# Gosport: Full Reference > Local news and community guide for Gosport, Hampshire. A naval town on Portsmouth Harbour with rich military heritage and waterfront character. ## Areas ### Town Centre Gosport Town Centre is the commercial and civic heart of the borough, centred on the High Street and the pedestrianised precinct that runs from the bus station down to the waterfront. The High Street has been the principal shopping thoroughfare since the town's growth in the eighteenth century, thou... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/town-centre ### Stokes Bay Stokes Bay is Gosport's principal beach and recreational waterfront, a long curving stretch of shingle facing south across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight. The bay runs from Gilkicker Point in the east to the edge of Alverstoke in the west, backed by a wide belt of open grass and the Bay Road c... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/stokes-bay ### Alverstoke Alverstoke is the most affluent part of Gosport, a distinct village settlement that predates the town itself by several centuries. It sits between Stokes Bay and the main body of Gosport, centred on the crossroads where Alverstoke Road meets Stoke Road and The Avenue. The area retains a village feel... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/alverstoke ### Haslar Haslar occupies the south-eastern tip of the Gosport peninsula, a strategically important area shaped almost entirely by the Royal Navy. The dominant building is the former Royal Naval Hospital Haslar, a vast Georgian complex built between 1746 and 1762 that was the largest brick building in Europe ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/haslar ### Hardway Hardway is a waterfront neighbourhood on the western shore of Portsmouth Harbour, roughly a mile north of the town centre. The name derives from the 'hard way', the paved slipway that provided a firm landing point on the muddy foreshore. Hardway has been a working waterfront for centuries, and the h... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/hardway ### Elson Elson is the main residential area in the northern part of the Gosport peninsula, stretching from the harbour shore on the east to the Fareham boundary on the west. It is primarily a twentieth-century development, with large council-built estates from the 1930s through to the 1960s, supplemented by ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/elson ### Rowner Rowner is a large residential estate in the western part of Gosport, originally built in the 1950s and 1960s to provide housing for naval families and workers in the expanding post-war town. The estate was a product of its era, with system-built housing, open-plan layouts, and a neighbourhood centre... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/rowner ### Anglesey Anglesey is a residential neighbourhood in the heart of Gosport, taking its name from Anglesey Lake, a large freshwater lake that forms the centrepiece of Walpole Park. The park and lake together create one of the most pleasant green spaces in the borough, popular with dog walkers, joggers, and fami... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/anglesey ### Forton Forton is the area west of the town centre, centred on Forton Road, one of Gosport's longest and most varied streets. Forton Road runs from the junction with the High Street westward towards Brockhurst and HMS Sultan, and its character changes along its length. The eastern end, closer to the town ce... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/forton ### Brockhurst Brockhurst is a residential area in the western part of Gosport, straddling the main A32 road that provides the sole road route off the peninsula towards Fareham and the motorway network. The area takes its name from Fort Brockhurst, one of the Palmerston Forts built in the 1860s to defend Gosport f... URL: https://www.gosport.news/areas/brockhurst ## Guides ### Restaurants in Gosport Gosport's restaurant scene is modest compared to neighbouring Portsmouth, but the borough has a decent spread of places to eat if you know where to look. The town centre offers the most concentrated ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/restaurants ### Cafes in Gosport Gosport has a reasonable selection of cafes spread across the borough, from the town centre to the seafront at Stokes Bay. The High Street area has several options for daytime coffee and food. The Di... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/cafes ### Pubs in Gosport Gosport has a solid selection of pubs reflecting the town's long history as a naval garrison. For centuries, pubs served the thousands of sailors, soldiers, and dockyard workers who lived and passed t... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/pubs ### Takeaways in Gosport Gosport has a plentiful supply of takeaways spread across the borough, with the heaviest concentration on the High Street, Forton Road, and Stoke Road. Fish and chips is the traditional takeaway of c... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/takeaways ### Fish and Chips in Gosport Fish and chips is deeply woven into the culture of a naval port town, and Gosport has been eating fried fish since long before it became the national dish. The town centre has several fish and chip s... