Southsea Castle Hampshire – One of the most famous landmarks in the Hampshire coastal town of Southsea, Southsea Castle was built at the behest of Henry VIII in 1544. One of what are known as the Device Forts, Southsea Castle was constructed to defend Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent from attack by sea. Funded from money raised by dissolving the monasteries this castle in Southsea is still largely intact today and is a key tourist attraction for visitors to the town. It was badly damaged by fire in 1625 and again in 1640 but was restored to its former glory. The castle came under the control of Portsmouth council in the 1960’s and it was made into a museum for all to enjoy. On a trip to Southsea be sure to visit Southsea Castle.
2011/11/28
2011/04/01
Hampshire Towns Southsea
A popular little Hampshire seaside town, which is now joined to its big neighbour Portsmouth, Southsea originally grew as a town around a fort built by King Henry VIII. As a settlement, not really of any consequence until the 19th century, the present town expanded as homes were built for the skilled workers of Portsmouth and nearby. As a boy I remember catching the hovercraft from Southsea to the Isle of Wight, and you can still do this today. The beach is a popular place to spend a few hours when the weather is fine, otherwise the main attraction in Southsea is the old castle, other places to visit include the Royal Marine Museum, and the Blue Reef Aquarium. Southsea is surrounded by Portsmouth and is about a drive of 85 miles from central London, it can also be reached by train (South West Railways).
View a map of Southsea Hampshire here: Map of Southsea.
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2009/09/12
Fareham Hampshire
Lying between the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, the town of Fareham in Hampshire has for many years been renowned for the production of bricks, tiles and chimney pots, which were made using the clay soil of the area. Located on the north-western tip of Portsmouth harbour Fareham also has a long maritime tradition with strong ties with the Royal Navy. Probably settled by the Romans during their occupation of Britain, it was known as Ferneham during the Norman era. Fareham underwent much development during the 1960’s and was popular for those wishing to escape the urban sprawls of Southampton and Portsmouth. Fareham Map.
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Hayling Island
Often known as the birthplace of windsurfing, Hayling Island is also a renowned holiday location within the county of Hampshire, England, UK. A true island, it is reached from the mainland by way of a road bridge, it is situated in Langstone Harbour to the east of Portsmouth. Though originally Hayling Island had sandy beaches, most of the beaches are now comprised of shingle as the beaches were topped up by dredging the surrounding waters to prevent erosion. Attractions on Hayling Island include the Beachlands funfair and the East Hayling Light Railway, it is also the location of the popular Warners Lakeside holiday complex. Hayling Island Map.
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