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Living in Southsea
Southsea is known as the seaside resort linked with Portsmouth in Hampshire and has lots to offer from fantastic restaurants and shops to important historic events and the naval base. The Southsea castle was built in 1544 and served as one of the last line of defences when trying to block any unwanted vessels trying to gain entrance into the heavily protected harbour in Portsmouth. Originally financed by money received as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, story has it that this is where King Henry VIII stood and watched as the pride of the British naval fleet, The Mary Rose, sank only a short distance out to sea. Southseas maritime history goes back even further with the Round Tower which was built between 1418 and 1426 under the guidance of King Henry V, which was there to stop any unwanted visitors forcing their way into Portsmouths harbour. Now, both of these historic buildings are owned by Portsmouth Council and are available to visit. The historic Portsmouth Dockyard is always worth a visit as it is the home to HMS Warrior (the 1st iron hulled warship) and the infamous HMS Victory (The flagship of Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar), but no visit to this port can be complete without a glimpse of the famous Marie Rose. A new museum is currently being built in order to showcase all of the artefacts that have been collected from the seabed where the Marie Rose sat for so many years until her recovery in January 1982. Charles Dickens is known as Portsmouths favourite son and his birthplace and first home has now been turned into a museum. The property located at 393 Old Commercial Road features much of the original furniture that been owned by the Dickens family and offers you a glimpse of the life of young Dickens in the 19th Century. As well as many of the museums that Southsea has to offer, one of its largest pulls is its fantastic seafront and South Parade Pier. The Pier is a pleasure pier offering typical seaside attractions including souvenir shops, ice creams, indoor amusements and a small children's funfair.
Ever since January 2001, Gunwharf Quays has been seen as one of the premiere shopping environments along the south coast and features no less than 95 designer outlets, 30 restaurants and bars, 14 cinema screens and a 26 lane bowling alley. If walking around the shops all day seems like too much hard work, then Wedgewood Rooms may be the place to find for some evening entertainment. Internationally recognised musicians and comedians can often be found treading the stage in front of over 450 people. Theatre is something that been in Southsea and Portsmouth for a number of years with the Edwardian Kings theatre first opening its curtains in 1907 and is still going strong with everything from touring West-End shows to celebrity staring Christmas Pantomimes. Being by the sea is something that so many people long for and in Southsea there is a perfect common area to appreciate it in all of its glory. The Southsea common is not only a place to sit and relax but often holds events during the summer months such as the Southsea Kite Festival, Heavy Horse Show and the ever popular Forces Day.
Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth Harbour has a large array of different well-known chain restaurants such as Zizzis, Frankie & Bennys and the newly opened Jamies Italian. Many of these can be very busy on the weekends and most evenings so if you would prefer something that is a little different than Palmerston and Albert Road is the place to head for. Along these two streets you will find many more independently owned eateries from all over the world offering everything from freshly caught seafood to spicy Caribbean delights. Every year this part of town also plays host to the International Food Market and festival which is a true celebration of everything culinary.
There are many options when it comes to finding the perfect school in the Portsmouth and Southsea area whether you are looking for a privately funded establishments or a state funded school. Portsmouth Grammar school, Mayville and St Johns College all offer education from 4 years old and upwards and there is a selection of over 60 state schools that offer both primary and secondary education. Since 1992 Portsmouth has also had its own university which is split into different campus? that can be found dotted around the city.
Recently, the Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth has been given a £20 million investment which has been put to good use building a 50m swimming pool which has been included as one of London 2012 pre-Olympic training camps. As well as this fantastic aqua arena the leisure centre has a state of the art gym, athletics track, outdoor velodrome and a selection of squash courts. However, if you would prefer a leisure complex that is a little nearer to home then Southsea has its very own Pyramids Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre based on the seafront. Portsmouth is also home to the Priory Tennis Centre which offers 3 indoor courts for all weather playing as well as a teaching area and a café. But, if you prefer to be involved with sports by shouting from the side-lines, then Fratton Park is the place to head for so you can go and watch the Championship side Portsmouth FC play football.
The centre of Southsea is always busy with people hurrying around from shop to shop where a large selection of typical high streets branches can be found such as Debenhams and John Lewis, but if you are someone who prefers the finer things in life then Gunwharf Quays should be your destination to see if you can find a bargain. Gunwharf is the home to brands such as Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Jack Wills, Levis & M&S, all offering discounted goods under a roofed shopping environment. Albert and Fawcett Roads can be found a little further out from the main city centre and offer a larger selection of boutique and independent stores, especially if you are looking for home ware and furniture.
Transport within Southsea and Portsmouth is very good with several different train stations and bus stops to choose from whether you?re traveling within the area or journeying in and out from further afield. The bus network stretches the whole way across the Southsea and Portsmouth with busses running 7 days a week, but if you would rather travel around by train then you have the choice of three different stations to choose between. Portsmouth & Southsea can be found within the town centre, Portsmouth Harbour to the west and Fratton which can be found to the east. Portsmouth and Southsea also act as one of the main places to board a boat when wanting to cross the Solent and visit the Isle of Wight. There are several ferries that depart from Portsmouth harbour but there is also the foot passenger ferry that can be taken from Gosport as well as the hovercraft which departs from Southsea. Portsmouth also has an international ferry port where you can catch a boat to France or even much further afield to a Caribbean island.
With an island that has such an eclectic history, comes design and purpose that stands the test of time. Old Portsmouth boasts one of the oldest listed buildings along the south coast with a structure dating back to 1704, whereas many of the ultra-contemporary buildings that can be found elsewhere in Old Portsmouth, such as the development within Gunwharf, are seen as some of the most exclusive address? in the south. Admiralty Quarter is also seen as a prestigious central development with many of the buildings offering sea views, but among these fantastic seafront locations, Southsea has many other property treats to offer. Lined along the Seafront of Southsea are many large Victorian and Edwardian homes that are placed in-front of the large common parklands. These grand homes present with traditional high ceilings and large bay windows. Behind these vast homes are the intertwining street that connect Portsmouth, Southsea, Eastney and Milton, all lined with traditional terraces houses. Many Landlords who live within the area have seen the growing student population within Portsmouth and Southsea and have turned many of these properties into sprawling 6+ bedroom homes suitable for large groups of students.
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