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/fish-and-chips ### Doctors in Gosport Gosport has several GP surgeries spread across the borough, serving the population of around 84,000. Like many areas, access to GP appointments can be variable depending on demand and staffing levels.... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/doctors ### Dentists in Gosport Finding an NHS dentist in Gosport accepting new patients can be challenging, a situation familiar across much of Hampshire and indeed the country. Several dental practices operate in the borough, but ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/dentists ### Pharmacies in Gosport Gosport has a good distribution of pharmacies across the borough, ensuring that most residents have a chemist within reasonable walking or driving distance. The High Street has branches of major phar... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/pharmacies ### Schools in Gosport Gosport has a full range of state schools covering primary, secondary, and further education, serving the borough's population of around 84,000. Primary schools are distributed across the residential... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/schools ### Primary Schools in Gosport Gosport has a network of primary schools serving the borough's residential areas, providing education for children from Reception through to Year 6. The schools are spread across the peninsula, with ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/primary-schools ### Parking in Gosport Parking in Gosport is generally straightforward compared to nearby Portsmouth, though the town centre and Stokes Bay can fill up at busy times. The main public car parks in the town centre are around... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/parking ### Buses in Gosport Buses are the main form of public transport within Gosport and for connections to Fareham and the wider area. The bus station on South Street in the town centre serves as the main hub. First Bus oper... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/buses ### The Gosport Ferry The Gosport Ferry is the quickest and most direct route between Gosport and Portsmouth, crossing Portsmouth Harbour in roughly four minutes. For thousands of Gosport residents, it is a daily part of l... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/ferry ### Getting to Gosport Gosport sits on a peninsula on the western shore of Portsmouth Harbour, and its geography means there is only one road in and out. This shapes how everyone gets to and from the town. By road, the A32... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/getting-here ### Property in Gosport Gosport offers some of the most affordable property in the south Hampshire area, which has made it attractive to first-time buyers and those priced out of Portsmouth, Fareham, and the surrounding town... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/property ### Estate Agents in Gosport Gosport has a mix of national chain estate agents and local independents, most with offices on or near the High Street and Stoke Road. The main chains present in the borough include Jeffries, Pearson... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/estate-agents ### Council Tax in Gosport Council tax in Gosport is set by Gosport Borough Council, with additional precepts from Hampshire County Council, the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/council-tax ### Postcodes in Gosport Gosport falls primarily within the PO12 postcode district, with the western part of the borough, including Rowner and the areas bordering Lee-on-the-Solent, covered by PO13. PO12 covers the main body... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/postcode ### Population of Gosport The population of Gosport borough is approximately 84,000, making it one of the smaller boroughs in Hampshire but one of the most densely populated. The peninsula geography constrains the borough's p... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/population ### Crime in Gosport Gosport's crime rates are broadly average for a town of its size and character in southern England. It is neither especially dangerous nor unusually safe, and the picture varies significantly between ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/crime ### Things to Do in Gosport Gosport has more to offer visitors and residents than its reputation might suggest. The combination of naval heritage, waterfront setting, and outdoor space provides a genuinely varied selection of th... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/things-to-do ### Walks in Gosport Gosport's peninsula geography and waterfront position make it a surprisingly good place for walking, with routes along the harbour, the Solent coast, and through green spaces. The Millennium Promenad... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/walks ### Parks in Gosport Gosport has a reasonable amount of green space for a densely built-up urban area, with parks, recreation grounds, and a country park serving different parts of the borough. Walpole Park is the princi... