Portsdown Hill East

Hill, Mountain in Hampshire

England

Portsdown Hill East

Harbour Heights Apartments on Portsdown Hill Road. — Harbour Heights Credit: Barry Shimmon

Portsdown Hill East is a prominent geographical feature located in Hampshire, England. It is part of the larger Portsdown Hill range, which stretches approximately seven miles along the northern edge of Portsmouth. The hill is situated on the eastern side of the range and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

At an elevation of 131 meters (430 feet), Portsdown Hill East is not technically classified as a mountain but rather a hill. Nevertheless, its commanding position provides visitors with panoramic vistas of the city of Portsmouth, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight.

The hill is rich in history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. During World War II, it played a crucial role in the defense of Portsmouth as a strategic military location. Several fortifications were built along the hill, including Fort Widley and Fort Purbrook, which are now popular tourist attractions.

Today, Portsdown Hill East is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers various walking trails and cycling routes, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. The hill is also home to diverse wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.

In addition to its natural and historical significance, Portsdown Hill East is well-known for hosting the annual Portsdown Hill Classic Car Show, attracting car enthusiasts from all over the country. The event showcases a wide range of classic and vintage vehicles, making it a must-visit for car lovers.

Overall, Portsdown Hill East offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and recreational opportunities, making it an appealing destination for locals and tourists alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Portsdown Hill East Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.856496/-1.0896847 or Grid Reference SU6406. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Harbour Heights

Apartments on Portsdown Hill Road.

Barry Shimmon

Portsdown Hill, looking towards Portchester

The keep of Portchester Castle can be seen in the wooded promontory in the middle distance, with the Isle of Wight in the far distance.

David Martin

Portsdown Hill, looking over Queen Alexandra Hospital

The nearest water is Langstone Harbour, with Hayling Island beyond; the English Channel just appears on the misty horizon.

David Martin

Ford in Pigeon House Lane

David Martin

Looking down Mill Lane

Narrow lane descending the dip slope of Portsdown Hill.

David Martin

Mill Lane, near Fort Widley

There is a popular car park with burger van at the top of Mill Lane, with wide views over Portsmouth. North from there, the lane descends the dip slope of Portsdown Hill.

David Martin

Pall Corporation offices, overlooking crossroad, Paulsgrove

In the 1990s this road junction was in the form of a large roundabout, long before these offices were built.

David Martin

Naval Research Centre

A section of a photo taken from Portchester Castle

Peter Jeffery

Boats in Port Solent Marina

David Martin

Boats in Port Solent Marina

David Martin

Looking northwards from Portsdown Hill

Peter Shimmon

Portsdown Main from Portchester Castle

It was designed in the 1930s as a building which would be located somewhere in the UK. The Second World War prevented further progress and it was eventually built on Portsdown in 1952. From then to the 1980s over two thousand scientists and technical staff of the Admiralty Signals and Radar Establishment and/or Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment (ASWE) contributed their creative skills to the nation’s defence. Portsdown Main finally closed its gates on 1 January 1997 and in April 2010, it was decided that it was to be demolished. It was owned by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, part of the MoD, which admitted defeat in its attempts to sell it, after a survey pronounced it structurally unsafe. Demolition was completed during September 2011.

Jo and Steve Turner

Ford on Pigeon House Lane

Not what you would expect only a couple of miles from Portsmouth's urban sprawl.

Jonathan Thacker

Potwell House

Ministry of Defence premises on the horizon.Now part of Portsdown Technology Park.

Jonathan Thacker

Harbour Heights, Portsdown

Apartments.

Jonathan Thacker

Looking down the Solent from above the South Downs

With Gosport and Portsea Island to the right and left of Portsmouth Harbour in the centre, and Langstone Harbour and Hayling Island at lower left.

M J Richardson

Portsdown Hill

Portsdown Hill is Portsmouth's natural northern wall of chalk downland, rising above almost sheer from the developed coastal strip. On the crest are the huge 19th century forts from the time of Lord Palmerston, as well as very conspicuous mid-20th century naval installations. To the south there are fabulous views over Portsmouth and to the Isle of Wight, as well as to Langstone Harbour, Chichester Harbour and Selsey to the east, and towards Southampton in the west. To the north is largely unspoilt countryside. This view from just below James Callaghan Drive looks westwards towards Langstone Harbour.

Marathon