If you’re looking at booking a holiday on the south coast of England that’s rich with stunning scenery, sandy beaches and historic maritime heritage, then look no further than Portsmouth.
Portsmouth is known as the Great Waterfront City and is also the birthplace of Charles Dickens, so it is not surprising that it is packed with history and world-class attractions. A visit to Portsmouth’s historic dockyard makes a great day out for the whole family. Here you can come face to face with the Tudor Ship Mary Rose, learn about the Battle of Trafalgar with a visit to HMS Victory and step onboard Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship Warrior.
Step slightly outside Portsmouth and you are perfectly situated to explore other parts of the south coast and Isle of Wight. Both the New Forest and South Downs National Parks are just a short drive away from the city and offer stunning scenery, wonderful walks and picturesque villages. A holiday near Portsmouth really does offer you everything, so start booking today!
With Portsmouth holiday cottages scattered around the city and many more self-catering accommodation options in the surrounding countryside, there are so many great holiday rentals to choose from. To help with your holiday inspiration, we at Breakfree Holidays have put together a collection of the top self-catering holiday homes near Portsmouth to help you narrow it down. We’re sure you’ll find something you love on the beautiful south coast!
Breakfree Holidays’ Top 6 Holiday Cottages near Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Ocean View, Hayling Island
- Battery House, Portsmouth
- Rabbit’s Warren, Titchfield Common
- Burford House, Ryde – Isle of Wight
- Shafts Barn, West Meon
- Apartment 2, Southsea – Portsmouth
Ocean View
Location: Hayling Island, Hampshire
Great for: A beautiful beachfront property with stunning coastal views
This delightful beachfront holiday home is situated on the scenic Hayling Island and has stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. The island is home to three incredible beaches and is perfect for families, walkers and nature lovers. For the active members of your group, they can head along the four-mile long Hayling Billy coastal path for some incredible views and wildlife. The area is also great for all types of sports including windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing and golf. There is plenty to entertain the younger members too. Head to Funland Amusement Park for some exhilarating roller coaster rides, or simply take buckets and spades to one of the gorgeous sandy beaches for a day of sandcastle building.
Facilities: This stunning coastal cottage can accommodate up to seven guests in three bedrooms, making it the perfect place for large families or groups of friends. Two of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor, making it ideal for people who are less mobile. It is also dog friendly, meaning your four-legged friend can enjoy the beautiful countryside and coast with you. On the first floor, you will find the open plan living space which takes full advantage of the incredible views. You can cook incredible dinners for your guests in the very well equipped kitchen, and there is a washing machine and dishwasher to help with the clearing up – you are on holiday after all! The lounge area has plenty of comfortable seating and a large TV with Sky TV Signature Package, Netflix and Wi-Fi, so there is always plenty to watch in the evenings after a busy day on the beach.
Step out onto the balcony with its incredible sea views, and enjoy an evening drink while catching the last rays of the sun. There is a large, enclosed garden with a barbecue and outdoor seating too – perfect for enjoying a summer’s evening and dining al fresco! With off-road parking for two cars, stunning views and the great location right on the beach, you can easily see why this is one of our favourite holiday rentals near Portsmouth.
Battery House
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Great for: A unique property in an enviable position on the Portsmouth coast
This incredible self-catering accommodation brings endless amenities right to your doorste. Step out into the cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth and onto the Portsmouth Coast, the picturesque Hotwalls Beach and Victoria Pier. For family-friendly activities, head to Clarence Pier. With arcades and the Pirates and Princesses indoor adventure playground, there is plenty of fun to be had, no matter the weather. For those looking to get a more historic experience, head to the city’s harbour and visit the historic sights of the Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Dockyard, the Maritime Museum of the HMS Warrior and the Spinnaker Tower. There really is something to interest the whole family here. Those looking for a bit of retail therapy can head to the nearby Gunwharf Quays which is the South coasts leading designer shopping outlet and home to over 90 famous brands.
There are even more world-class attractions to visit across the water in Gosport including the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, the Little Woodham Living History Village and the nearby Alver Valley Country Park.
