Only a bus ride away
Hilsea Lines is one of Portsmouth’s best places for adventure, nature, and family time, and it’s easier, greener and more relaxing when you go by bus.
Free bus travel for children this August
Children aged 5-15 can travel free on Portsmouth bus services throughout August (and children under five already travel free). Why not use the offer to enjoy a family day out at Hilsea Lines? Find out more about the free travel scheme.
Why travel by bus?
- No parking stress – the bus arrives close to all the action
- Frequent services – buses run every few minutes along the Hilsea corridor
- Affordable tickets – adult singles from £2, with group tickets available, and free travel for children in August
- Accessible travel – all buses have ramps, priority seating and space for buggies and mobility aids
- Greener travel – buses are more sustainable for the city
- Easy for everyone – there’s space for buggies, dogs, shopping, and even wakeboards!
And of course if you have a PCC issued* older persons or disabled persons bus pass, you can also travel to Hilsea Lines for free.
* If your older or disabled persons bus pass has been issued outside Portsmouth, you can enjoy free travel between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends.
Book with First Bus or Stagecoach
What’s at Hilsea Lines?
Hilsea Lines is one of Portsmouth’s most distinctive green spaces, where historic fortifications and diverse natural habitats sit side by side. Stretching along the northern edge of Portsea Island, this unique site combines open parkland, woodland, wetlands and waterside paths, offering a peaceful escape. There’s a mix of heritage, nature and outdoor activity. Come along to relax, explore and experience a different side of Portsmouth.
- Hilsea Lido – open water swimming, sauna, food and drink
- Jubilee splash park – free and fun seasonal fun for under 8’s
- Play park – a sandy park with new equipment
- Pump track – free and fun for all ages
- Nature and heritage trails – Foxes Forest is full of history and wildlife
- Casemates Studios and Café – music, coffee and creative space
- South Coast Wakepark – watersports and adventure
- Hilsea Lines Café – food and drink in an indoor/outdoor café
Check out the full list of things to do on Visit Portsmouth.
Getting here
Hilsea Lines is served by eight frequent bus routes, connecting Cosham, Paulsgrove, QA Hospital, Southsea, the City Centre, Fareham, and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Popular bus routes:
- 2 – Paulsgrove ↔ City Centre ↔ Southsea
- 3 – Fareham ↔ QA Hospital ↔ City Centre
- 7 – Wecock Farm ↔ Cosham ↔ City Centre
- 8/8A – Cosham ↔ City Centre ↔ Southsea
- 18 – Paulsgrove ↔ Cosham ↔ Hilsea ↔ Fratton ↔ Southsea
- 20 – Havant ↔ Leigh Park ↔ QA Hospital ↔ Hilsea ↔ City Centre ↔ Gunwharf Quays
- 23 – Havant ↔ Cosham ↔ Hilsea ↔ City Centre ↔ Gunwharf Quays ↔ Southsea
- 700 Coastliner – Chichester ↔ Havant ↔ Hilsea ↔ City Centre ↔ Gunwharf Quays
All buses are accessible, with space for wheelchairs, buggies and dogs.
Good to know
- Toilets available at Hilsea Lines Café, Hilsea Lido (including a Changing Places toilet), splash pool, Casemates, as well as public toilets near the pump track
- Dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces, and both Hilsea Lines Café and Casemates
- Open all year round (apart from the splash pool)
- Parking is available but limited
Accessibility
Across Portsmouth, upgrades to stops and services are helping make journeys simpler, safer and more comfortable for all passengers, including families, older people and those with additional needs.
- More accessible bus stops with better lighting, seating and clear signage
- Refurbished and upgraded shelters with improved space and visibility
- Real-time information screens with audio and mobile updates
- Easier boarding with raised kerbs, dropped crossings and wider pavements
- On-board audio and visual announcements to support all passengers
Real people, real journeys
We asked Portsmouth residents what catching the bus means to them…
“It’s just part of my routine, bus, swim, sauna, coffee, bus, home. It’s so chilled.”
“I love adventure – going by bus allows me to get where I want, when I want, even with my wakeboarding gear.”
“We have a car, and drive most places, but travelling by bus allows us flexibility and is much more relaxing. Even the dog enjoys it!”
“It’s simple, and means I can record music with my band and relax in the café bar after“
“The kids love using the bus, it’s always a fun start to our days out, and it’s nice not to worry about parking or time restrictions.”
“My grandson loves catching the bus and pressing the stop button! It’s hard entertaining youngsters, but a trip out on the bus is always a win.”
Read about a real family experiencing a day out at Hilsea Lines
Taking the bus to Hilsea Lines is one of locations we’re highlighting for bus travel thanks to funding from Portsmouth’s £48 million Bus Service Improvement Plan our citywide programme to make bus travel easier, more reliable and more accessible for everyone. By choosing the bus for days out, commutes or quick trips, you’re supporting cleaner air, better services and a transport network that works for all of Portsmouth.
