# Portchester: Full Reference > Local news and community guide for Portchester, Hampshire. A historic village home to the best-preserved Roman fort in northern Europe. ## Areas ### Castle Street & Old Village The historic heart of Portchester, centred on Castle Street, which runs south from the entrance to Portchester Castle. This is the oldest part of the settlement, with buildings dating back several centuries lining the narrow street. The Norman church of St Mary sits within the castle walls, and the ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/areas/castle-street-old-village ### Portchester Town Centre The modern commercial centre of Portchester is a compact precinct running along West Street and the surrounding roads, roughly between the crossroads and the railway line. It developed through the twentieth century as Portchester grew from a small village into a suburb, and today it provides the eve... URL: https://www.portchester.news/areas/portchester-town-centre ### Cornaway Lane Area The Cornaway Lane area covers the residential streets running south from West Street towards the A27. It is one of the most established residential parts of Portchester, with housing stock ranging from interwar semis to 1960s and 1970s estates. Cornaway Lane itself is a key route connecting the vill... URL: https://www.portchester.news/areas/cornaway-lane-area ### Wicor Wicor lies to the west of central Portchester, stretching along the harbour shore towards Fareham. The name is old and appears on early maps of the area. Wicor is best known for its waterfront recreation ground, which offers open green space with views across Portsmouth Harbour towards Gosport and t... URL: https://www.portchester.news/areas/wicor ### The Seaward Area 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 To... URL: https://www.portchester.news/areas/the-seaward-area ### Cams Alders Cams Alders lies on the western fringe of Portchester, bordering Fareham. The area takes its name from the historic Cams estate, whose parkland once stretched down to the harbour. Today it is divided between residential streets and the large open space of Cams Alders recreation ground, one of the be... URL: https://www.portchester.news/areas/cams-alders ### White Hart Lane Area The White Hart Lane area covers the streets to the east of Portchester centre, running towards the boundary with Paulsgrove and the city of Portsmouth. White Hart Lane itself is a residential road connecting the village to the eastern suburbs, and it gives its name to this part of Portchester. The h... URL: https://www.portchester.news/areas/white-hart-lane-area ## Guides ### Restaurants in Portchester Portchester is a small village and does not have a wide choice of restaurants, but there are a handful of reliable options for eating out locally. Most of the dining options are along or near West Str... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/restaurants-in-portchester ### Pubs in Portchester Portchester has a handful of pubs, enough to give residents a choice without leaving the village. The pub scene here is traditional and unpretentious, reflecting the character of the community. The m... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/pubs-in-portchester ### Takeaways in Portchester Portchester has a reasonable selection of takeaway food outlets for a village of its size, covering the staple cuisines that people reach for on a Friday evening. The main options are clustered along ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/takeaways-in-portchester ### Doctors and GPs in Portchester Portchester has a health centre providing NHS general practice services to village residents. The Portchester Health Centre offers the full range of GP services, including routine consultations, chron... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/doctors-and-gps-in-portchester ### Dentists in Portchester Portchester has at least one dental practice offering NHS and private treatment to residents. Finding an NHS dentist currently accepting new patients can be difficult throughout south-east Hampshire, ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/dentists-in-portchester ### Pharmacies in Portchester Portchester has at least one pharmacy in the village centre, providing prescription dispensing and over-the-counter medicines and health products. The pharmacy is conveniently located near the health ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/pharmacies-in-portchester ### Schools in Portchester Portchester is served by two primary schools: Castle Primary School on Cornaway Lane and Wicor Primary School in the western part of the village. Both provide education for children from reception age... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/schools-in-portchester ### Parking in Portchester Parking in Portchester is a perennial talking point, particularly around the castle and the village centre. There is no large public car park in the village, which can cause frustration for both visit... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/parking-in-portchester ### Trains from Portchester Portchester Railway Station sits on the line between Portsmouth Harbour and Southampton Central, operated by South Western Railway. The station opened in 1848 as part of the line connecting Fareham wi... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/trains-from-portchester ### Buses in Portchester Bus services connect Portchester with Fareham town centre, Portsmouth, Cosham and other destinations in the area. The main route runs along the A27 corridor, the old coast road, linking the village wi... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/buses-in-portchester ### Getting to Portchester Portchester is well connected by road, rail and bus, sitting on the main corridor between Portsmouth and Southampton along the south coast of Hampshire. Whether you are visiting the castle, moving to ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/getting-to-portchester ### Property in Portchester Portchester has a varied housing market reflecting its growth from a small historic village to a suburb of around 18,000 people over the course of the twentieth century. The range of housing types and... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/property-in-portchester ### Council Tax in Portchester Council tax for Portchester residents is set and collected by Fareham Borough Council, with precepts added by Hampshire County Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, and the H... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/council-tax-in-portchester ### Portchester Postcodes Portchester uses postcodes in the PO16 district, which is part of the wider Portsmouth (PO) postcode area managed by Royal Mail. The PO postcode area covers a large swathe of south-east Hampshire, inc... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/portchester-postcodes ### Portchester Population Portchester has a population of approximately 18,000 people, making it the largest settlement in the Borough of Fareham outside Fareham town itself. The village has grown enormously over the past cent... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/portchester-population ### Things to Do in Portchester Portchester may be a small village, but it offers a good range of activities, particularly for those who enjoy history, the outdoors and the waterfront. The castle and the harbour are the two main dra... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/things-to-do-in-portchester ### Walks Around Portchester Portchester is exceptionally well placed for walks, with the harbour shoreline providing a flat, scenic route accessible to almost everyone, and the surrounding countryside offering more varied terrai... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/walks-around-portchester ### Parks and Green Spaces in Portchester Portchester has several parks and recreation grounds that provide welcome green space for a village that is otherwise fairly densely built up with postwar housing. The open spaces are well distributed... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/parks-and-green-spaces-in-portchester ### Dog Walking in Portchester Portchester is a good place for dog owners, with several routes and open spaces where dogs can be exercised in pleasant, varied surroundings. The combination of harbour-front paths, recreation grounds... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/dog-walking-in-portchester ### Portchester Castle Visitor Guide Portchester Castle is the village's defining landmark and one of the most important historic sites in southern England. It combines a Roman fort, a Norman castle and a medieval palace in a single, rem... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/portchester-castle-visitor-guide ### Churches in Portchester The oldest and most architecturally significant church in Portchester is St Mary's, which stands within the walls of Portchester Castle in a setting that is unique in England. Built around 1133 as the... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/churches-in-portchester ### Markets Near Portchester Portchester does not have a regular weekly market of its own, which is unsurprising for a settlement that grew as a suburb rather than as an independent market town. However, there are occasional comm... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/markets-near-portchester ### Shops in Portchester Portchester's shopping options are concentrated along West Street, the main commercial road through the village centre. The selection is modest but covers the everyday needs of village life without re... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/shops-in-portchester ### History of Portchester Portchester has one of the longest and richest histories of any settlement in southern England, spanning nearly two thousand years of continuous occupation on the same site. Few places in Britain can ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/history-of-portchester ### Portchester Weather Portchester enjoys a mild maritime climate typical of the central south coast of England. Its position on the sheltered northern shore of Portsmouth Harbour means it benefits from the moderating influ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/portchester-weather ### Cafes in Portchester Portchester has a small number of cafes and coffee shops, enough for a morning brew and a bacon roll but not the sort of place where you will find artisan roasteries or speciality pour-over bars. The ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/cafes-in-portchester ### Fish and Chips in Portchester Fish and chips holds a special place in Portchester life, as you might expect from a village built around a harbour. Castle Fish Bar on West Street has been feeding the village for years and is the be... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/fish-and-chips-in-portchester ### Supermarkets in Portchester Portchester does not have a large supermarket in the village itself. For a full weekly shop, most residents drive to one of the supermarkets in Fareham or the surrounding area. However, the village do... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/supermarkets-in-portchester ### Hospitals Near Portchester Portchester is well placed for hospital access, with the main acute hospital for the area only a short drive away. Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, universally known as QA, is the principal hospita... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/hospitals-near-portchester ### Vets Near Portchester Portchester has veterinary practices within easy reach for pet owners, covering routine and emergency care for dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. There are vet surgeries in the village itsel... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/vets-near-portchester ### Primary Schools in Portchester Portchester has two primary schools serving the village: Castle Primary School and Wicor Primary School. Both are state-funded community schools providing education for children from reception through... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/primary-schools-in-portchester ### Secondary Schools Near Portchester Portchester does not have its own secondary school, so children leaving primary school at the end of Year 6 transfer to secondary schools in the surrounding area. The most popular choice for Portchest... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/secondary-schools-near-portchester ### Nurseries in Portchester Portchester has a number of nurseries, pre-schools and childminders providing early years care and education for children from babies through to school age. These range from small private nurseries an... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/nurseries-in-portchester ### Taxis in Portchester Portchester does not have a taxi rank, but there are several local taxi firms that serve the village and can be booked by phone or through their websites and apps. These firms are based in Portchester... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/taxis-in-portchester ### Estate Agents in Portchester Portchester has a small number of estate agents with offices in the village, and many more based in Fareham town centre that actively cover the Portchester market. The local offices are found along We... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/estate-agents-in-portchester ### Fareham Borough Council Portchester falls within Fareham Borough Council for local government purposes. The borough council is the principal local authority responsible for a wide range of services that directly affect daily... