Portsmouth 100 Sparks:
The Places We Call Home
Welcome to the ultimate map of Portsmouth’s identity. The 100 Sparks journey is framed by a spectacular family-friendly trail across our island city, connecting people, play, and community pride through the pages of our city-wide colouring book.
This trail explores the very fabric of Portsmouth, journeying between two of our most powerful viewpoints. We begin at Portsdown Hill, where families can look out over the entire coast, city, and historic harbour. From there, the adventure travels straight through the northern gateways, weaves into our unique island neighbourhoods, embraces our civic and cultural heart, and traces our iconic waterfront. The journey beautifully concludes at the top of the Spinnaker Tower, looking back across the entire story we’ve shared.
Below are the key milestones, vibrant high streets, green corridors, and historic corners that make up our incredible city trail. Dive in, explore the route, and discover the spaces that spark joy across Portsmouth!
This trail explores the very fabric of Portsmouth, journeying between two of our most powerful viewpoints. We begin at Portsdown Hill, where families can look out over the entire coast, city, and historic harbour. From there, the adventure travels straight through the northern gateways, weaves into our unique island neighbourhoods, embraces our civic and cultural heart, and traces our iconic waterfront. The journey beautifully concludes at the top of the Spinnaker Tower, looking back across the entire story we’ve shared.
Below are the key milestones, vibrant high streets, green corridors, and historic corners that make up our incredible city trail. Dive in, explore the route, and discover the spaces that spark joy across Portsmouth!
- Portsdown Hill Viewpoint – The ultimate panoramic view looking down across the entire island city, the Solent, and over to the Isle of Wight.
- Mick's Monster Burgers – An iconic Portsmouth institution for late-night food with a view.
- The Churchillian – A classic hill-top pub loved for its beer garden overlooking the city.
- QA Hospital – The historic Queen Alexandra Hospital, a sprawling landmark anchoring the hillside community as the medical heart of the city.
- Peter Ashley Activity Centre – An amazing community hub offering outdoor activities and history.
- The Boardwalk at Port Solent – A vibrant marina-side strip of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- The Odeon Cinema – A beloved spot for local film-goers.
- The Sir Alec Rose Pub – Named after the famous local sailor, a great marina watering hole.
- Port Solent Marina – Spotting the luxury yachts and enjoying the calm waterside strolls.
- Paulsgrove Community Centre – A bustling, supportive heart of the local neighbourhood.
- Paulsgrove Adventure Playground – A fantastic, free, staff-led community space packed with massive outdoor play structures, splash areas, and creative activities for local kids.
- Cosham High Street – A lively local shopping hub with a brilliant independent market feel.
- Community Kettle – A warm, welcoming community space bringing people together over a hot drink.
- The Railway Inn – A classic, friendly local pub right by the transport links.
- King George V Playing Fields – Home to countless local weekend football matches and family picnics.
- Cosham Park – A beloved local park in Cosham perfect for dog walkers and families.
- The Red Lion (Cosham) – A historic coaching inn that remains a firm community favourite.
- Drayton Park – A beautifully quiet neighbourhood green space.
- Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve – A stunning coastal wildlife haven loved by birdwatchers and walkers.
- Hilsea Lines – A historic ring of defensive ramparts, now an incredible nature walk and woodland trail.
- Hilsea Lido – A historic open-air pool lovingly fought for and maintained by the community.
- Casemates Studios – A brilliant local creative and musical hub embedded in the historic ramparts.
- The Coach & Horses – A prominent, historic Hilsea pub that has welcomed travellers for generations.
- The Mountbatten Centre – Portsmouth’s premier leisure centre, sports track, and Olympic-sized swimming pool.
- Alexandra Park – A sprawling park hosting sports fields and the local velodrome.
- Tipner Lake Coastal Walk – A peaceful path offering a great view of the bridge entry to the island.
- Stamshaw Park – A great neighbourhood park with excellent play facilities for children.
- Stamshaw Adventure Playground – A free, staff-led playground that generations of local kids have adored.
- Baffins Pond – A beautiful local nature oasis complete with ducks, swans, and a loop walk.
