The Seaward Area

Harbour-front residential with sweeping water views and coastal paths

The Seaward area covers the waterfront and the streets running along the southern edge of Portsmouth Harbour, east of the castle. This stretch of shoreline offers some of the best views in the village, looking across the harbour to the cranes and warships of the naval dockyard, with the Spinnaker Tower visible on the Portsmouth skyline. The road called The Seaward runs close to the water, and the houses on its south side have direct harbour views. It is a desirable address and property prices reflect the position. A public footpath runs along the shore, connecting the castle grounds to the eastern edge of Portchester and beyond towards Paulsgrove. At high tide, the water comes right up to the path; at low tide, the harbour empties to reveal acres of mudflat, rich feeding ground for Brent geese that winter here in large numbers. Small sailing dinghies and fishing boats sit on moorings in the shallows. The area has a quiet, almost coastal village atmosphere, quite different from the busier streets inland.