Thanks for this. As a kid my annual holidays were here. Lovely to see it again. Used to play football with my Dad on the Common. I miss it all. I am almost 70 now and the seafront hasn't changed that much. Thanks.
Brought back a lot of memories for me. Was based at Portsmouth in my navy days 1978 to 83. Changed quite a bit since then. A long way from Leeds though (my home) but when all this mess is over think I might have a trip back. Look forward to your next video
I've sat through several online tours of Portsmouth and yours was the best. No dizzying shooting or swinging of the camera - chocked full of clearly articulated interesting facts - thank you!!
Thank you so much for this. I grew up in Pompey and know every inch of that walk. I now live in California and at times I really miss my hometown. I love watching this and I can still smell the sea and the combination of fish & chips/candyfloss of Clarence Pier. I can't wait until I can visit again. Wonderful viewing!
Although a native of Blackpool. I took my PCV (coach) licence whilst living on the south coast. I visited the Pyramid, and followed your walk through to Portsmouth. Being from Blackpool I found it amazing that you can find an Indian menu along the Southsea promenade, and one of the booths you pointed out, is where I discovered a new love in life. It was where I tried Chai (Hindi for tea) for the very first time. It's every bit the quality of say Yorkshire tea, but the added herbs and spices, turns tea into a more calming drink than it ever was before. I swear by it these days. If any area of the UK precludes with the word 'Common' it refers to us as Commoners, and a law which Queen Victoria passed following the death of Prince Albert. You could say it was the first environmental law ever passed. Victoria decreed that every Commoner, must have a 'kept space' in which they can find both an open area to congregate and plenty of fresh air, which was forbidden from ever being bought, or built upon. These were the times of the Industrial Revolution and smoke filled industrial areas. Portmouth was certainly on a par with London at this time, although, most commons are found in the Greater London area, but a few still remain in other places around the country. Just look for the word Common. We wouldn't have the Wombles without one 🤣(I'm Generation Y, not a Boomer by the way) Please excuse my fascination. I can't communicate enough, just how many places, and how much of our most relevant history is contained in such a small area as the ones around the hub of Portsmouth. If we found ourselves at war, from even before Henry's 16th Century, right through two world wars, and even during the Falklands conflict and Iraq/Afghanistan. You can bet that business was transported up and down The Solent. Being a Northerner by birth, I was surrounded by parts of my country's deep history, and absorbed them all whilst working out of the area. I hope I'm only complimenting Adventure Me, and that he gets round to some of these places in future. Their beauty often compliments their historical significance. These experiences also directed me towards that which I enjoy now, as an amateur historian. Which, given my age, is almost like a national duty to me, at a time when some are trying as hard as they can to besmirch our great country's history. We built the world from the Industrial Revolution, and made far greater steps than any fall that may have occurred in-between. Our children should see how that happened, not be force fed twisted ideologies, and that's why I write of as many places as I can, from only my own experiences. If you have ever read Wainwright, you will know exactly where my motivation has come from. He had his books, and currently I have RUclips comments, thanks to the likes of Adventure Me, and his travels around the UK. (If I can ever help, and not hinder, let me know A.M) Having said that...... If you ever get the chance, you can find the continuance of Henry VIII's defences starting from the opposite side of Portsmouth Harbour, around Gosport, Lee-on-Solent and Stubbington. Starting with the old WWI hospital, and earlier (now maritime training and visible in the distance, behind the Trafalgar anchor, and to the left of the white submarine training tower at 14:31,) This is where ships would offload the masses of wounded soldiers onto little rafts, pushed with a pole, so to access the hospital directly up a creek. It was where the phrase 'Up the creek without a paddle' originated, since sadly for many, it was the last place they would ever see. Round Forts, as you can see from their shape, continue right along the south coast, and I've seen them as far as the Jurassic coast. The best kept I've seen are from Southsea/Portsmouth, up at Paulsgrove, and along the New Forest though. At one point the two giant and long forgotten cross channel hovercraft, Elizabeth and Margaret were kept there. I think one was scrapped and the other preserved, but like the landing craft, I don't know what happened to them since moving back north. The video ends where I started, each morning in fact, it was my job with National Express, driving the service that linked the tiny Isle of Wight hovercraft to Portsmouth Harbour, and then eventually (3.5hrs later, get a train folks, this company is the worst 🤣) onto Heathrow Airport. Clarence Pier was the beginning and the end of that service, but is no longer operated by NX. Truth be told now under no non-disclosure, National Express were awful at meeting the demand for a regular connection to the hovercraft. The poor passengers for the hovercraft mostly missing it, because of the near impossible chances of arriving even close to the timetable due to road conditions, and having too many stops which mean driving into and out of a total of 6 towns first, before arriving at Heathrow. They would end up having to take the walk into Portsmouth Harbour to catch a ferry instead. So NX now terminate their coaches at Portsmouth Harbour instead. This was all part of the failed 'integrated UK transport network' that two Jags John Prescott didn't deliver properly that has completely collapsed since. I liked the history much more than the work, that's for sure. Thanks so much for this trip down my recent memory Adventure Me, and I hope you don't think I've thrown graffiti at your comment wall. There are so many fascinating places along the south coast. If you ever need transport co-ordination or just a plain UK experienced driver, to up your output. You'll find me near Blackpool Pleasure Beach 😉 Creators that bring us so many places we might have never been to, or might want to visit in future, are not only brilliant like yourself, but I believe are holding the last thread to British tourism. Only London gets promoted to the world, with so many tourists simply unaware of how many amazing places are outside of London. No wonder our tourist destinations are struggling so badly. You, and creators like you, are the cure for this illness.
