56 of the best picnic spots across Portsmouth

Arundel Gardens – Near enough to the city centre in case you need to pop to the shops, but quiet enough to enjoy a peaceful picnic with the family. Arundel Gardens is a relatively small but well-maintained space, with plenty of trees for shade and an open grassy area for picnic spreads and a ball game or two. It’s right near our Landport Community Garden too if you fancy popping in to say hello to the chickens! Address: Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1HT

King’s Bastion, Pembroke Gardens and Governor’s Green – A grassy open space surrounded by historical significance and amazing sea views. Explore the Royal Garrison Church built in 1212, take a stroll around historic Long Curtain Moat, then back to the green for your picnic. Address: Pembroke Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2NJ

Kingston Park aka Kingston Rec – Large open space with free on-street parking, toilet facilities, an adventurous play area for children, a BMX track and ball court – there’s loads of reasons to have a picnic here! Address: St Mary’s Road, Fratton, Portsmouth PO1 5AX

Landport Adventure Playground – One of six free adventure playgrounds managed by Portsmouth City Council’s Play and Youth services, Landport Adventure Playground offers a unique and exciting play area for children aged 6-13. During the school holidays, it’s open to families with children aged 0-13 every Monday – Saturday, 10am-1pm, and exclusively for children aged 6-13 from 2 -5pm (supervised by on-site staff). We’d recommend bringing the family along during those midday hours and then setting up a picnic in the adjacent Arundel Street Gardens afterwards for some well-earned relaxation. Address: Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1PH

Portsea Venture Playground – One of six free adventure playgrounds managed by Portsmouth City Council’s Play and Youth services, Portsea Venture Playground offers a unique and exciting play area for children aged 6-13. During the school holidays, it’s open to families with children aged 0-13 every Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-1pm, and exclusively for children aged 6-13 from 2 -5pm (supervised by on-site staff). We’d recommend bringing the family along during those midday hours and then setting up a picnic in the nearby Victoria Park for some well-earned relaxation. Address: Aylward Street, Portsea, Portsmouth, PO1 3PB

Ravelin Park – It’s the four-acre park surrounding the University of Portsmouth’s new state of the art sports centre, and it’s still a bit of a hidden gem. It’s open to the public and offers picnic tables, benches and plenty of bins. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the seafront and Gunwharf Quays. Address: Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2SE

St. Mary’s Churchyard – If you ever walk through here, you know what a great spot this is on a sunny summer’s day. Open grassy areas with plenty of shade from beautiful, old trees, quiet enough to enjoy a peaceful family picnic but close enough to local shops and amenities – it’s a lovely all-rounder. Address: Fratton Road, Fratton, Portsmouth, PO1 5PA

Victoria Park – A traditional city centre park dating from 1878 and originally known as “The People’s Park”. The park has 15 acres of beautiful grassy areas, perfect for your picnic, and flower gardens, a children’s play area, interesting monuments, and a park cafe. Address: 3 Stanhope Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3HJ

Alexandra Park – Large grassy park with beautiful trees, a fenced, kids play area, and outdoor gym equipment. Free parking in the Mountbatten Leisure Centre car park, accessible public toilets in the centre, sports facilities and walking paths overlooking the Tipner shoreline – it’s the perfect all-rounder to host a family picnic this summer. Address: Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO2 9PH

Buckland Park and Buckland Adventure Playground – One of six free adventure playgrounds managed by Portsmouth City Council’s Play and Youth services, Buckland Adventure Playground offers a unique and exciting play area for children aged 6-13. During the school holidays, it’s open to families with children aged 0-13 every Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-1pm, and exclusively for children aged 6-13 from 2 -5.45pm (supervised by on-site staff). We’d recommend bringing the family along during those midday hours and then setting up a picnic in adjacent Buckland Park for some well-earned relaxation. Address: 43 Malins Road, Portsmouth, PO2 7BA

Gatcombe Gardens and John Wesley Gardens – A peaceful, wooded and well-maintained green oasis perfect for escaping the busy-ness of North End. It’s got free on-street parking and plenty of open space for a picnic and some ball games! Address: Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO2 0TQ

Hilsea Lines and Hilsea Lido  – Water ski-ing, walks for miles and a bmx pump track. This beautiful open space runs from Tipner in the west, all the way to Anchorage Park in the east via Foxes Forest. Such a great place to bring the family for a picnic and a walk. On the way you will be able to spot some street art from the city’s finest street artists and if the weather is warm the kids can cool down at Hilsea lido splashpool. Address: Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO2 9RP

Stamshaw Adventure Playground – One of six, free adventure playgrounds managed by Portsmouth City Council’s Play and Youth services. Stamshaw Adventure Playground offers a unique and exciting play area for children aged 6-13. It’s a safe and fun environment for kids aged 6-13 years to play in. There’s a large outdoor space with a huge pirate ship climbing structure, zip wire and a splashpool area for  the summer months when the sun is shining. Address: Western Terrace, Portsmouth, PO2 8JX

Stamshaw Park and coastal path – Large green space to walk and picnic. Children’s play zone plus kickabout area and skate park. When you’ve finished your picnic why not take a stroll along the coastal park via Tipner to Hilsea Lines. Address: Access via Knox Road, Portsmouth, PO2 8JW