Facilities: This incredible four-story property located in a central location in the heart of Old Portsmouth is perfect for guests looking to explore the beautiful city with friends or family. Accommodating up to eight guests, you will find the open plan living area up on the third floor where you can enjoy incredible views. The kitchen is well equipped and includes an electric oven, gas hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher, and there is a separate utility room with a washing machine, tumble dryer and ironing board.
Heading further up the house, you will find the exquisite roof terrace with decking and plenty of outdoor furniture. You can enjoy dining al fresco in the sunshine where you have elevated views of Portsmouth and across the sea. This self-catering accommodation is also dog friendly, meaning they accept dogs, making it an easy favourite of the holiday homes in Portsmouth.
Rabbit’s Warren
Location: Titchfield Common, Hampshire
Great for: A wonderful apartment for a romantic getaway on the grounds of Abshot Manor and Country Club
Rabbit’s Warren is one of two luxury, well-presented holiday cottages set within the grounds of Abshot Manor and Country Club. The property has complimentary use of the tennis courts and gym as well as the wonderful spa – ideal for a relaxing day after exploring the area. Located just two miles from Titchfield, which is well known for its charming, picturesque centre, the imposing Abbey ruins and the Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve wetland habitat, it’s an ideal haven for bird watchers and there is plenty to do in the area.
A short drive away is the beautiful and historic city of Portsmouth with its wonderful selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Visit Portsmouth Cathedral, the famous Kings Theatre and the historic dockyards while you’re in town. With easy access to the New Forest National Park, there are plenty of walking trails and cycle tracks to explore for the more active members of your party too.
Facilities: Rabbit’s Warren is a luxury cottage that sleeps two guests and has a beautiful open plan living layout. The master bedroom has a king-size double bed and en suite bedroom. There is a very well equipped kitchen with all the appliances you would expect in a self-catering accommodation of this quality. The comfy sofa in front of the wood-burning stove is the ideal place to sit and relax after a busy day exploring the surrounding countryside.
Open the bi-folding doors, and step out into the wonderful lawned garden with its own picnic bench to enjoy a tasty sundowner at the end of the day. Holiday rentals don’t get much better than Rabbit’s Warren, and we’re sure you’ll love this incredibly luxurious self-catering accommodation too.
Burford House
Location: Ryde, Isle of Wight
Great for: Large groups looking for holiday accommodation near beautiful sandy beaches
This large impressive Georgian villa sits within a beautiful conservation site in the seaside town of Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Located in the ideal place for a wonderful family holiday, this is one of the best self-catering accommodation properties you will come across in the area. Head down to the wide sandy beach that is just moments away, or head into the centre of Ryde, with the hustle and bustle of the shops, boutiques, bars and cafes.
With the passenger and car ferry, you can be in stunning Portsmouth, Hampshire in just 22 minutes, making it the ideal place for a day trip. Visit Portsmouth Cathedral and the Mary Rose Museum. For those guests looking for a little retail therapy, take a trip to Gunwharf Quays. The Isle of Wight and Portsmouth is perfect for family holidays and getaways with friends.
Facilities: This incredible property can accommodate up to 12 guests in six bedrooms in a combination of double and twin rooms, making it the ultimate accommodation for entertaining large families or groups of friends. The large sitting room is located at the front of the house and has masses of comfortable seating as well as a large TV with Sky+, making it the perfect place to rest after a busy day exploring the area. Next door, you will find the formal dining room which has a beautiful table that can seat 12 guests easily for dinner. The large kitchen is light and airy as it has plenty of natural light from the French windows that lead out into the garden. It is fully equipped with everything you might need during your stay, including a gas range oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and the all-important dishwasher to help with the cleaning up afterwards. There is also a children’s snug with its own TV and plenty of games and books to keep the little ones occupied.
There is a really lovely walled garden at the rear of the property which has a raised lawn, mature flower beds and a patio area with outdoor seating ready for al fresco dining during the summer months. This is all protected by the magnificent island-stone walls. Burford House is a real gem of a property. Make your booking with Breakfree Holidays today!