Came across your RUclips channel yesterday. Absolutely enjoyed your southsea and Portsmouth videos. These places are extremely close to my heart as I started going to southsea with my parents and grandparents in 1977 when I was 7. I was their every year up until 1983. I returned after attending the goodwood festival of speed in 2004 with some friends. I have holidayed their sometimes twice a year since 2007. I Absolutely love the people,the place,the history. Thankyou for a great few videos of my favourite place on earth. Hopefully I can move their one day 🙏.
Hi Darren, excellent video, obviously me being a local, all very familiar to me, but a good advert for Portsmouth. A few bits of info for you, at the start where you showed the Eastney end of the beach, that area of the beach with vegatation growing on it, was originally a small experimental area planted with certain plants in the 1960s, to see how they would grow in a salty climate, it has gradually spread over the years, IMO it now looks untidy. The iconic promenade with it's paved zig-zag pattern was originally laid in 1977, for the Queens silver jubilee. South Parade Pier was burnt down twice, first time in 1904, then famously in June 1974, while filming was taking place for the Who's rock Opera 'Tommy. I was only 6 years old at the time, but I was down on the beach with my mum & remember seeing the fire starting! The restored landing craft is a recent addition, I don't think it is fully open at the moment, when things get more back to 'normal' I want to go down & do a video myself. Down towards the Western side of The funfair, going through to Old Portsmouth, a lot of that area is now closed off, as new sea defences are being constructed, the works are going to be going on for the next 5 years & will continue along the seafront as far as the crazy golf course area at Eastney. I'd better stop waffling now, haha, maybe I should have done the voiceover for you! Looking forward to the next one mate!
Nice soft pebbles 😂 I used to come out of the Sea on my hands and knees they hurt so bloody much! Bring flip flops or water shoes! Low tide does expose a few sandy patches👍
This is crazy. I used to take this walk whenever I was upset as a teenager. Sometimes I'd start by exploring the abandoned MOD base just behind where this video starts. Thanks.
Thanks for the video, some great footage. The Hovercraft was always my favourite sight in Southsea. I holidayed there from the mid 1970’s onwards and never tire of it. There’s lots more information about the area worth mentioning should you revisit, particularly the Hovercraft which is foot passenger only and the only one in the UK. The fairground was owned by Billy Butlin for instance and the Naval history is fabulous. GOOD LUCK
Born and bred on the Isle of Wight my first proper girl friend came from Eastney meet her in 1970 in Shanklin she was on holiday still love Southsea, and Portsmouth nice video brings back memories thank you
I was 7 when we moved to Portsmouth. I'm 66 now. I grew up there. Moved away long ago. I've walked every inch of this video. Many thanks for all your work. It brought back many memories. My dad was the Piermaster of South Parade Pier in 1970. Thanks once again 🖖
South parade pier was also burned down for or during filming of Tommy, with Rodger Daltrey, I know a few people a little older than me that were extras👍
Took me back to the early 1960s, my brothers, sisters & I used to play around Canoe Lake, with many of use falling in (pushed in), we also used to catch the crabs with string and fish heads.
Not been to Southsea for very many years and not looked at all the lovely places you showed us. The whole place looks so fresh, clean and tidy. Love it. Thanks for putting the video together and sharing. W :)
Wow miss pompey so much haven't had a chance to go back since 2005 when I left the navy to live abroad... I used to hang out at the arcade, skate park as a kid and the old ford in the next video... Good time's
That was a lovely video. It's so good to be out and about with you again, this time we're not in Yorkshire walking along an old railway track with no one else around but going along a place with lots to see and plenty of people around. It's good for me as I'm unable to go anywhere these days and just walking about and seeing what's around and what other people are up to is really fun. Thank you Darren. x
My grandparents used to live in St Davids Rd, Southsea & ran a shop down Commercial Road called Shop N Save back in the early to mid 60s and my brothers and I would often go to Southparade & Clarence pier back then. There used to be only a small funfare back then and we would often watch the small hovercraft ferry coming up the concrete ramp. There were no fences back then. At the top of South Parade pier back in the early 70s there was a night club there called the Dolphin which I went into at the age of 17 and drank Lager with my great uncle & grandfather. The lake called Canoe Lake was known as Swan Lake back in those days and you'd often see people with their radio controlled boats etc there. There was also a sea fed Lido around there somewhere, can't quite remember where, it was a long time ago. The Anchor was one of those from HMS Victory and there was no fencing around it back then and where you said there was a fairly new cafe I pretty sure there was one there back in the mid 60s, but with a concrete patio and not a decking one. It was sad to see alkl those great kiosk types shops along the parade have all gone, they were fun places with their books & post cards, their beach inflatables & buckets and spades.
Nice to watch this sunny beach walk video whilst it’s snowing here in the frozen fenland. A cheerful reminder of what may come again (the sunshine, not the tide).
0:40 On the left is a rare plant covered shingle beach. It is a legally protected habitat. 12:15 The landing craft is LCT 7074 and was used on D-Day and supplied the Normandy campaign during WW2.
This Video shows once again how great your homeland is. It invites you to linger. At the same time, I remember historical films. YORK carris a great deal of history Thank you Darren
i use to drive day bus trips regulary to southsea from london. it was quite run down at one point but now looking smart and proper seaside!.....thanks for filming and sharing!