Tipner Lake and coastal path – This shared use coastal path stretches from Alexandra Park to Hilsea Lido and has lots of places to enjoy a picnic, benches and places to sit and look out over the water to Portchester. Address: Tipner Lake, Portsmouth, PO2 8RD

Anchorage Park – Linear park through housing estate linking the eastern coastal path with Hilsea Lines. Large open space with football pitch, children’s play area and community centre. Address: Near Morrisons, Portsmouth, PO3 5UB

Baffins Pond and Tangiers Field – Baffins Pond is a Green Flag award winning park in Portsmouth and features a big natural lake that is home to ducks, swans and other wildfowl and plants. You can buy special grain to feed the ducks but please don’t share your sandwiches with them. You’ll also find a play area, sandpit and ball courts. Address 179 Tangier Road, Portsmouth, PO3 6PG

Cobden Park – Nice little green space to take a blanket and a picnic. Kids play area. Address: 3 Cobden Avenue, Portsmouth, PO3 6NA

College Park – Large open space with free on-street parking, public toilets, a children’s play area, and looked-after animals including rabbits, goats, guinea pigs and birds. There’s also a ball court, a bowling green, two green areas filled with various plants and flowers, and a coffee shop. Address: Kirby Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5EF

Farlington Marshes – You will need your backpacks for this one. There’s not anywhere to throw down the picnic blanket here but enjoy wildlife watching as you walk around this wonderful nature reserve. When you feel peckish, find a bench to sit, eat your sandwiches and enjoy the views over Langstone Harbour. Address: Enter via car park, Eastern Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5LY

Foxes Forest – Part of Hilsea Lines, the green corridor separating Portsea Island from the mainland. Enjoy a walk in the woods, find the forest school and explore former military defence bastions, one of which is now Casemates Studios with a nice café to pick up some coffee and cake. You’ll also find picnic tables and loads of places to run and play. Address: off Peronne Road & opposite Military Road, Portsmouth, PO3 9DZ

Great Salterns – Bring some sandwiches and a pair of binoculars as this large natural habitat with a lake is home to a variety of birds and, in the summer months, butterflies and moths, some of them rare. Address: Copnor, Portsmouth, PO3 6PL

Tamworth Park – Large area of open space, with trees, a wildlife pond and a children’s play area. Address: Tamworth Road, Portsmouth, PO3 6DL

Bransbury Park – A quieter area of the city but still within a stone’s throw from the seafront, Bransbury Park is a great family picnic spot. The area includes a flower garden, children’s play area, skate park, miniature railway and floodlit sports area for netball, tennis and 5-a-side football. Address: Bransbury Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, PO4 9SU

Canoe Lake – A very popular picnic spot, and for good reason. There’s lots of attractions including the boating lake, cafe, putting green, pitch and putt, bowling, grass tennis courts, St Helen’s field (cricket), and the model village. There’s a fun play area with splash pads for the kids, as well as Southsea Rose Garden and Southsea Beach nearby! Plus, you get to spend the day watching the famous Canoe Lake swans! Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9RG

Eastney Beach – Eastney beach is the south-eastern end of Portsea Island between St. George’s Road and Henderson Road. It’s home to a wide variety of marine plants which in turn provide valuable roosting and feeding sites for bird life. It’s a great place to relax with a picnic and gaze over the Solent to the Isle of Wight but please take your litter home. Address: Eastney Esplanade, Portsmouth, PO4 9ND

Milton Common – Large coastal open space, and area of natural beauty. A network of informal paths give good access around the area and to the Langstone Harbour Coastal Path which stretches from Milton Lock in the south, to Hilsea Lines and Farlington marshes in the north. Address: 184 Moorings Way, Portsmouth, PO4 8YN

Milton Park – Another of Portsmouth’s Green Flag award winning parks, with a number of facilities including floodlit tennis, netball, basketball and football courts, bowling greens, skate park and a large children’s play area. There’s also a community coffee shop. Address: Milton Road, Portsmouth, PO4 8PR

St. James Park – Is a large green space in the grounds of St James’ Hospital. The kids will enjoy a great play area and there’s even a special section where dogs can roam free, safely. Address: The Driveway, Portsmouth, PO4 8FG

White Cloud Gardens – A small, secluded, almost secret garden (but you didn’t hear it from us!). It’s near Albert Road shops, meaning you’re not far away from the hustle and bustle still, and it’s a great spot to bring along the family dog as well. Address: St Ann’s Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 9AT

Castle Field – Right next to Southsea Castle with it’s beautiful fountains and part of the Southsea Common area. This large green field is often used to host concerts and events Parking is available at the nearby D-Day Museum car park, the Pyramid Centre car park and along the seafront. Address: Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ST

Clarendon Road Green – Lovely little green space. Address: Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2LU

Somerstown Adventure Playground – One of six free adventure playgrounds managed by Portsmouth City Council’s Play and Youth services, Somerstown Adventure Playground offers a unique and exciting play area for children aged 6-13. Younger children are welcome too but must be accompanied by their parent or an adult 18yrs+. Address: Waterloo Street, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 4HS