Shafts Barn
Location: West Meon, Hampshire
Great for: A stunning property with direct access to superb walking and cycling tracks
Situated in the picturesque village of West Meon, Shafts Barn is just a few minutes’ walk from the local village store, café and butcher, as well as the Thomas Lord pub. You really do have everything you need on the doorstep of this wonderful self-catering accommodation. With the cathedral cities of Winchester and Chichester both nearby, this is the perfect spot for your next family holiday. The wonderful city of Portsmouth is less than half an hour away, and with its Historic Dockyard, the Mary Rose Museum and Portsmouth Cathedral, it makes a great day out for the whole family.
This wonderful self-catering holiday home is in a great location and offers direct access to many superb walking tracks and cycle paths on the South Downs Way. It is also close to the disused Meon Valley Railway, which stretches for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon, so there are plenty of chances to get out and explore the stunning scenery. It’s easy to see why this is one of our favourite holiday lettings near Portsmouth.
Facilities: Inside this gorgeous property, you will see that it has kept all of its original timber structure, giving it a lovely, cosy atmosphere with plenty of homely touches. With two bedrooms – one king-size and one twin – it is perfect for a small family or a group of friends looking to explore Hampshire. The living room has a lovely wood-burning stove, TV and Wi-Fi, making it the perfect place to settle down and watch TV or a movie after a busy day in the countryside. Open the French doors, and you’ll find the superb private garden with a paved seating area, BBQ and even a children’s sandpit. Additionally, there is plenty of private parking available for guests, making this one of our favourite self-catering holiday lettings in the area. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with it too.
Apartment 2
Location: Southsea – Portsmouth, Hampshire
Great for: Wonderful apartment within walking distance of Southsea Common, Pier and Beach.
This lovely apartment has everything you could need right on its doorstep, with the popular Gunwharf Quays just over a mile away and the bustling centre of Portsmouth just a short journey away. The wonderful beach and shops of Southsea are just a few minutes’ stroll from the apartment, as is the beautiful Southsea Common. For a quiet, relaxing day, head down to the shoreside gardens where you will find a pier with funfair rides, the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Southsea Model Village. You can even take a trip to Canoe Lake for a ride on the pedal boats or for the kids to explore the popular children’s play area with equipment for all ages that includes a zip wire, sandpit and water area.
If history is your passion, you can visit the D-Day museum and memorial, the Cumberland House Natural History Museum or the moated castle which was built by Henry VIII, all of which are nearby and well worth a trip. From here you can even you can take a ride onboard the only operating hovercraft in the UK, Hovertravel, to enjoy a day trip to the Isle of Wight.
Facilities: Apartment 2 is the ideal property for a romantic getaway to explore Portsmouth and the surrounding countryside. With one bedroom, this property can sleep up to three guests and is ideal the ideal accommodation for a couple or a small family. There is one double room as well as a sofa bed located in the main living area, available for one child up to the age of 12. The open plan living/dining space is lovely and bright with high ceilings and a large bay window. The kitchen is modern and well equipped with everything you might need during your stay, and the property also comes with private off-street parking, ideal in the busy summer months when parking near the beaches can be difficult.
Experience the South Coast in Self-Catering Accommodation and Holiday Cottages Near Portsmouth, Hampshire
Is your heart set on a holiday to the beautiful Hampshire countryside and the stunning south coast? Are you looking for holiday rentals near Portsmouth but the above options don’t tick all your boxes? Don’t panic! At Breakfree Holidays, and our sister company Sykes Holiday Cottages, we know how important it is to find your perfect holiday home. We have so many to choose from, we are sure you will find your perfect holiday house. Just head over to our main website for some holiday inspiration, and explore more properties and destinations all across England and beyond. With secure payment options giving you financial protection, you can make your booking in the knowledge you are in good hands.
Whether you’re looking for self-catering accommodation in the countryside for a peaceful getaway or a city centre apartment for something a bit more exciting, we’re sure you’ll find something you love. Start booking your next holiday with Breakfree Holidays, and begin making unforgettable memories today!