Hi Darren , Great videos, Thankyou, We used to visit the area frequently a few years ago, Relatives kept the Grave Digger pub opposite the Cemetery in Southsea. We loved exploring the area..Brings back happy memories...
Your a quick walker! It's a very long seafront. Ive never been so it was nice to to have a tour from you. Lovely gardens and park. I hope you will do some on Sheffield soon. 👌
Excellent video. I studied at the U of Portsmouth in the mid 70s as an overseas student and visited the City/Southsea in 1993 once. Love to bring the whole family back during the summer. This is an update to me from the Eastney Beach to the Clarence Pier/Hovercraft area. I plan to be back soon for leisure, taking photos and reminiscing.
3.00 in, those setups go a lot further down than is visible. Back in the 70's we use to run between the steps trying not to be caught by the sea. About 6ft drop to the beach then.🌊
Makes me think that the next time I go back that I need to take a walk from Eastney down to Old Portsmouth. Thanks for allowing me to revisit my home town.
Really enjoyed that. It reminded me that the only time I've ever been to Southsea I was about 8 or 9, in 1969 or 70 (no one can quite remember) to get the hovercraft to the Isle of Wight. As we had to wait for our flight across, I insisted on going on the big dipper on Clarence Pier. My Dad got a terrible bang on his knee when we went round a sharp bend. Happy days!
I’m glad I’ve come across your videos, I’m really enjoying them. I retired to Southsea and now live about a mile from Clarence Pier. Others have mentioned some items you missed such as the D-Day Museum, the forts built in the sea (the Solent) between Southsea and the Isle of Wight and the fact that the pier was burned down whilst filming `Tommy’ (the famous Pinball Wizard scene with Elton John and Roger Daltrey was filmed in the Kings Theatre just in land from the sea front). I’m looking forward to watching your other videos.
Takes me back 45 odd years my uncle and aunt lived in cousin's grove my mom dad and me would visit Easter time each year and we would do the walk you did they moved to chicester in the late 1970s when I was about 10 I haven't been back since great watch thanks.
also see the eastney steam beam/pump museum, fort cumberland,(just around the corner from where he started). the eastney royal marine barracks housed the cockleshell heroes. the south parade pier theatre burnt down in 74/75 after a Who concert..Harry Redknapp owned a large building opposite which he wanted to convert into luxury flats. he wanted to have only luxurious appartments, but the council wanted him to include 'affordable units'. the building shell caught fire one night. he passed the old lifeboat station close to the hovercraft landing area. it is noisy when it lands. the wall around the landing area is to stop the spray. the 3 forts in the solent have an interesting history. look up 'palmerston forts'.
Worked on the Waltzer at Billy Mannings fun fare during the school holidays, what a life growing up in Pompey how lucky we were, we just never knew it.
It's nice to see others appreciating our history, although you left out the D Day museum. I've walked that promenade many times over the years including a sponsored walk when I was in secondary school.
Blue Reef Aquarium was once upon time The Sealife Centre. I didn't live in Portsmouth then but remember going in there on the way back from a family holiday before getting the ferry back to the Isle of Wight.
I have to correct you, the postman pat ride used in Mr Bean was actually outside the last building on the left as you leave the fair. I had a summer job there on one of the roller coasters in 1980.
My dad lived at Gosport, and we visited Southsea a couple of times. The first time I was amazed to see a naval monument identical to that on the lines at Chatham, where I live. I believe there is one at Plymouth too.
Also Southsea was in the who musical the who which was mostly filmed in Portsmouth. That film also caused a fire on the pier that you see in the film too
I was surprised you never mentioned the forts in the middle of the sea, fort spitbank being one. The next step will be even better for history heading into old Portsmouth seeing the links between first settlers of Australia (Sydney have a matching link chains in gold) the square and round tower and the famous high street known for admiral lord nelson last stay, John pounds famous ragged school and the killing of the Duke of Buckingham. If your going all over Portsmouth definitely visit wymering manor and over the road in the graveyard lays Jane Austen’s brother Francis grave which your be able to see.
Thanks Julie. I have a second part in two weeks covering Portsmouth Dockside. It covers a lot of what you said, but there will be more to come if I can get back down this summer.
To add some info, the Landing Craft is the last surviving landing craft of D Day, it landed at Gold Beach June 6th 1944. The forts out in the Solent are part of a ring of defences that surround Portsmouth called "Palmerston's Follies" as they never saw action. At the end, if you'd gone just another 100 yards past the Brewers, you would have been where Nelson took his last steps on English soil....good vid though
Where you did your end piece to camera is the last place Admiral Nelson stood on before getting in a small boat out to HMS Victory, then off to the battle of Trafalgar. I believe .
I’ve had the privilege of having multiple Christmas work parties in the Royal Marines museum building on the complex you mentioned. I think you would really like to see it inside check it out or you haven’t already been. We were lucky enough to be able to see much of the exhibits as they come just off the function room.
First time I seen your videos ( this one and the Portsmouth). Been to this area a few times .last time about five Years ago. Enjoyed the video very much but what I can't get is the amount of people around during the lockdown. No wonder there been an high number of cases in Hampshire. Thanks for the video and the information👍
Should have mentioned the D-Day museum behind the landing craft. The last time SP Pier burnt down was during the filming of the Who film Tommy. The hovercraft is the only commercial passenger craft in the world. There used to be a nudist beach at the extreme end of Eastney beach, not sure if it still is.
