Frequently Asked Questions about Cosham

Common questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Cosham, Hampshire.

Where is Cosham?

Cosham is a district in the north of Portsmouth, Hampshire. It sits at the gateway between mainland Hampshire and Portsea Island, where most of the city of Portsmouth is built. Portsdown Hill rises to the north, and the A27 and A3 run through or near the district. Cosham is roughly three miles north of Portsmouth city centre.

What is the population of Cosham?

Cosham has a population of approximately 12,000 people. The district grew rapidly during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the railway brought workers to the area. It was absorbed into the City of Portsmouth in 1920 and has been part of the city ever since.

Where can I park in Cosham?

There is a car park at Cosham Railway Station and parking available at the larger supermarkets including Tesco Extra and Asda on Havant Road. On-street parking is available in the residential streets around the High Street, though spaces can be tight during busy periods. The High Street itself is pedestrianised and closed to vehicles.

What schools are in Cosham?

Cosham has several primary schools serving the district and surrounding areas. For secondary education, students attend schools within the wider Portsmouth area, with Springfield School being a nearby option. There are also nurseries and pre-school settings in the area. Portsmouth City Council manages school admissions for the city.

What pubs are in Cosham?

Cosham has several pubs, including The George on Portsdown Hill Road, which is known for its panoramic views across the harbour, and The Red White and Blue on the High Street. There are also other licensed premises in the district serving the local community. The George is a destination pub, drawing visitors from across the area for the views and the food.

Where is the nearest hospital to Cosham?

Queen Alexandra Hospital, known locally as QA, is immediately adjacent to Cosham on Southwick Hill Road. It is the main acute hospital for Portsmouth and south-east Hampshire, providing accident and emergency, maternity, surgery, cancer treatment and a full range of outpatient and inpatient services.

What is Cosham's postcode?

Cosham uses the PO6 postcode district, which is part of the Portsmouth (PO) postcode area. The main postcodes in the district are PO6 3 (central Cosham) and PO6 1 (Drayton area). Despite being on the mainland side of the city, Cosham shares the Portsmouth PO postcode area.

Does Cosham have a train station?

Yes. Cosham Railway Station is on the line between Portsmouth and Southampton, operated by South Western Railway. It is a junction station where the lines to Fareham and Havant diverge. Regular services run to Portsmouth and Southsea, Fareham, Southampton and, with changes, London Waterloo. The station is in the centre of the district, close to the High Street.

What is Portsdown Hill?

Portsdown Hill is a chalk ridge running east to west along the northern boundary of Portsmouth, rising to over 120 metres above sea level. It provides panoramic views across the city, the harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The hill is home to several Victorian forts and supports chalk grassland with rare wildflowers and butterflies.

What is Queen Alexandra Hospital?

Queen Alexandra Hospital, usually called QA, is the main acute hospital serving Portsmouth and south-east Hampshire. It is located on Southwick Hill Road on the eastern edge of Cosham. The hospital provides A&E, maternity, surgical, cancer and specialist services. It is managed by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and is one of the largest employers in the area.

What shops are on Cosham High Street?

Cosham High Street has a mix of independent shops, charity shops, takeaways, cafes, a Boots pharmacy, a betting shop and various service providers. A Lidl supermarket stands at the southern end near the station. A Tesco Extra is located just off the High Street. The shopping offer is functional and everyday rather than boutique, serving the local community.

Which council covers Cosham?

Cosham is part of the City of Portsmouth, a unitary authority. Portsmouth City Council provides all local government services including planning, refuse collection, education, social services and highways. Cosham falls within the Cosham ward for council elections. The council offices are at the Civic Offices in Portsmouth city centre.

What bus services run through Cosham?

Several bus routes run through Cosham, connecting the district with Portsmouth city centre, Fareham, Portchester, QA Hospital and other destinations. First Hampshire and Stagecoach have historically been the main operators. Buses stop along the High Street, Havant Road and Southampton Road. Frequencies vary by route and time of day.

What are property prices like in Cosham?

Property prices in Cosham are among the more affordable in the Portsmouth area. Victorian terraces in central Cosham are generally cheaper than comparable properties in Southsea or the city centre. Interwar semis towards Portsdown Hill and in Drayton command slightly higher prices. The proximity to the railway station and the transport links make Cosham popular with commuters looking for value.

What is Wymering Manor?

Wymering Manor is the oldest surviving building in Portsmouth, dating from at least the twelfth century. The grade II* listed building stands on Old Wymering Lane in the Wymering area of Cosham. It has served as a farmhouse, a youth hostel and a community venue over the centuries. Local campaigners have worked to preserve the building and secure its future.

Is there a swimming pool near Cosham?

The nearest public swimming pools to Cosham are at the Mountbatten Centre in the wider Portsmouth area and at Fareham Leisure Centre. Portsmouth City Council operates several leisure facilities across the city. There is no public swimming pool within Cosham itself, but the nearby facilities are accessible by car or bus.

Can I cycle from Cosham?

Yes. Cosham is connected to the wider cycling network, with routes running along the A27 corridor towards Portchester and Fareham to the west and towards Farlington and Havant to the east. Portsdown Hill Road is popular with road cyclists, though the gradients are steep. The flat roads through Cosham and across to Portsea Island are suitable for everyday cycling and commuting.

What are the Palmerston forts?

The Palmerston forts are a chain of Victorian fortifications built along Portsdown Hill in the 1860s to defend Portsmouth from a French land invasion. Fort Widley, Fort Southwick, Fort Purbrook, Fort Nelson and Fort Wallington formed a defensive line across the ridge. They were nicknamed Palmerston's follies because the invasion never came. Fort Southwick later played a crucial role as the D-Day naval headquarters in 1944.