This year has forced many of us to think hard about where and how we live. When the Government froze Stamp Duty, it made the perfect home, in the perfect location, that little closer to being a reality. Portsmouth is an alluring place for tourists and those lucky enough to call it their home.
Moving home is always stressful, but when you’re moving somewhere new, it can be difficult to organise your new start. Whether you’re stuck in a chain, or you need more than just a room for a few nights, we are here to explain why relocating to Portsmouth is the perfect choice for your next home and what you can do whilst you settle in. We can also provide you with a cosy home away from home.
Our short-term lets provide you with a home for up to four months whilst you prepare for moving to Portsmouth.
If you need a place to stay, we can give you a home that a hotel simply can’t provide. Refuse to be without your home comforts. Choose Places to Be instead.
A home away from home
We have warm and welcoming studios, apartments and houses with plenty of character in great locations whilst you are relocating to Portsmouth. All our properties are close to transport links, convenience stores, shops and takeaways. If you want a lazy night in with a night off cooking, we have plenty of places to recommend.
Forget the stress of setting up utilities. We include all bills within the monthly cost. You also get access to high-speed WiFi to allow you to work from home, or binge your favourite Netflix shows uninterrupted. We’ll even arrange visitor parking permits for you so your stay is hassle-free!
No need to bring boxes of all your household items as our places are fully kitted out. Relaxing living spaces with smart TVs and Bluetooth speakers. Alongside lovely bedrooms with comfy beds and linen, as well as space for your clothes.
There’s nothing quite like having your own cooking space either. From appliances like an oven, fridge, kettle and toaster to essentials including saucepans, utensils, crockery, glasses and the all-essential bottle opener (to crack open that bottle of wine once you’re through the door!). We even provide tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and cooking oil to get you started! So, all you need to do is your online grocery shop, or if you prefer to go yourself, check out our handy digital guidebook for your nearest shop.
Remembering to pack all the necessities can be a total pain. Which is why we also ensure each of our properties has towels in the bathroom, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and toilet roll, too.
Why move to Portsmouth?
Not only is it a wonderful seaside city, but it’s also steeped in rich history from the Royal Navy base that has been situated there since 1194. You won’t feel trapped moving to Portsmouth, though. You can get a ferry to the Isle of Wight, France and even the North of Spain in only 24 hours!
You won’t need to travel too far to experience our beautiful weather. After relocating to Portsmouth, you’ll discover our sunny micro-climate, caused by the Isle of Wight sitting out in front. The sun always shines in Southsea, so they say.
More locally, there’s plenty to explore. You will discover our beautiful green areas next to our seafront. Sit by and watch the boats come and go, or why not fall in love with our independent shops that deliver an outstanding experience to locals and tourists. If you like to dine out, you will face the difficult choice of experiencing something new or returning to one of your favourites – of which you will have many! From Restaurant 27 to Smile Cafe, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Of course, you’ll want to learn how Portsmouth became the amazing city it is today. Why not check out these amazing attractions whilst you wait for your keys?
Southsea Seafront
Start by taking a walk down our wonderful, shingley beach that stretches for more than two miles. If you don’t fancy a dip in the sea, you can play a game of mini-golf. There is also a nearby space that is perfect for barbeques and picnics.
If you’re keen to save money whilst you explore, then Southsea Beach is a vast area for you to do just that. If you’re planning a family adventure by the seaside, there’s lots for the kids to enjoy at Clarence Pier amusement park. For something more historic, you can visit South Parade Pier. Restored in 2017, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Museums and Activities
The city of Portsmouth is overflowing with museums and activities. If you’re moving to Portsmouth, there will be something for you. From the art gallery in Portsmouth Museum to the artillery fort that is Southsea Castle, you won’t be bored. For historians, we’d recommend the D Day Museum. Animal enthusiasts should visit the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Lord Nelson sailed the HMS Victory at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Though most of it has now been replaced, you can still experience the history embedded within it. Whilst you need to pay to board the ship, you can access the dockyard for free and have a walk around.
The ship is only the beginning of a large number of naval museums and attractions to quench your hunger for history. Not only is there Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, but you can explore The Mary Rose, HMS Warrior, HMS M.33, The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth, Boathouse 4, HMS Alliance, the Explosion Museum and so many more incredible pieces of naval history nearby.
If you want to take in as much of Portsmouth as possible, you’ll need to visit Spinnaker Tower. It is a 170 metre high tower showcasing the highlights across the Portsmouth landscape. Discover some of the fascinating stories of the people and places that have helped form Portsmouth’s rich history with the Sail of the Solent animated pre-show. Then, ascend to the view decks to see where all the action took place and delve into the secrets of this most fascinating sea and landscape, with the interactive i-view interpretation screens.
Eating Out
There’s nothing finer than relaxing with a book and a coffee. If that sounds perfect to you, then Portsmouth will be a dream. We have 22 coffee shops within walking distance of the beach right here in Southsea. If you like supporting artisan, independent shops, you will definitely want to check out Southsea Coffee. You can order coconut bacon, cashew cream & jam as well as your coffee beans to start your weekend right.
You’ll want to know where to eat when relocating to Portsmouth. Our independent restaurants are some of the finest around. Enjoy rustic-chic cuisine at Becketts, or experience some fine, unpretentious Indian dishes from Spice Merchants. There really are so many hidden gems waiting for you to move to Portsmouth.
Shopping
Take time to explore the independent retailers in Albert Road & Castle Road. Do you have a special occasion soon? Head Case Curios is the place for the perfect gift. If you like vintage clothing, then head to the Record Store. Those who are relocating to Portsmouth may also want to check out the amazing range of shabby chic furniture available at Revive Interiors. Artypotz Ceramics is a must, so you can create unique pottery for your new home when relocating to Portsmouth.
We understand that sometimes, you may need a spending spree at branded outlet stores. Gunwharf Quays can provide a perfect day out. Whilst we always recommend shopping locally, you will need to know where to go for bigger stores! Opened in 2001, Gunwharf Quays offers over 90 famous brands, often with some incredible discounts too including Yankee Candle, Rituals, Hugo Boss, Mint Velvet and Joules.
Live Entertainment/Nightlife
Home to an eclectic mix of indie shops, bars and restaurants, you will also find the iconic Wedgewood Rooms. Many famous bands performed here early in their careers (including Oasis, The Strokes and Pulp!), but if music is not your thing, then you can also enjoy an evening of comedy every Friday night.
Enjoy live music venues such as Southsea Bandstand, Jags@119, Wine Vaults and The Jolly Sailor. If theatre is your passion, make sure you check out the King’s Theatre. Built around 1907, it is a fantastic Grade II Victorian theatre where you can enjoy a show, or join one of the tours. Make sure their tours are running when you visit, however, so that you are not left disappointed!
Don’t forget the Guildhall Walk when moving to Portsmouth! Here you will find food and drink festivals held out on the steps. If you’re here in winter, you can also enjoy a skate upon the ice rink. The Guildhall itself hosts a variety of big-name concerts and events.
You will also find the New Theatre Royal in the area; a small, but beautiful Victorian theatre that puts on an array of productions, comedy and experiences throughout the year. The Guildhall is next to Commercial Road (a large shopping precinct) and Portsmouth and Southsea Train Station.
Are you ready to stay with Places To Be?
If you’re in the midst of relocating to Portsmouth, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be stressful finding somewhere to stay. Our rentals are perfectly equipped for every stay, so you can leave the thoughts of a stressful house move at the door.
Simply pack some clothes and your toothbrush and we’ll be waiting!
If you’ve got any questions we haven’t already covered, check out our FAQs for the latest.
