that changed the course of history, before heading to an outlet shopping centre offering big-name bargains, then grab a bite to eat from a traditional pub, all within just a few minutes' walk of one another and all right on the water's edge?

Portsmouth really does have a coast for all.