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/parks ### Dog Walking in Gosport Gosport is a good borough for dog owners, with a variety of beaches, parks, and waterfront walks offering plenty of space for dogs to exercise. Stokes Bay beach is the most popular dog walking destin... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/dog-walking ### Gyms in Gosport Gosport has a reasonable selection of gym and fitness facilities for a town of its size, ranging from the council-run leisure centre to private gyms and specialist studios. The Holbrook Recreation Ce... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/gyms ### Swimming in Gosport Swimming options in Gosport include the indoor pool at the Holbrook Recreation Centre and open water swimming at Stokes Bay. The Holbrook Recreation Centre has the borough's main public swimming pool... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/swimming ### Sailing in Gosport Gosport's position on Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent makes it a natural sailing location, and the borough has a strong maritime tradition that extends well beyond the Royal Navy. Stokes Bay Sailin... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/sailing ### Churches in Gosport Gosport has a range of churches serving different Christian traditions, reflecting the borough's history as a garrison town with a diverse population. Trinity Church on the High Street is the most pr... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/churches ### Markets in Gosport Gosport has a modest market tradition, with periodic markets on the High Street and in the town centre area. The High Street hosts markets at various intervals, typically featuring a mix of stalls se... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/markets ### Shopping in Gosport Gosport's shopping offer is centred on the High Street and the town centre, supplemented by local parades in the residential areas. The High Street provides the main concentration of shops, though it... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/shops ### Hairdressers in Gosport Gosport has a plentiful supply of hairdressers and barbers distributed across the town centre and the residential areas. The High Street and Stoke Road have the highest concentration of salons, with ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/hairdressers ### History of Gosport Gosport's history is inseparable from Portsmouth Harbour and the Royal Navy. For over four centuries, the town's purpose, population, economy, and character have been shaped by its position opposite t... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/history ### Weather in Gosport Gosport benefits from a mild coastal climate, sitting on the south coast of England where the warming influence of the English Channel moderates temperatures year-round. Summers are typically warm, w... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/weather ### Community Groups in Gosport Gosport has an active community sector, with voluntary groups, clubs, and societies covering a wide range of interests and providing support services across the borough. The Gosport Voluntary Action ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/community-groups ### Supermarkets in Gosport Gosport has a reasonable selection of supermarkets for a borough of its size, though the range is not as wide as you might find in Fareham or Portsmouth. The main options cover the budget end through ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/supermarkets ### Hospitals Near Gosport Gosport does not have a major acute hospital within the borough. The nearest full accident and emergency department is at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, which is run by Portsmouth Hospitals Unive... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/hospitals ### Vets in Gosport Gosport has a number of veterinary practices serving the borough's pet owners, covering routine care, vaccinations, surgery, and emergency treatment. The borough has a high rate of pet ownership, part... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/vets ### Secondary Schools in Gosport Gosport has three main state secondary schools serving the borough, and the choice of school is a significant concern for families living here. The borough does not operate a grammar school system, so... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/secondary-schools ### Nurseries in Gosport Gosport has a range of nurseries and pre-schools serving families with young children, from birth up to school age. The options include private day nurseries, pre-schools attached to primary schools, ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/nurseries ### Trains Near Gosport Gosport does not have a railway station. The town lost its rail connection in 1953 when the Gosport to Fareham branch line closed, and despite occasional talk of reopening over the decades, there is n... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/trains ### Taxis in Gosport Taxis are a practical way to get around Gosport, particularly for trips to Fareham station, late-night journeys home, or getting to Queen Alexandra Hospital when public transport is not convenient. Th... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/taxis ### Gosport Borough Council Gosport Borough Council is the local district authority for the borough. It is one of the smaller councils in Hampshire and is responsible for a range of local services including planning, housing, wa... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/council ### Cycling in Gosport Gosport is well suited to cycling. The borough is flat, compact, and has a growing network of cycle paths and shared-use routes that make it possible to get around without needing a car for many journ... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/cycling ### Fishing in Gosport Gosport's position on the western side of Portsmouth Harbour, with the Solent to the south, makes it a solid location for sea fishing. There is no coarse or game fishing to speak of in the borough its... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/fishing ### Events in Gosport Gosport has a calendar of events that picks up significantly during the summer months, taking advantage of the borough's waterfront location and outdoor spaces. The range is not as wide as in larger t... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/events ### Gosport High Street Gosport High Street runs through the heart of the town centre, connecting the bus station and ferry terminal area to the northern end of the shopping district. It is a pedestrianised street for most o... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/high-street ### Cinema Near Gosport Gosport does not have a cinema. The borough lost its last cinema some years ago, and there is no current plan to open a new one. For residents wanting to see a film on the big screen, the nearest opti... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/cinema ### Gosport Library Gosport's main library is housed in the Discovery Centre on the High Street. The Discovery Centre is a combined library, museum, and community facility that opened in its current form as part of an ef... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/library ### Leisure Centre in Gosport Gosport's main public leisure facility is the Holbrook Recreation Centre, located on Wych Lane in the Bridgemary area. It is operated by the council's leisure partner and provides the borough's primar... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/leisure-centre ### Jobs in Gosport Gosport's job market has historically been shaped by the military and defence sector, and while the borough has diversified to some extent, these connections remain important. The town's geography, si... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/jobs ### Recycling Centre in Gosport Gosport's household waste recycling centre is located on Grange Road, in the northern part of the borough close to the Rowner area. It is operated by Hampshire County Council as part of the county-wid... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/recycling-centre ### Football in Gosport Football has a strong presence in Gosport, from the semi-professional club that represents the borough to the grassroots leagues and junior football that keep the pitches busy at weekends. Gosport Bo... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/football ### Museums in Gosport Gosport has a stronger museum offer than many towns of its size, thanks to the borough's deep naval and military heritage. The main attractions are nationally significant and draw visitors from well b... URL: https://www.gosport.news/guide/museum ## History - Medieval to present: The Gosport Ferry: Centuries of Harbour Crossing - c. 700: Saxon Settlement and the Name Gosport - 1539: Henry VIII Orders Harbour Defences - 1710s: Fort Blockhouse Rebuilt and Expanded - 1753: Royal Naval Hospital Haslar Opens - 1756-1770: Construction of the Gosport Lines - 1841: Gosport Railway Opens - 1860s: Palmerston Forts Built Around Gosport - 1905: HMS Sultan Established as Naval Training Base - 1940-1944: Gosport Bombed During the Second World War - 1950s-1960s: Rowner Estate Built for Naval Families - 1953: Gosport Railway Closes to Passengers - 1981: Royal Navy Submarine Museum Opens to the Public - 2001: Explosion Museum Opens at Priddy's Hard - 2009-present: Royal Naval Hospital Haslar Closes and Redevelopment Begins - 2012: Gosport Discovery Centre Opens on the Waterfront ## Streets - High Street - Stoke Road - Forton Road - South Street - Bury Road - Clarence Road - Alverstoke Road - Marine Parade East - Mumby Road - Spring Garden Lane - Privett Road - Brockhurst Road - Rowner Lane - Trinity Green - St George's Road - Military Road - Haslar Road - Turk Street - Lifeboat Lane - Ferryboat Lane - Bemister's Lane - Ann's Hill Road - Queens Road - Clayhall Road - Elson Road - Nimrod Drive - Stokes Bay Road - Priory Road - The Avenue - St Mark's Road ## Places - The Alverbank Hotel (Restaurants) - Gosport Discovery Centre (Landmarks) - Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower (Landmarks) - Royal Navy Submarine Museum (Landmarks) - Haslar Marina (Landmarks) - Trinity Church (Churches) - Bay House School (Schools) - Brune Park Community School (Schools) - St Vincent College (Schools) - St Mary's Church, Alverstoke (Churches) - Fort Brockhurst (Landmarks) - The Jolly Roger (Pubs) - The Anglesey Arms (Pubs) - Walpole Park (Landmarks) - Stokes Bay Beach (Landmarks) - Holbrook Recreation Centre (Landmarks) - No. 2 Battery (Landmarks) - Alverstoke Church of England Junior School (Schools)