Hey Darren Interestingly, Ralph Hancock had pitched an idea to the City Corporation to turn the abandoned Lumps Fort into a version of the Gardens of the Nations he had built in New York City on top of the Rockefeller Center. To be named “Gardens of the World”, Hancock’s plans included gardens representing Italy, Japan, Spain, France, Canada, Holland, the USA, Germany, Sweden, Mexico and China. As well as a modern layout and a bird sanctuary. All within the four acre site that was currently occupied by the derelict fort. Hancock went on to say that the Ambassadors of the nations whose gardens were represented could be invited to open their respective garden. Coats of arms would be installed on the walls and at night they could be floodlit. Visitors would be charged 6d a visit with season tickets and free days being made available to local residents. Special tickets for school children could also be made available as the gardens would have a distinct educational value to them. Eventually, the Corporation rejected the plans as WW2 loomed and the fort was used to train special forces. After cessation of the war, the Rose Gardens were developed and opened.
Southsea beach is naturally sandy (there is a huge sand bar between Eastney & Hayling Island) the shingle was put there to stop erosion & during storms it is often washed away leaving a sandy beach.
I’ve been to Portsmouth but not Southsea. I do know Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower and the city centre. Plus you can also see the Spinnaker Tower from Gosport on the other side.
Fantastic love the History and giving me ideas about history. As you know I play in a Brass band Slaithwaite band. But thinking doing my history on local Brass Bands in film xx
Hi Darren, only recently found your channel, very interesting indeed, especially this particular video (and the other Portsmouth ones), as I'm a local. Just a snippet of info for you if you didn't know (and if not already mentioned in the comments), the 1955 film The Cockleshell Heroes was filmed at the Eastney Barracks. If you've not seen the film, definitely worth a watch. It was about Operation Frankton from the second world war, and produced by Cubby Broccoli of James Bond fame.
Not only was it filmed there, it was the actual base for the participants, the shed that was their base was still there around 20 years ago, I never saw it in that video, but it was at the roadside just in front of the barracks.
Canoe Lake is the last remnant of the Great Morass, which was a marsh covering square miles of Southsea and is poorly documented in history books. The seafront is already changing, as Clarence Pier is having the sea defences renewed.
Nice to see my home town again. Need to revisit.
Such a lovely place to live. I lived in Southsea for 6 months and loved it every moment.
Thanks for this. As a kid my annual holidays were here. Lovely to see it again. Used to play football with my Dad on the Common. I miss it all. I am almost 70 now and the seafront hasn't changed that much. Thanks.
Our pleasure!
Brought back a lot of memories for me. Was based at Portsmouth in my navy days 1978 to 83. Changed quite a bit since then. A long way from Leeds though (my home) but when all this mess is over think I might have a trip back. Look forward to your next video
I've sat through several online tours of Portsmouth and yours was the best. No dizzying shooting or swinging of the camera - chocked full of clearly articulated interesting facts - thank you!!
Thanks Cathy. I wanted it to be seamless
Thank you so much for this. I grew up in Pompey and know every inch of that walk. I now live in California and at times I really miss my hometown. I love watching this and I can still smell the sea and the combination of fish & chips/candyfloss of Clarence Pier. I can't wait until I can visit again. Wonderful viewing!
Glad you enjoyed it
Me too, you can take the boy out of Pompey but you can never take Pompey out of the boy, love Cali' but sure do miss my old home.
Although a native of Blackpool. I took my PCV (coach) licence whilst living on the south coast. I visited the Pyramid, and followed your walk through to Portsmouth. Being from Blackpool I found it amazing that you can find an Indian menu along the Southsea promenade, and one of the booths you pointed out, is where I discovered a new love in life. It was where I tried Chai (Hindi for tea) for the very first time. It's every bit the quality of say Yorkshire tea, but the added herbs and spices, turns tea into a more calming drink than it ever was before. I swear by it these days.
If any area of the UK precludes with the word 'Common' it refers to us as Commoners, and a law which Queen Victoria passed following the death of Prince Albert. You could say it was the first environmental law ever passed. Victoria decreed that every Commoner, must have a 'kept space' in which they can find both an open area to congregate and plenty of fresh air, which was forbidden from ever being bought, or built upon. These were the times of the Industrial Revolution and smoke filled industrial areas. Portmouth was certainly on a par with London at this time, although, most commons are found in the Greater London area, but a few still remain in other places around the country. Just look for the word Common. We wouldn't have the Wombles without one 🤣(I'm Generation Y, not a Boomer by the way)
Please excuse my fascination. I can't communicate enough, just how many places, and how much of our most relevant history is contained in such a small area as the ones around the hub of Portsmouth. If we found ourselves at war, from even before Henry's 16th Century, right through two world wars, and even during the Falklands conflict and Iraq/Afghanistan. You can bet that business was transported up and down The Solent. Being a Northerner by birth, I was surrounded by parts of my country's deep history, and absorbed them all whilst working out of the area. I hope I'm only complimenting Adventure Me, and that he gets round to some of these places in future. Their beauty often compliments their historical significance. These experiences also directed me towards that which I enjoy now, as an amateur historian. Which, given my age, is almost like a national duty to me, at a time when some are trying as hard as they can to besmirch our great country's history. We built the world from the Industrial Revolution, and made far greater steps than any fall that may have occurred in-between. Our children should see how that happened, not be force fed twisted ideologies, and that's why I write of as many places as I can, from only my own experiences. If you have ever read Wainwright, you will know exactly where my motivation has come from. He had his books, and currently I have RUclips comments, thanks to the likes of Adventure Me, and his travels around the UK. (If I can ever help, and not hinder, let me know A.M)
Having said that...... If you ever get the chance, you can find the continuance of Henry VIII's defences starting from the opposite side of Portsmouth Harbour, around Gosport, Lee-on-Solent and Stubbington. Starting with the old WWI hospital, and earlier (now maritime training and visible in the distance, behind the Trafalgar anchor, and to the left of the white submarine training tower at 14:31,) This is where ships would offload the masses of wounded soldiers onto little rafts, pushed with a pole, so to access the hospital directly up a creek. It was where the phrase 'Up the creek without a paddle' originated, since sadly for many, it was the last place they would ever see. Round Forts, as you can see from their shape, continue right along the south coast, and I've seen them as far as the Jurassic coast. The best kept I've seen are from Southsea/Portsmouth, up at Paulsgrove, and along the New Forest though. At one point the two giant and long forgotten cross channel hovercraft, Elizabeth and Margaret were kept there. I think one was scrapped and the other preserved, but like the landing craft, I don't know what happened to them since moving back north.
