Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Eastney

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Solent Way Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

Like its neighbour at Southsea, this is a shingle beach, stretching over two miles between Southsea Castle and Fort Cumberland.  There is accessible parking along Eastney Esplanade and a cafe that overlooks the beach at the eastern end.  This is also an important wildlife site, with over a hundred saltwater-tolerant plant species.  Eastney’s proximity to Portsmouth attracts local beachgoers, with water sports, swimming in the clean bathing water and windsurfing all popular here.  Those interested in military history can enjoy the Royal Marines museum along the esplanade.

What the beach means to Elaine and Colin.

The shingle beach at Eastney.

Southsea

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Solent Way Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

Stretching from Southsea Castle along to Lumps Fort and beyond to Eastney, this is a long shingle beach, with sand exposed at low tide.  Clarence Pier is a wonderful attraction and this is definitely a family-friendly beach.  There’s also the Blue Reef Aquarium to visit, along with The Pyramid Centre,  a glass-faced leisure centre with a spa and other leisure pursuits.  For convenience an accessible promenade runs behind the beach and the town is welcoming and friendly, with nearby Portsmouth also available to visitors.

What the beach means to Martha…

…and to Stu, from a maritime perspective.

Summer at Southsea beach.

Old Portsmouth

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available SSSI Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

Located at the eastern entrance to Portsmouth harbour, this beach is steeped in maritime history, sitting in the shelter of the old town and its fortifications.  The beach is shingle and can catch the wash from passing large ships, a trade-off for the wonderful views of boats coming and going.  This is a good spot for fishing or swimming, with clean bathing water.  The old town behind the beach is fully gentrified and geared up for the visitor, particularly those interested in maritime history.  Highly recommended.

What the beach means to Dave…

…and to Sam, on her lunch break.

Summer by Old Portsmouth beach.