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Historic Parks and Gardens

The English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England contains nearly 1450 sites. While there are many parks and gardens that are historic and make a valuable contribution to an area’s visual and recreational attractiveness, only those deemed to be of ‘special historic interest (based on the survival, quality and interest of their historic structure are included in the register.

Three of Portsmouth’s open spaces are included in the Register: - Victoria Park, Southsea Common & the southern part of Kingston Cemetery.

Victoria Park

This 3.5 hectare park, opened in 1878, is situated adjacent to the Guildhall Square, providing an important green space in the heart of the city. It is roughly square in shape and has entrances on all four corners, the north western one marked by an original lodge, now housing a small café and arts centre. The park combines the formal element if a diagonal axis with a meandering perimeter walk and a further series of smaller paths through the grassland and flower beds. The park is home to a variety of grade II listed monuments, an original Fountain, as well as a central aviary and small animal enclosure.

Kingston Cemetery (southern section)

Kingston Cemetery was opened in 1856, in response to the Burial Board Act of 1854. The cemetery was later extended and reached its present day extent of around 20 hectares in 1910. Only the original part, immediately north of St Mary’s Road, laid out by Portsea Burial Board Surveyor Charles Smith, is registered. A central drive, lined with tress runs through the length of the cemetery, connecting the symmetrical pattern of straight paths in the southern section with the contrasting layout of circles and curved paths in the northern section. The grounds contain a pair of grade II listed neo-gothic chapels by George Rake, who also designed the entrance gates.

Southsea Common

During the 19^th century, Southsea’s period of development as a seaside resort, the Common was gradually laid out as a pleasure ground. It now comprises 82 hectares of land between the sea and a line of seaward facing, mainly housing development. It is dominated by a vast expanse of grassland, but includes a variety of very different elements, including of parkland with a series of tree-lined avenues (including the ladies’ mile), the rock gardens and the canoe lake. Southsea Castle, built in the 1540s and a WWII memorial are also dominant features. The Common is by far the largest expanse of open space in the city and serves an important function in terms of informal recreation as well as for organised events, particularly in the summer months.

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