The video ends where I started, each morning in fact, it was my job with National Express, driving the service that linked the tiny Isle of Wight hovercraft to Portsmouth Harbour, and then eventually (3.5hrs later, get a train folks, this company is the worst 🤣) onto Heathrow Airport. Clarence Pier was the beginning and the end of that service, but is no longer operated by NX. Truth be told now under no non-disclosure, National Express were awful at meeting the demand for a regular connection to the hovercraft. The poor passengers for the hovercraft mostly missing it, because of the near impossible chances of arriving even close to the timetable due to road conditions, and having too many stops which mean driving into and out of a total of 6 towns first, before arriving at Heathrow. They would end up having to take the walk into Portsmouth Harbour to catch a ferry instead. So NX now terminate their coaches at Portsmouth Harbour instead. This was all part of the failed 'integrated UK transport network' that two Jags John Prescott didn't deliver properly that has completely collapsed since.
I liked the history much more than the work, that's for sure. Thanks so much for this trip down my recent memory Adventure Me, and I hope you don't think I've thrown graffiti at your comment wall. There are so many fascinating places along the south coast. If you ever need transport co-ordination or just a plain UK experienced driver, to up your output. You'll find me near Blackpool Pleasure Beach 😉 Creators that bring us so many places we might have never been to, or might want to visit in future, are not only brilliant like yourself, but I believe are holding the last thread to British tourism. Only London gets promoted to the world, with so many tourists simply unaware of how many amazing places are outside of London. No wonder our tourist destinations are struggling so badly. You, and creators like you, are the cure for this illness.
Came across your RUclips channel yesterday. Absolutely enjoyed your southsea and Portsmouth videos. These places are extremely close to my heart as I started going to southsea with my parents and grandparents in 1977 when I was 7. I was their every year up until 1983. I returned after attending the goodwood festival of speed in 2004 with some friends. I have holidayed their sometimes twice a year since 2007. I Absolutely love the people,the place,the history. Thankyou for a great few videos of my favourite place on earth. Hopefully I can move their one day 🙏.
Thanks for watching. More to come like this.
Visit relative in Southsea frequently its like my second home. Beautiful place. No place like a Seaside home. Magical 💖
Thanks Angela. My second home too
Hi Darren, excellent video, obviously me being a local, all very familiar to me, but a good advert for Portsmouth.
A few bits of info for you, at the start where you showed the Eastney end of the beach, that area of the beach with vegatation growing on it, was originally a small experimental area planted with certain plants in the 1960s, to see how they would grow in a salty climate, it has gradually spread over the years, IMO it now looks untidy.
The iconic promenade with it's paved zig-zag pattern was originally laid in 1977, for the Queens silver jubilee.
South Parade Pier was burnt down twice, first time in 1904, then famously in June 1974, while filming was taking place for the Who's rock Opera 'Tommy. I was only 6 years old at the time, but I was down on the beach with my mum & remember seeing the fire starting!
The restored landing craft is a recent addition, I don't think it is fully open at the moment, when things get more back to 'normal' I want to go down & do a video myself.
Down towards the Western side of The funfair, going through to Old Portsmouth, a lot of that area is now closed off, as new sea defences are being constructed, the works are going to be going on for the next 5 years & will continue along the seafront as far as the crazy golf course area at Eastney.
I'd better stop waffling now, haha, maybe I should have done the voiceover for you!
Looking forward to the next one mate!
Spent many a day on Southsea seafront as a child. Happy memories
Darren that was absolutely fantastic. You should be in television doing documentaries. A m a z I n g. Thank you
Nice soft pebbles 😂 I used to come out of the Sea on my hands and knees they hurt so bloody much! Bring flip flops or water shoes! Low tide does expose a few sandy patches👍
I was being kind lol. That's why I never ventured onto the beach.
@@AdventureMe haha, it's nice with shoes on!
It's amazing how fast you can walk and still hold the camera still Darren.
The beauty of stabilisation and timelapse lol
This is crazy. I used to take this walk whenever I was upset as a teenager. Sometimes I'd start by exploring the abandoned MOD base just behind where this video starts. Thanks.
