Portchester

Portchester is on the eastern boundary of Fareham and is a place of great contrasts. Much of the area consists of modern residential and industrial development along either side of the A27 road and the railway, which link Fareham and Portsmouth. This part of Portchester has a railway station, a public library and health centre and a large shopping centre.

Although houses now rise up the lower slopes of Portsdown Hill, the top of the hill is still open and there are excellent views out across the town and Portsmouth Harbour, and in the opposite direction, across the fields and woodlands of rural Hampshire.

Heading out from the centre of Portchester, Castle Street leads to the highly impressive Portchester Castle.  Along the way there are many eighteenth century houses of varying size with much unspoilt character.

The cottage gardens also help to give the air of an old country village. In medieval times the town of Portchester was a borough outside the castle gates and in 1294 it was granted a market and fair.

A market is still held on Wednesdays between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm in Portchester's West Street.