Portchester Castle
Children will enjoy three play areas, a shoreline with good crabbing and a castle with a large area that is free to explore.
The Basics
Time: 50 minutes each way
Distance: 3km each way
Terrain: Paved promenade, shoreline, narrow coastal paths all flat
Pushchair: No
Dogs: Yes, under close control
Refreshments: There are a few options, depending on if you want refreshments at the beginning, middle or end of your walk. The Seahorse Coffee Bar is in the castle grounds as well as tea-rooms at St. Mary’s Church. You could also bring a picnic and enjoy it on the lawn beside the castle. If you want a midway treat, then The Salt Cafe at Wicor Marina is in a lovely location overlooking the water.
Toilets: Adjacent to the main car park
Parking: Parking at the castle is Pay and Display (Postcode: PO16 9QW - W3W: prop/poet/flood) or you can find spaces on the roads around Portchester
This is a linear walk starting from one of Hampshire’s most famous historical landmarks, Portchester Castle, which is well worth taking the time to explore before starting the walk. As the path then follows the coastline of Portsmouth Harbour, you will find no less than three play areas and three refreshment opportunities.
The Route
From the main castle entrance, head through the portcullis and into the castle grounds. You need to pay to enter the castle keep (English Heritage) but much of the grounds are free to wander.
To begin the walk, head towards the gateway on the opposite side of the castle walls. Here you will find the shoreline on the other side (this is a good place for crabbing).
Turn right when exiting the castle and follow the coastal path with the sea on your left and the castle on your right. There is a shingle beach area here where children can play. Continue along the path with the water to your left and leave the castle wall behind. The path narrows at points, so watch little ones with the water to your left if the tide is in! Notices direct you on an alternative route at times of particularly high tides.
The path will soon open out to a grassy area and you will find a play area with coastal views to Portsmouth and The Spinaker Tower.
Continue along the coastal path with the water to your left and eventually you will come to another play area with a similar view.
Again, keep to the coastal path until you reach the boats of Wicor Marina. Here you will find The Salt Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and where you can get takeaway drinks or dine in for more substantial fare. From this point, we recommend retracing your steps back to Portchester.
The third play area can be found across the large grassy area to the north of the castle and adjacent to the main car park. It has a wooden mini replica of the castle to play on.
We suggest viewing the interactive map below as a ‘Trails Map’ to ensure all the paths are visible:
Did you know?
The commanding site has been a Roman fort, a medieval fortress, a baronial castle, a king’s hunting lodge, occupied by the French, the inspiration for one of Shakespeare’s plays and even a prison. Today it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.