Last there about 3 years ago, model village was quite sad. Been vandalised so many times. Old photos from years ago show it in its glory
Thanks for the video, some great footage. The Hovercraft was always my favourite sight in Southsea. I holidayed there from the mid 1970’s onwards and never tire of it. There’s lots more information about the area worth mentioning should you revisit, particularly the Hovercraft which is foot passenger only and the only one in the UK. The fairground was owned by Billy Butlin for instance and the Naval history is fabulous. GOOD LUCK
Born and bred on the Isle of Wight my first proper girl friend came from Eastney meet her in 1970 in Shanklin she was on holiday still love Southsea, and Portsmouth nice video brings back memories thank you
Thanks for watching
I was 7 when we moved to Portsmouth. I'm 66 now. I grew up there. Moved away long ago.
I've walked every inch of this video.
Many thanks for all your work. It brought back many memories. My dad was the Piermaster of South Parade Pier in 1970.
Thanks once again 🖖
Glad you enjoyed it
A nice tour of Portsmouth. Thanks buddy.
South parade pier was also burned down for or during filming of Tommy, with Rodger Daltrey, I know a few people a little older than me that were extras👍
My cousins were extras in the film Tommy too
Took me back to the early 1960s, my brothers, sisters & I used to play around Canoe Lake, with many of use falling in (pushed in), we also used to catch the crabs with string and fish heads.
Thanks Meriet.
Not been to Southsea for very many years and not looked at all the lovely places you showed us. The whole place looks so fresh, clean and tidy. Love it. Thanks for putting the video together and sharing. W :)
Thank You. More to come.
Thanks for this wonderful, peaceful, interesting, sunny walk... So many castle to protect from Frenchs ... 😆😇
Yes, thanks. Someone had to keep them out, it's all that Garlick....
Looks lovely, I will visit soon 🎉
Wow miss pompey so much haven't had a chance to go back since 2005 when I left the navy to live abroad... I used to hang out at the arcade, skate park as a kid and the old ford in the next video... Good time's
Nice place for a week holiday and good for food and cafes and coffee shops
Nice to see that all of the coffee shops aren’t branches of Costa!!
That's true!
That was a lovely video. It's so good to be out and about with you again, this time we're not in Yorkshire walking along an old railway track with no one else around but going along a place with lots to see and plenty of people around. It's good for me as I'm unable to go anywhere these days and just walking about and seeing what's around and what other people are up to is really fun. Thank you Darren. x
Thanks Joyce, glad it's helping.
My grandparents used to live in St Davids Rd, Southsea & ran a shop down Commercial Road called Shop N Save back in the early to mid 60s and my brothers and I would often go to Southparade & Clarence pier back then. There used to be only a small funfare back then and we would often watch the small hovercraft ferry coming up the concrete ramp. There were no fences back then.
At the top of South Parade pier back in the early 70s there was a night club there called the Dolphin which I went into at the age of 17 and drank Lager with my great uncle & grandfather. The lake called Canoe Lake was known as Swan Lake back in those days and you'd often see people with their radio controlled boats etc there. There was also a sea fed Lido around there somewhere, can't quite remember where, it was a long time ago.
The Anchor was one of those from HMS Victory and there was no fencing around it back then and where you said there was a fairly new cafe I pretty sure there was one there back in the mid 60s, but with a concrete patio and not a decking one. It was sad to see alkl those great kiosk types shops along the parade have all gone, they were fun places with their books & post cards, their beach inflatables & buckets and spades.
Thanks Richard
Nice to watch this sunny beach walk video whilst it’s snowing here in the frozen fenland. A cheerful reminder of what may come again (the sunshine, not the tide).
Yes a nice bit of forthcoming, warms me up just watching it.
Thanks for your little trip down Southsea seafront they’ve kept it in nice condition
Our pleasure!
Great video Darren. Certainly made me think about visiting this area of the country. 👍🏼
You should! It's very nice.
0:40 On the left is a rare plant covered shingle beach. It is a legally protected habitat. 12:15 The landing craft is LCT 7074 and was used on D-Day and supplied the Normandy campaign during WW2.
This Video shows once again how great your homeland is. It invites you to linger. At the same time, I remember historical films.
YORK carris a great deal of history
Thank you Darren
Thanks Christel. York will be coming.
What a truly wonderful walk thank you for taking me along .
Thanks for watching.
Beautiful
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure 😊
I loved this video. Expertly filmed with lots of interesting information. I’m considering moving to Southsea and you have sealed the deal for me! ❤️
Thanks Belinda. Hope you enjoy it down there. Lovely place
Excellent .Brings back memories
That took me back to my holidays with mum and dad and sister , when I was young thank you such a brilliant video
Our pleasure!
i use to drive day bus trips regulary to southsea from london. it was quite run down at one point but now looking smart and proper seaside!.....thanks for filming and sharing!
Southsea is not outside of Portsmouth. It's a district of Portsmouth the same as Milton, Fratton or Copnor
Hi Darren , Great videos, Thankyou, We used to visit the area frequently a few years ago, Relatives kept the Grave Digger pub opposite the Cemetery in Southsea. We loved exploring the area..Brings back happy memories...
Thanks for sharing, yes it's a great explore.
Your a quick walker! It's a very long seafront. Ive never been so it was nice to to have a tour from you. Lovely gardens and park. I hope you will do some on Sheffield soon. 👌
Went there 3 days ago on holiday, found the landing craft, never seen it before. Thanks for inspiring me!
No problem. Glad you enjoyed.
Excellent video. I studied at the U of Portsmouth in the mid 70s as an overseas student and visited the City/Southsea in 1993 once. Love to bring the whole family back during the summer. This is an update to me from the Eastney Beach to the Clarence Pier/Hovercraft area. I plan to be back soon for leisure, taking photos and reminiscing.
Yes it's changed a bit. But still as nice.