- The Tangier Public House – A legendary local estate pub with massive community spirit.
- Jon Jenkins Stadium (PITC) – The active sports hub supporting Portsmouth in the Community initiatives.
- The Star and Garter – A cosy, welcoming pub in the heart of Copnor.
- The Bridge Centre – A bustling community space in Fratton.
- Fratton Park – The historic, electric home of Portsmouth FC (Play up Pompey!).
- The Kingston Cemetery – A surprisingly beautiful, historic, tree-lined space for peaceful walks.
- Fratton Community Centre – An invaluable hub hosting local clubs, food larders, and family events.
- The New Theatre Royal Creative Lab – Based near the community borders, supporting local artists.
- London Road High Street – North End’s bustling main artery, full of multicultural food spots and independent shops.
- The Fountain Inn – An ornate Victorian building and Grade II listed property built in 1895 by architect A.E. Cogswell, renowned for its architectural heritage and lively local atmosphere.
- St Mary’s Church – The spectacular "Cathedral of the modern city" in Fratton with stunning architecture.
- Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum – The actual tiny terraced house where the legendary author was born.
- Landport Adventure Playground – A brilliantly designed hidden green space for inner-city kids.
- The Clock Cafe URC – A wonderful inclusive community spot offering space and warmth.
- Portsmouth Guildhall – The grand architectural masterpiece of the civic centre, hosting major concerts and graduations.
- The New Theatre Royal – A breathtaking, historic Victorian stage still showcasing top-tier drama and comedy.
- Victoria Park – A pristine, walled green sanctuary in the city centre featuring a beautiful aviary, tranquil sensory gardens, and historic monuments.
- The Queen Victoria Statue – The iconic meeting point in the centre of the square.
- The Isambard Kingdom Brunel Pub – A massively popular Wetherspoons named after Portsmouth’s most famous engineer.
- The Portsmouth Central Library – A towering resource of local history and community learning.
- The Guildhall Village – A lively, student-friendly pub with great food and outdoor seating.
- Portsmouth Cathedral – The "Cathedral of the Sea," a gorgeous mix of medieval and modern architecture.
- The Hotwalls Studios – Creative artist studios built directly inside converted Victorian beachfront barracks.
- The Round Tower – A 15th-century fort offering brilliant roof-top views of ships entering the harbour.
- The Square Tower – Built in 1494, a dramatic historic venue hosting weddings and markets.
- The Camber Dock – A bustling working harbour where you can watch fresh fish being landed by local boats.
- The Spice Island Inn – A historic pub sitting right on the water's edge, perfect for ship-watching.
- The Still & West – Another iconic waterfront pub famed for its front-row seats to the harbour entrance.
- The Garrison Church – A beautiful, roofless church ruined in the Blitz, now a peaceful memorial site.
- The Sally Port – The historic beach gateway where famous sailors like Nelson left English shores.
- Southsea Common – A massive, beautiful open coastal grassland used for festivals, kite flying, and sunbathing.
- Canoe Lake – A picturesque park featuring swan pedalos, a model crabbing bridge, and a large playground.
- Southsea Green – A brilliant community garden project focused on sustainability and local growing.
- The D-Day Story Museum – The UK's only museum dedicated solely to the D-Day landings, featuring the massive LCT 7074 landing craft.
- Southsea Castle – Built by Henry VIII; a historic fort that now features a micro-brewery and fantastic courtyard.
- The Bandstand – Famous for its free live music sets on sunny summer weekend afternoons.
- Albert Road – A legendary independent street packed with quirky vintage shops, record stores, and global cuisines.
- The Kings Theatre – A magnificent Edwardian playhouse in Albert Road with an unaltered auditorium.
- The Lawrence Arms – A fantastically rated craft beer and community pub located in Southsea.
- Palmerston Road Precinct – The heart of Southsea shopping, famous for its regular dynamic Hampshire Farmers' Markets.
- The Tenth Hole – A legendary golf course café world-famous for its massive, decadent slices of cake.
- Southsea Model Village – A charming, scaled-down miniature world loved by young families since the 1950s.
