Living in Portsmouth

Proud of its maritime roots, Portsmouth offers a distinct sense of community shaped by shared history and modern vibrancy. Throughout the year, the city hosts a calendar of popular events, from the Portsmouth International Kite Festival on Southsea Common to Victorious Festival, one of the UK’s most renowned seaside music festivals.

Residents regularly enjoy the expansive green spaces of Southsea Common, the historic walks around Old Portsmouth, and waterfront strolls along the promenade. Community centres and churches across the city offer an array of clubs and activities for all ages, while weekly produce and craft markets bring locals together, particularly around Palmerston Road and at the Royal Garrison Church site. With its strong local identity and range of cultural, social, and sporting activities, Portsmouth fosters an inclusive, active community life.

The perception of safety in Portsmouth varies across its different neighbourhoods, with certain districts noted for their community vigilance and others more urban in feel. The city, like many urban areas, experiences some crime, predominantly in the city centre and nightlife districts, but has active policing and several community partnerships aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour.

Regeneration initiatives in parts of Somerstown and Landport have led to improved safety and renewed local investment. Areas such as Drayton, Cosham, and Milton are often viewed as more peaceful and family-friendly with lower reported crime rates. Neighbourhood policing, community watch schemes, and collaboration between local authorities and residents’ groups help reinforce a sense of security throughout Portsmouth.

Parking in Portsmouth can sometimes be challenging due to its compact island layout and high vehicle density, particularly in popular districts such as Southsea and the city centre. Many residential streets operate zone-based resident parking permit schemes to manage demand, while there are several public car parks for visitors including multi-storeys close to major attractions and shopping streets.

Road access is dominated by the M275, which directly connects to the M27 and A27, streamlining car journeys towards Havant and Chichester to the east, and Southampton and Fareham to the west. The A3(M) begins nearby, offering a direct arterial route north towards Petersfield and Guildford.

Nearby towns and cities by main roads:

• Southampton – approx. 30 minutes via M27 (20 miles)
• Chichester – approx. 25 minutes via A27 (15 miles)
• Havant – approx. 15 minutes via A27 (6 miles)
• Winchester – approx. 45 minutes via A3(M)/M27 (30 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 1 hour via A3(M) (48 miles)

Portsmouth boasts a lively food and drink scene reflecting its cosmopolitan identity. In Southsea, locals can explore an array of independent coffee shops, bakeries, and bistros alongside celebrated restaurants offering seafood, Italian, Asian, and vegan-friendly menus. The city centre is known for a mix of popular chains and unique eateries, while Gunwharf Quays, the waterfront shopping and leisure hub, is home to a variety of restaurants overlooking the marina.

Portsmouth's traditional pubs range from centuries-old establishments such as The Still & West in Old Portsmouth to modern craft ale houses and seafront bars in Southsea. As for nightlife, the city offers a vibrant array of cocktail lounges, bars, and live music venues, including The Wedgewood Rooms, which hosts live bands and comedy. While Portsmouth does offer some nightclubs and late-night entertainment, it is more widely recognised for its relaxed social venues, live music, and theatre performances at venues like the New Theatre Royal and Kings Theatre.

School quality: Portsmouth has a number of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, both state and independent, making it a practical choice for families prioritising education. Springfield School and Portsmouth Grammar School are amongst the most sought-after.

Parks and green space: Southsea Common, Milton Park, and Canoe Lake offer plenty of opportunities for play and picnics, with safe, open areas and excellent playgrounds spread throughout the city.

Childcare: There is a healthy selection of nurseries, preschools, and afterschool activities available citywide, supporting busy working parents and new families alike.

Safety: While Portsmouth has typical city centre nightlife and some urban challenges, many neighbourhoods are notably family-orientated and benefit from active neighbourhood watch schemes. Overall, families tend to cite a positive experience in the city.

Family activities: The Historic Dockyard, Blue Reef Aquarium, Playzone, and local bowling and cinema centres offer a wide mix of year-round family entertainment and educational outings.

Pet owners in Portsmouth benefit from the city’s abundance of parks, open spaces, and easy access to coastal paths. Southsea Common is a favourite destination for dog walkers, while Milton Common and Eastney Beach provide further open areas for exercise. The adjacent countryside and the South Downs National Park are a short drive away, making rural escapes simple for both pets and owners.

The city is well served by local vets, with multiple veterinary practices across residential districts, and several pet shops provide a wide range of supplies. Many pubs and cafes, particularly in Southsea, are dog-friendly, and landlords often advertise pet-friendly rentals, although availability can vary from area to area. Generally, Portsmouth is considered open and accommodating for pet lovers thanks to its active outdoor lifestyle.

Portsmouth benefits from excellent transport connections, making it highly accessible for commuters, visitors, and residents without a car.

Portsmouth & Southsea station and Portsmouth Harbour station are the primary rail hubs, offering regular train services to cities such as London (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to London Waterloo) and direct connections to Southampton, Brighton, and Cardiff. The city is also well served by an efficient bus network, with routes covering every district as well as fast services to Fareham, Gosport, and surrounding Hampshire towns. For those travelling by car, the M275 provides a direct link to the M27, the main motorway along the south coast.

Ferries depart regularly from Portsmouth International Port to the Isle of Wight, France, and Spain, underlining the city’s status as an important gateway. Southampton Airport can be reached in around half an hour by road or rail, offering a choice of domestic and European destinations.

Key Commute Times:

• London – Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by train to Waterloo
• Southampton – Around 30 minutes by train or car via the M27
• Brighton – 1 hour 20 minutes by train
• Isle of Wight – 20 minutes by ferry

Education options in Portsmouth are extensive, catering to growing families and students alike.

Primary Schools in Portsmouth: Key primary schools include St Jude’s Church of England Primary School, which has consistently received high Ofsted ratings (Outstanding, 2014) and boasts strong community involvement. Mayville High School is an independent, non-selective primary choice offering small class sizes and traditional values. Wimborne Primary School and St Swithun's Catholic Primary School are also well regarded by local parents for their friendly learning environments.

Secondary Schools in Portsmouth: Portsmouth Grammar School, established in 1732, is one of the most notable independent schools in the region, while Admiral Lord Nelson School (Ofsted Good, 2019) is popular for its focus on achievement and wellbeing. Springfield School (Ofsted Good, 2019) in Drayton is often chosen for its broad curriculum and extracurricular provision. Priory School Southsea serves the Southsea area with a focus on inclusive education.

Colleges and Sixth Forms: Portsmouth College offers a wide selection of A-levels and vocational courses and merges modern facilities with a supportive environment. Highbury College is another major further education provider, known for its technical and vocational training across catering, engineering, and construction.

Universities in Portsmouth: The University of Portsmouth stands out both regionally and nationally for its research strengths and student satisfaction scores. Its extensive campus facilities, central location, and reputation in the undergraduate and postgraduate sectors draw students from across the UK and the world, adding to the city’s youthful energy.