3.00 in, those setups go a lot further down than is visible. Back in the 70's we use to run between the steps trying not to be caught by the sea. About 6ft drop to the beach then.🌊
Thanks, I used to live in Southsea in the 80s & 90s. Great to see it today 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Great to see the sun, and a place I’ve never been to 😎
Thanks Sue.
Makes me think that the next time I go back that I need to take a walk from Eastney down to Old Portsmouth. Thanks for allowing me to revisit my home town.
Yes it's a lovely walk.
Thanks for this, my wife and myself are coming to stay for a couple of nights very soon, and didn't know what to expect so this was a pleasant suprise
Thanks for watching, more to come.
Need to revisit...I love it here....lots of lovely memories here...😊👍👌💕💕
Yes have another visit.
Really enjoyed that. It reminded me that the only time I've ever been to Southsea I was about 8 or 9, in 1969 or 70 (no one can quite remember) to get the hovercraft to the Isle of Wight. As we had to wait for our flight across, I insisted on going on the big dipper on Clarence Pier. My Dad got a terrible bang on his knee when we went round a sharp bend. Happy days!
Thanks Stephen, glad you enjoyed.
I’m glad I’ve come across your videos, I’m really enjoying them. I retired to Southsea and now live about a mile from Clarence Pier. Others have mentioned some items you missed such as the D-Day Museum, the forts built in the sea (the Solent) between Southsea and the Isle of Wight and the fact that the pier was burned down whilst filming `Tommy’ (the famous Pinball Wizard scene with Elton John and Roger Daltrey was filmed in the Kings Theatre just in land from the sea front). I’m looking forward to watching your other videos.
Thanks for watching, more to come.
Just booked a trip to visit off the back of this vlog. You should be on commission! Lol
Maybe one day!
The zig-zag footpath was built for the queens silver jubilee in 1977 it runs the entire length of the sea front.
Takes me back 45 odd years my uncle and aunt lived in cousin's grove my mom dad and me would visit Easter time each year and we would do the walk you did they moved to chicester in the late 1970s when I was about 10 I haven't been back since great watch thanks.
Worked in Portsmouth for about six months a few years back and stopped at Southsea Leisure Park. Brings a few memories back.
Glad to remind you. Hope it did the job.
ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO MATE STAY SAFE
Thanks, will do! You too.
also see the eastney steam beam/pump museum, fort cumberland,(just around the corner from where he started). the eastney royal marine barracks housed the cockleshell heroes. the south parade pier theatre burnt down in 74/75 after a Who concert..Harry Redknapp owned a large building opposite which he wanted to convert into luxury flats. he wanted to have only luxurious appartments, but the council wanted him to include 'affordable units'. the building shell caught fire one night. he passed the old lifeboat station close to the hovercraft landing area. it is noisy when it lands. the wall around the landing area is to stop the spray. the 3 forts in the solent have an interesting history. look up 'palmerston forts'.
Worked on the Waltzer at Billy Mannings fun fare during the school holidays, what a life growing up in Pompey how lucky we were, we just never knew it.
It's nice to see others appreciating our history, although you left out the D Day museum. I've walked that promenade many times over the years including a sponsored walk when I was in secondary school.
Different. Diverse. Delightful.
Thanks Pete, I was in the area so I thought, why not?
Blue Reef Aquarium was once upon time The Sealife Centre. I didn't live in Portsmouth then but remember going in there on the way back from a family holiday before getting the ferry back to the Isle of Wight.
Abit better weather than we got when we were down there today 🌧
Yes it looked really grey down there.
Great video! Home Looks so nice in the Sun! Love Southsea just hoping things are back to some sort of normal this year xx
It did surprise me how nice it was after Sam slates it so much. I can't wait to do more when we can.
@@AdventureMe hope to see you both this year! 😭😭 xx
6.40 Beaches and Cream, great spot
Looks gorgeous, would go there if I could afford to get to Portsmouth lol
It's worth a visit
@@AdventureMe if I could get on s coach tour from West Yorkshire down there I'd go 👍
I have to correct you, the postman pat ride used in Mr Bean was actually outside the last building on the left as you leave the fair. I had a summer job there on one of the roller coasters in 1980.
My dad lived at Gosport, and we visited Southsea a couple of times. The first time I was amazed to see a naval monument identical to that on the lines at Chatham, where I live. I believe there is one at Plymouth too.
Thanks for watching Michael.
All we ever hear about in Canada is Brighton. Didn't know this walk even existed. Thanks!
Plenty of coastal resorts in the U.K as good if not better than Brighton, but it's all that seems to be publicised due to its proximity to London.
Also Southsea was in the who musical the who which was mostly filmed in Portsmouth. That film also caused a fire on the pier that you see in the film too
Great video we’re looking forward to pay a visit
Great vid, the cockleshell heroes set off from the Royal Marines museum, if you are interested in World War 2 history, just to let you know.
I was surprised you never mentioned the forts in the middle of the sea, fort spitbank being one. The next step will be even better for history heading into old Portsmouth seeing the links between first settlers of Australia (Sydney have a matching link chains in gold) the square and round tower and the famous high street known for admiral lord nelson last stay, John pounds famous ragged school and the killing of the Duke of Buckingham. If your going all over Portsmouth definitely visit wymering manor and over the road in the graveyard lays Jane Austen’s brother Francis grave which your be able to see.
Thanks Julie. I have a second part in two weeks covering Portsmouth Dockside. It covers a lot of what you said, but there will be more to come if I can get back down this summer.