- The Rock Gardens – A beautifully secluded, sheltered walkway filled with unique coastal plants and water features.
- The Pyramids Centre (Explorers Land) – A fantastic indoor soft play and gym facility overlooking the sea.
- Bransbury Park – A massive community park featuring a miniature steam railway, skatepark, and sports pitches.
- Eastney Beam Engine House – A beautifully restored Victorian sewage pumping station showing off classic engineering.
- Fort Cumberland – A pristine, star-shaped 18th-century fort tucked away on the eastern tip of the island.
- The Hayling Ferry – The little wooden ferry connecting Portsmouth to Hayling Island across the fast-moving water.
- Eastney Beach – A quieter, wilder shingle beach known for its beautiful coastal flora and peaceful walks.
- Milton Locks – A stunning nature reserve where the old canal locks meet the Langstone Harbour.
- The Thatched House – A picturesque, traditional pub sitting right on the edge of the Milton mudflats.
- The Eastney Tavern – A warm, family-friendly pub beloved for its Sunday roasts.
- Milton Park – A gorgeous, traditional park complete with a bowls green, tennis courts, and a library.
- Spark Community Space – A crucial, deeply loved charity hub dedicated to combating social isolation, now located in the Milton area.
- Southsea Pier (South Parade Pier) – An iconic Victorian pleasure pier featuring arcades, fishing spots, and dynamic views.
- The Hovertravel Terminal – Watch the world’s only commercial passenger hovercraft blast off to the Isle of Wight.
- The Ladies’ Mile – The beautiful, flat pathway cutting across the common, ideal for a breezy evening stroll.
- The Blue Reef Aquarium – An interactive, sea-front aquarium showcasing local marine life and tropical sharks.
- The Coffee Cup (Eastney/Southsea) – The ultimate pitstop for a hot drink directly on the promenade.
- The Mozzarella Joes – A beachfront bar and grill offering great food with unobstructed views of the Solent.
- The Royal Marines Statue – A proud, poignant monument honouring the city's rich military connection.
- Clarence Pier – A classic amusement park full of rides, arcades, and sweet seaside treats.
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Home to the world's most famous ships: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose.
- The Mary Rose Museum – A stunning museum purpose-built around the incredible hull of Henry VIII’s salvaged flagship.
- The Ship Anson – A classic historic naval pub sitting right outside the main Dockyard gates.
- Gunwharf Quays – A premium waterfront outlet shopping district built on a historic naval ordnance site.
- Aspex Portsmouth – A fantastic, innovative contemporary art gallery hidden in Gunwharf’s historic Vulcan Building.
- The Gatehouse (The Groundlings Theatre) – A gorgeous, atmospheric Georgian classroom turned heritage theatre located in Portsea.
- The John Pounds Centre – A modern, incredibly active community health, wellbeing, and legacy hub anchoring the heart of Portsea.
- The Hard Interchange – The bustling historic transport hub linking trains, buses, and harbour ferries.
- The Spinnaker Tower – The iconic 170-metre sail-shaped landmark defining the city’s skyline, offering views for miles at the trail's grand finale.
Building This Together
Portsmouth 100 Sparks is a partnership between Seekers Create, Shaping Portsmouth, and Spark Community Space. This project offers businesses a unique opportunity to deliver real social value and connect directly with thousands of local families.
Our Sponsors
Flagship Sponsor: Hampshire Flag Company
Gold Sponsor: Spinnaker Tower
Bronze Sponsors: Citrus FM, Delivered Social, Comserv, Gunwharf Quays
Our thanks to Bishops Printers for their support.
Our Collective Mission
We are a city-wide partnership between Seekers Create, Spark Community Space, and Shaping Portsmouth, united by a single goal: to ignite community pride across our island city. By blending creativity, business leadership, and community support, we seek out the hidden "sparks" in our neighbourhoods, spark meaningful connections between people and places, and shape a future where every Portsmouth resident feels valued, inspired, and empowered to play their part in our city’s story.
Seek, Spark, Shape Our City.
#Portsmouth100 #100Sparks #PompeyGames
