Travel Portsmouth

Shipwright's Way

The Shipwrights Way is a long-distance route linking villages and towns in east Hampshire through some beautiful countryside. It starts near Farnham before passing across the South Downs all the way to Portsmouth, and is open to everyone to walk, cycle or ride.

New for 2025, the Portsmouth leg of this Hampshire-wide route is getting new signs to help people walk or cycle along the coast. Keep an eye out for attractions in the area, including sculptures specifically designed for the route.

  • Starting Point: Begin your journey at the ferry terminal in Eastney from Hayling Island.
  • Eastney to Seafront: Pass several boatyards and join the seafront with views of the Isle of Wight and the Spinnaker Tower.
  • Seafront Attractions: Look out for the Cockleshell Memorial sculpture outside Southsea Rose Garden, the sea-fed Canoe Lake, and Southsea Model Village.
  • Museums: Explore Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle, the D-Day Story museum, Cumberland House Natural History Museum, and the Blue Reef Aquarium.
  • Southsea Common: Cross the common using the ‘Ladies Mile’ path, lined with elm trees.
  • Old Portsmouth: Wander around Old Portsmouth and visit the cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass windows, or visit the Hotwalls, Square Tower and Round Tower.
  • Gunwharf Quays: Enjoy shops, eateries, and the Spinnaker Tower with its far-reaching views.
  • Historic Dockyard: End your journey at the Historic Dockyard, home to the Mary Rose and HMS Victory, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Look out for the sculpture of a Shipwright’s tool bag here!

This final section of the Shipwright’s Way is five miles along a route that is flat and is on paved surfaces most of the way, but there may be some steps in various areas that make it difficult for people in wheelchairs. Alternative routes are available during these sections.

People on foot are off-road for the majority of the route (apart from a small section on Ferry Road on the east side of Portsea Island), while people on cycles can enjoy mostly off-road cycle lanes and paths.

Find out more about The Shipwright’s Way at Hampshire County Council’s website.