I have never been 2 Southsea and Portmouth
A little bit different Sunday morning video, but still well worth the time to watch. Cheers.
Thanks mate, I thought I would try something since I was there.
Just for info, Southsea isn't 'just outside Portsmouth'. It's very much part of the City of Portsmouth
Yeah I know. I meant outside the center.
To add some info, the Landing Craft is the last surviving landing craft of D Day, it landed at Gold Beach June 6th 1944. The forts out in the Solent are part of a ring of defences that surround Portsmouth called "Palmerston's Follies" as they never saw action. At the end, if you'd gone just another 100 yards past the Brewers, you would have been where Nelson took his last steps on English soil....good vid though
Where you did your end piece to camera is the last place Admiral Nelson stood on before getting in a small boat out to HMS Victory, then off to the battle of Trafalgar. I believe .
Very interesting. Thanks Alan
I’ve had the privilege of having multiple Christmas work parties in the Royal Marines museum building on the complex you mentioned. I think you would really like to see it inside check it out or you haven’t already been. We were lucky enough to be able to see much of the exhibits as they come just off the function room.
I haven't as yet, but hopefully one day.
First time I seen your videos ( this one and the Portsmouth). Been to this area a few times .last time about five Years ago. Enjoyed the video very much but what I can't get is the amount of people around during the lockdown. No wonder there been an high number of cases in Hampshire. Thanks for the video and the information👍
Thanks Derek. This was filmed during summer 2020, I think it was July. Lot more relaxed back then.
Should have mentioned the D-Day museum behind the landing craft.
The last time SP Pier burnt down was during the filming of the Who film Tommy.
The hovercraft is the only commercial passenger craft in the world.
There used to be a nudist beach at the extreme end of Eastney beach, not sure if it still is.
Love Portsmouth
Blue reef aquarium once used to be called sea life. I was only 10 when it changed name
Hey Darren
Interestingly, Ralph Hancock had pitched an idea to the City Corporation to turn the abandoned Lumps Fort into a version of the Gardens of the Nations he had built in New York City on top of the Rockefeller Center.
To be named “Gardens of the World”, Hancock’s plans included gardens representing Italy, Japan, Spain, France, Canada, Holland, the USA, Germany, Sweden, Mexico and China. As well as a modern layout and a bird sanctuary. All within the four acre site that was currently occupied by the derelict fort.
Hancock went on to say that the Ambassadors of the nations whose gardens were represented could be invited to open their respective garden. Coats of arms would be installed on the walls and at night they could be floodlit.
Visitors would be charged 6d a visit with season tickets and free days being made available to local residents. Special tickets for school children could also be made available as the gardens would have a distinct educational value to them.
Eventually, the Corporation rejected the plans as WW2 loomed and the fort was used to train special forces. After cessation of the war, the Rose Gardens were developed and opened.
Thanks mate. I never knew that
Southsea beach is naturally sandy (there is a huge sand bar between Eastney & Hayling Island) the shingle was put there to stop erosion & during storms it is often washed away leaving a sandy beach.
Thanks. I didn't know that.
Southsea isn't outside Portsmouth, it's a part of Portsmouth.
Yes I know. Slip of the tongue
Outside Portsmouth!!! Apart from that nice film.
Cheers Rob. Outside the Portsmouth area is what I meant. I have done a separate Portsmouth video, so I wanted to distinguish them as their own thing.
Just so long as you don't say that Cosham is in Portsmouth 🤣
Southsea is an area of Portsmouth, it isn't outside it at all. Everywhere on Portsea Island is "Portsmouth", off Portsea Island is Portsmouth area.
I’ve been to Portsmouth but not Southsea. I do know Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower and the city centre. Plus you can also see the Spinnaker Tower from Gosport on the other side.
Hopefully you enjoyed it as much as i did.
Fantastic love the History and giving me ideas about history. As you know I play in a Brass band Slaithwaite band. But thinking doing my history on local Brass Bands in film xx
You should, people are always interested.
Agreed
You forgot to mention that pinball wizard, the movie was filmed on Southsea pier, and they burnt the end of it down😮
It looks really clean down their when was that video filmed
August 2020
great video
Thanks Lawrence
Love the video but trust me that beach is not pleasant to walk on 😂
Why do you think I avoided it. 😃
Good video again Darren. One place I've never been, not even to watch Leeds utd
It's a nice part of the U.K. You should drop in.
Hi Darren, only recently found your channel, very interesting indeed, especially this particular video (and the other Portsmouth ones), as I'm a local.
Just a snippet of info for you if you didn't know (and if not already mentioned in the comments), the 1955 film The Cockleshell Heroes was filmed at the Eastney Barracks. If you've not seen the film, definitely worth a watch. It was about Operation Frankton from the second world war, and produced by Cubby Broccoli of James Bond fame.
Not only was it filmed there, it was the actual base for the participants, the shed that was their base was still there around 20 years ago, I never saw it in that video, but it was at the roadside just in front of the barracks.
Thanks for watching
Thanks for doing this video...
No problem. Thanks for watching. Another coming on the 7th Feb.
Lovely video pal, cheered me up thinking of warm summer hols by the beach. One question though, why wasn't barney with you? Bet he'd of loved it
He was at his nannas not far away. He'd much prefer that. Biscuits on tap.
Canoe Lake is the last remnant of the Great Morass, which was a marsh covering square miles of Southsea and is poorly documented in history books. The seafront is already changing, as Clarence Pier is having the sea defences renewed.