Skip to main content
Trustpilot

PLACES TO VISIT WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE OF PORTSMOUTH

Enjoy our fun-packed guide of the three best places you should visit within driving distance of Portsmouth.

Introducing our fun-packed guide to some of the best places you should visit within driving distance of Portsmouth. A city famed for its world-class attractions, fantastic events, and miles of coastline. Top attractions available include a visit to Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard which is home to HMS Victory, a tour of the stunning Spinnaker Tower that overlooks Portsmouth Harbour, and Blue Reef Aquarium which has over 40 aquatic displays available.

Explore three of the most beautiful locations near Portsmouth:

1. Queen Elizabeth Country Park

2. Petersfield

3. Hayling Island

 

Queen Elizabeth Country Park Image

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Located near Petersfield, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is home to over 2,000 acres of woodland and downland, making it an idyllic place for anyone who enjoys walking, running, mountain biking, or even a family picnic.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park also offers spectacular views from the top of Butser Hill, which stands 270 metres high. From the top, you will be able to gaze at the spectacular valleys and farmland surrounding South Downs National Park. If you’re seeking a challenge, attempt to walk the South Downs Way that stretches 100 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne.

Throughout the year, the park hosts several family-friendly events like the Easter Egg Roll, Vintage Car Show, Cyclefest, Halloween, plus many more. If you happen to visit, be sure to also check out Beechwood Kitchen which serves homemade and locally sourced food. P.S. the park has an outdoor pizza oven too.

Let's go for a bike ride!

If you love a bike ride, Queen Elizabeth Country Park has got two lovely trails that are clearly highlighted for visitors. The most popular trail is a 10-mile family ride through the beautiful scenery of the South Downs, including a shortcut trail for younger children. To accommodate carrying the bikes to the park, some vehicles such as the ŠKODA Superb Estate have the capacity to store 2 bikes in the boot with the rear seats folded down or 4 bikes on the roof rack.


Petersfield Map Image

Petersfield

Petersfield is an ancient market town dating back to the 12th century. The earl of Gloucester is described by many as the founding father of the town because he owned the land in which a church dedicated to Saint Peter was built and the surrounding area known as St. Peter’s Field.

Embedded with plenty of natural beauty, today, Petersfield is a popular place for families looking to get away from the bustling city. The marketplace has a wide range of independent shops and a popular farmers market on the first Sunday of each month. Just a short walk from the town centre is Petersfield Heath Pond, which is home to a large array of animals and plants. If you decide to take a walk around the Heath Pond you may be lucky enough to see residential animals such as Kingfishers, Swifts, Blackcaps, and Chiffchaffs.

Other activities to enjoy around Petersfield include exploring the local architecture, food scene, sports, and live music in the market square.

Never feel lost again

Even though using your phone’s GPS application may be handy at times, you should bear in mind that it is illegal to touch your phone whilst driving. This is why using your car’s Sat Nav may be a better and safer option. According to BuyaCar, the Hyundai IONIQ PHEV had one of the best multimedia systems with a built-in Satellite Navigation system. What is more, the 10.3-inch Touchscreen Display supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, but it also benefits from connected services such as live parking and traffic information, enabling you to enjoy a stress-free trip and reach any destination on time.


Hayling Island Image

Hayling Island

A hidden gem nestled between Portsmouth and Chichester, Hayling Island is a delightful place perfect for the whole family. There are tons of traditional seaside attractions to enjoy, including Funland Hayling Island, and Hayling Island Beach.

If peace and tranquillity are what you’re after, explore the Hayling Billy Trail. Hugely popular amongst walkers and cyclists, Hayling Billy Trail offers fantastic views and scenery with a great opportunity to look at local wildlife including nesting gulls, terns, cormorants, and so much more. When you locate the Hayling Billy car park, which is just after the Langstone Bridge, the trail follows the old railway line for three miles along the west coast of Hayling Island.

Other notable places to visit include:

  • Hayling Seaside Railway – Enjoy a trip down the seaside with excellent views of the Solent on a 2-mile railway return journey, which runs every Wednesday and weekend throughout the year.
  • Hayling Island Station Theatre – formed in 1947, Hayling Island Amateur Dramatic Society (HIADS) runs a 144-seater theatre that puts on around 12 shows a year with both professional and amateur acts. You can enjoy plays, music events, and even blockbuster films on one Friday of every month.
  • Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary – This sanctuary aims to give ex-working donkeys a forever home filled with endless love and affection. The sanctuary welcomes visitors every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, in addition to some Bank Holidays.

There is only one way into Hayling Island through the Langstone bridge or more commonly known as the Hayling bridge so traffic could get intense, especially on weekends and bank holidays. This is why it is recommended to plan your trip at least a day in advance to avoid the rush hour and spend more of your day relaxing instead of sitting in a traffic jam.

Have no fear, Hybrid’s here

Did you know that Mild-Hybrid (MHEVs) and self-charging hybrid vehicles such as the All-New Hyundai KONA Hybrid uses a regenerative braking system to harvest electric energy which is otherwise lost. This energy is then stored in the battery to improve the car’s fuel efficiency or boost the range of driving. Hybrid cars make them ideal for people who live, work, or generally travel in congested areas.


24 May 2022

Other Articles