Southsea Common – One of Portsmouth’s more popular areas, this three-mile stretch of waterfront green is perhaps the city’s most vibrant picnic hangout. It’s right next to the beach, offers plenty of room, and has heaps of things to do nearby in case you finish your picnic early (Southsea Castle, D-Day Story and Clarence Pier are fine examples). Address: Osborne Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3LR

Southsea Beach – This stretch of the beach runs from South Parade Pier to Clarence Pier. Lots to see and do here and much of it is free! Bring a picnic and spend the day. Great place to take a stroll along the promenade and watch the ships go by. Don’t forget to take your litter home. Address: Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 9RG

Southsea Rock Gardens – Beautiful, sheltered gardens close to the seafront with a wide variety of interesting plants, waterfalls and pools. A popular sun-trap with many places to sit and relax for a Summer picnic by the beach. Address: Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PG

West Battery Gardens (The Bandstand) – A grass amphitheatre formed by the West Battery fortifications of Southsea Castle. It’s a well-maintained space with lovely sea views, ideal for low-cost family picnics. You might also catch an event or some music at the Bandstand! See what’s on over the summer on our Low-Cost Activities page. Address: Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3NT

Wimbledon Park

A neighbourhood park with children’s play area, ball court and adjacent sports centre. Perfect for a family picnic, close to the seafront and Southsea shopping centre. Address: Wimbledon Park Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2PT

Cosham Park – Bowling greens, tennis courts, a play area and picnic benches. The park is right next to bus stops with connections from north and south of the city, so not far to carry your picnic basket if you’re coming by bus. Also, Cosham High Street is just 5 minutes away if you want the shops. Address: 19 Northern Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2TA

Credenhill Play Area – Open space with play area. Address: Credenhill Road, Portsmouth, PO6 4AW

Drayton Park – A perfect family picnic spot. It has a gorgeous green area to enjoy, with picnic tables and benches, a children’s play area and a couple of tennis and basketball courts if you fancy some family sports. Address: 74 Kinross Crescent, Drayton, Portsmouth PO6 2NS

East Lodge Park recreation ground – Open space with children’s play area and ball court. Address: East Lodge Park, Farlington, Portsmouth, PO6 1AD

Farlington Playing Field – Large area of open space with football pitches and cricket squares. Address: Farlington, Portsmouth, PO6 1UN

Gurnard Road Park – Kids play equipment, BMX track and kickabout area. Address: 23-30 Gurnard Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3HW

Hawthorn Crescent – Small park with children’s play area and space for a kickabout. Address: Hawthorn Crescent, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2TT

Hempsted Green – A green corridor surrounded by trees, leading up to the chalk pits and nature walks along Portsdown Hill. Perfect for picnics and ball games. Address: Hempsted Green, Lime Grove, Portsmouth, PO6 4BE

King George V Playing Field – Large area of open green space with football pitches and plenty of room to picnic and play. Address: Northern Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3TE

Paulsgrove Park – Playing field with football pitches, large play area, floodlit ball court and skate park. Address: Allaway Avenue, Portsmouth, PO6 4RJ

Paulsgrove Adventure Playground – If the kids need to use up some energy there is Paulsgrove Adventure Playground one of six free adventure playgrounds managed by Portsmouth City Council’s Play and Youth services. It offers a unique and exciting play area for children aged 6-13 years. During the school holidays, it’s open to families with children aged 0-13 every Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-1pm, and exclusively for children aged 6-13 from 2 -5pm (supervised by on-site staff). We’d recommend bringing the family along during those midday hours and then setting up a picnic in the nearby Watersedge Park for some well-earned relaxation. Address: Marsden Road, Portsmouth PO6 4JB

Portsdown Hill Viewpoint and nature reserve – Picnic tables and benches with spectacular views over Portsmouth and the Solent. There’s a viewpoint opposite the Churchillian pub with plenty of car parking space. There are other viewpoints along the hill top and a variety of walking trails to follow. Address: Portsdown Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3LZ

Port Solent – Large grassy area right next to Port Solent Marina with views across the harbour to Portchester Castle. Address: Southampton Road, Portsmouth, PO6 4UD

Sevenoaks Road Park – Multi-court, children’s play area, skate ramp next to playing fields. Address: Sevenoaks Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3JP

Tunstall Play Space – If you picnic here this summer, you’ll enjoy a large play area, grass kickabout and an exciting, contoured BMX track if your little ones are feeling sporty! Address: Tunstall Road, Portsmouth, PO6 3RW

Waterworks Field Playground – Large neighbourhood park in Drayton with a play area and ball court. Address: Grant Road, Farlington, Portsmouth, PO6 1DX

Watersedge Park – Playing field with football pitches, a large grass play area, floodlit ball court and skate park. Paulsgrove Community Centre and Adventure Playground are also right next door, making it a great spot for a family picnic if you’re in the area. Address: Farmlea Road, Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, PO6 4SQ

Zetland Field – Large open space in Farlington with a children’s play area, ball court, and plenty of grass to set up a picnic on. Address: Eastern Road, Farlington, Portsmouth, PO6 1LZ