Southsea Common

Park, Southsea

Southsea Common is a large open grassland stretching along the seafront from Old Portsmouth to Eastney, covering approximately 500 acres. The land was kept clear for military defensive purposes for centuries and was secured as common land in 1785. Today it is used for sport, recreation, and major events including Victorious Festival, fireworks displays, kite festivals, and charity runs. Cricket, football, and rugby matches are played on pitches across the common throughout the year. The common gives Southsea its distinctive open character, providing a wide green buffer between the residential streets and the sea.