Southsea Common play area
🏟 Playground & park · Southsea, Portsmouth
Southsea Common play area
An extensive seafront common at Southsea with a children's play area, a free splash pool, crazy golf, tennis and the skate park, by the beach.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 The Common and play area are open at all times; the adjacent Southsea splash pool opens 10am to 7pm daily from May to September. · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3NS
Plus Code: 9C2WQWM5+43
About Southsea Common play area
Southsea Common is an extensive open space along the Southsea seafront, purchased by Portsmouth City Council from the War Department in 1922, with some of its mature trees dating from 1910. Running alongside the popular promenade and beach, it is one of the city's great gathering places, ideal for kite flying, picnics and informal ball games and the main venue for outdoor events throughout the year. For families there is a children's play area, and close by is the Southsea splash pool, a free paddling and splash facility aimed at children aged roughly eight and under, with two paddling pools and play equipment, open 10am to 7pm daily from May to September. The Common also packs in beach volleyball, tennis, crazy golf and pitch and putt, and is home to Southsea Skatepark, so there is something for every age. The Ladies Mile path, flanked by spring bulbs, makes for a pleasant stroll. With its seaside setting, free play area and splash pool and a wide choice of activities, Southsea Common is one of the best free family destinations in the city.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Children's play area
- Southsea splash pool (free paddling pools)
- Beach volleyball
- Tennis
- Crazy golf
- Pitch and putt
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
🧒 Ages & play
- Children's play area
📍 Nearby places to play
- Victoria Park · approx 1.1 miles · City Centre
- Bransbury Park · approx 1.4 miles · Eastney
- Milton Park · approx 1.6 miles · Milton
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is the Southsea Common play area free?
Yes. Southsea Common and its children's play area are free, and the nearby Southsea splash pool also has free access. There are charges for activities such as crazy golf and pitch and putt.
Is there a splash pool?
Yes. The Southsea splash pool on Clarence Esplanade is a free facility for younger children, with two paddling pools and play equipment, open 10am to 7pm daily from May to September.
What else can families do here?
As well as the play area and splash pool there is beach volleyball, tennis, crazy golf, pitch and putt, Southsea Skatepark and direct access to the seafront promenade and beach.
Where is Southsea Common?
It runs along the Southsea seafront by Clarence Esplanade, around postcode PO5 3NS, next to the beach and promenade.
Are dogs allowed at the splash pool?
No. Dogs, BBQs, alcohol and smoking are not allowed in the splash pool area, though the wider Common is an open seafront space.