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/fareham-borough-council ### Crime in Portchester Portchester is a relatively safe and quiet village, and crime levels are low compared with urban areas of comparable size. The most common types of crime reported in the village are antisocial behavio... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/crime-in-portchester ### Gyms Near Portchester Portchester itself has limited gym facilities within the village, but there are several options within a short drive in Fareham and the wider area. Fitness has become a major part of daily life for ma... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/gyms-near-portchester ### Swimming Near Portchester Portchester does not have a swimming pool within the village, so residents head to nearby Fareham or Portsmouth for pool-based swimming. The nearest public pool is at Fareham Leisure Centre, which has... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/swimming-near-portchester ### Sailing Near Portchester Portchester sits on the northern shore of Portsmouth Harbour, one of the finest natural harbours in the world and a centre for sailing and watersports. The harbour provides sheltered water for dinghy ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/sailing-near-portchester ### Cycling in Portchester Portchester is a good base for cycling, with flat terrain around the harbour, quiet residential streets and connections to the wider cycle network. The village sits on or near several established cycl... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/cycling-in-portchester ### Fishing in Portchester Portchester's position on Portsmouth Harbour makes it a natural spot for fishing, and anglers have been casting lines here for as long as anyone can remember. Shore fishing from the harbour wall and t... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/fishing-in-portchester ### Community Groups in Portchester Portchester has an active community life, with a range of groups, societies and clubs covering interests from gardening and local history to sports, crafts and social activities. The village community... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/community-groups-in-portchester ### Events in Portchester Portchester has a calendar of events throughout the year, drawing on the village's community spirit and its unique setting around the castle and harbour. Events range from organised fairs and markets ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/events-in-portchester ### Hairdressers in Portchester Portchester has several hairdressers and barbers in the village, providing a reasonable choice for men, women and children without needing to travel to Fareham or Portsmouth. The salons are mostly loc... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/hairdressers-in-portchester ### Portchester Shopping Portchester's main shopping area is centred on West Street, which runs through the village centre and serves as the local high street. It is a modest parade of shops rather than a bustling town centre... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/portchester-shopping ### Cinema Near Portchester Portchester does not have its own cinema, but there are several options within easy reach for a night at the pictures. The nearest multiplex cinemas are in Fareham and Portsmouth, both a short drive o... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/cinema-near-portchester ### Portchester Library Portchester has its own library, which is run by Hampshire County Council's library service. It is a small community library but provides a valued service to residents of all ages. The library is loca... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/portchester-library ### Leisure Centre Near Portchester Portchester does not have its own leisure centre, but the nearest facilities are close by in Fareham and Portsmouth. Fareham Leisure Centre is the most convenient option for most Portchester residents... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/leisure-centre-near-portchester ### Jobs Near Portchester Portchester itself has limited employment opportunities within the village, but its location between Fareham and Portsmouth means that a wide range of jobs are within easy commuting distance. This is ... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/jobs-near-portchester ### Recycling Centre Near Portchester Portchester residents who need to dispose of household waste that cannot go in the regular kerbside bins use the nearest household waste recycling centre (HWRC), commonly known as the tip or the dump.... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/recycling-centre-near-portchester ### Football in Portchester Football has a long tradition in Portchester, and the village is home to Portchester Football Club, which competes in the non-league pyramid of English football. The club is based at the Cams Alders r... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/football-in-portchester ### Museums Near Portchester Portchester itself does not have a conventional museum building, but the village's greatest historic attraction, Portchester Castle, functions as a museum in its own right. Managed by English Heritage... URL: https://www.portchester.news/guide/museums-near-portchester ## History - undefined: Construction of Portus Adurni - undefined: Saxon Shore Fort Garrison - undefined: Saxon Settlement Within the Walls - undefined: Augustinian Priory Founded - undefined: Norman Keep Constructed - undefined: Richard II's Palace Buildings - undefined: Henry V Gathers Army for Agincourt - undefined: English Civil War Siege - undefined: Napoleonic Prisoner of War Camp - undefined: Railway Reaches Portchester - undefined: St Mary's Church Restored - undefined: D-Day Preparations - undefined: Postwar Housing Expansion - undefined: Castle Passes to English Heritage - undefined: Portchester Crematorium Opens - undefined: Harbour Flood Defence Works - undefined: Cams Alders Housing Development ## Streets - Castle Street - West Street - White Hart Lane - Cornaway Lane - The Crossway - Station Road - Southampton Road - Leith Avenue - Portchester Road - Northern Road - The Seaward - South Street - Castle View Road - The Thicket - Cranleigh Road - Jubilee Road - Romney Close - Cams Alders - Condor Close - Chalford Grange - Wicor Path - Church Path ## Places - Portchester Castle (undefined) - St Mary's Church (undefined) - Portchester Community Centre (undefined) - The Cormorant (undefined) - Red Lion (undefined) - Castle Primary School (undefined) - Wicor Primary School (undefined) - Portchester Railway Station (undefined) - Portchester Crematorium (undefined) - Wicor Recreation Ground (undefined) - Cams Alders Recreation Ground (undefined) - Co-op Food (undefined) - Portchester Health Centre (undefined) - Portchester Library (undefined) - Castle Fish Bar (undefined) - Portchester Post Office (undefined)