# Cosham: Full Reference > Local news and community guide for Cosham, Portsmouth. A busy district at the gateway to Portsea Island, with good transport links, a thriving high street, and Portsdown Hill on its doorstep. ## Areas ### Cosham High Street The commercial heart of Cosham, running north from the railway station towards Portsdown Hill. The High Street has been the main shopping thoroughfare for over a century and retains a mix of independent shops, charity shops, takeaways, cafes, a Boots pharmacy, and everyday service providers. The str... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/cosham-high-street ### Portsdown Hill The chalk ridge running east to west along the northern boundary of Portsmouth, rising to over 120 metres above sea level. Portsdown Hill is the defining natural feature of the area and provides panoramic views southwards across the city, Portsmouth Harbour, Langstone Harbour, Hayling Island, the So... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/portsdown-hill ### Cosham Park Area The residential area surrounding Cosham Park, a well-maintained public green space on the western side of the district. Cosham Park has a children's playground, tennis courts, bowling green and open grass areas used for informal sports and dog walking. The park is bounded by mature trees and provide... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/cosham-park-area ### Northern Road Area The busy corridor running north from Cosham centre towards Portsdown Hill. Northern Road is one of the main routes through the district, carrying traffic between the city and the hill. The road has a mix of residential properties, shops, takeaways and services along its length. Houses range from Vic... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/northern-road-area ### Medina Road Area A residential neighbourhood east of the High Street, centred on Medina Road and the surrounding streets. This area is predominantly Victorian terraced housing, built during the late nineteenth century expansion of Cosham when the railway brought new residents and workers to the district. The streets... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/medina-road-area ### Wootton Street Area A compact residential area west of the High Street, taking its character from Wootton Street and the surrounding roads. The housing here is a mix of Victorian terraces and early twentieth century properties, with some postwar rebuilding where war damage required replacement. Wootton Street runs para... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/wootton-street-area ### Wayte Street Area The streets immediately south and west of the High Street, centred on Wayte Street, which runs from the High Street towards the A27. This area sits between the commercial centre and the main road, and its character reflects that transitional position. There is a mix of residential properties, small ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/wayte-street-area ### Southwick Hill The higher ground on the north-western edge of Cosham, climbing towards Portsdown Hill and the area around Fort Southwick. Southwick Hill Road winds uphill from central Cosham past a mix of interwar and postwar housing, with the properties becoming larger and more spacious as the ground rises. The v... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/southwick-hill ### Drayton A residential district to the east of central Cosham, sometimes considered a separate area but closely linked to Cosham by geography and transport. Drayton lies between Cosham and Farlington, bounded by the A27 to the south and Portsdown Hill to the north. The area has a mix of housing types, includ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/drayton ### Wymering An area to the west of central Cosham, historically a separate hamlet before being absorbed into the expanding city of Portsmouth. Wymering retains a distinct identity, partly because of the survival of Wymering Manor, the oldest building in Portsmouth. The manor house dates from at least the twelft... URL: https://www.cosham.news/areas/wymering ## Guides ### Restaurants in Cosham Cosham is not a dining destination in the way that Southsea or Gunwharf Quays are, but it has a reasonable selection of places to eat for a district of its size. The options are concentrated around th... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/restaurants ### Cafes in Cosham Cosham's cafe scene is practical rather than trendy, reflecting the character of a working suburban district. The High Street has several cafes offering hot drinks, breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket pota... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/cafes ### Pubs in Cosham Cosham has a handful of pubs serving the local community, though the number has declined over the decades as the national trend of pub closures has taken its toll. The surviving pubs are working local... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/pubs ### Takeaways in Cosham Cosham has a good selection of takeaway food outlets for a suburban district, covering the standard cuisines that most people reach for on a Friday evening. The main concentration is along and near th... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/takeaways ### Farm Shops and Local Produce near Cosham Cosham itself does not have a farm shop, but the district's position at the gateway between the city and the Hampshire countryside means that farm shops and local produce are within easy reach. The ru... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/farm-shops ### Sunday Lunch in Cosham Sunday lunch is a strong tradition in the pubs and eateries around Cosham, and the main draw is The George on Portsdown Hill Road. The pub serves a traditional roast with all the trimmings, with a cho... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/sunday-lunch ### Breakfast Spots in Cosham Cosham's breakfast options are firmly in the traditional British camp. The cafes on the High Street open early and serve full English breakfasts to workers, shoppers and commuters who need fuel before... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/breakfast-spots ### Local Produce near Cosham Cosham sits at the junction of the city and the countryside, and while the district itself is urban, the Hampshire farmland, the Meon Valley and the South Downs are all within a short drive. This give... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/local-produce ### Shops in Cosham Cosham High Street is a functional suburban shopping street that serves the everyday needs of the local community. The pedestrianised street has a mix of independent shops, charity shops, takeaways, c... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/shops ### Hairdressers in Cosham Cosham has several hairdressers and barbers serving the local community, with most located along or near the High Street. The salons cover the full range, from traditional men's barbers offering a qui... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/hairdressers ### Vets in Cosham Cosham and the surrounding area have veterinary practices providing care for domestic pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals. The practices offer routine services such... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/vets ### Dentists in Cosham Cosham has dental practices offering NHS and private treatment to residents of the district and the surrounding area. Finding an NHS dentist currently accepting new patients can be difficult in south-... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/dentists ### Estate Agents in Cosham Cosham has several estate agents covering the local property market, with offices on or near the High Street. These agents handle sales and lettings across the district, including the Victorian terrac... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/estate-agents ### Tradespeople in Cosham Cosham and the surrounding area are well served by tradespeople offering building, plumbing, electrical, decorating, roofing and general maintenance services. The district's housing stock, which range... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/tradespeople ### Buses in Cosham Bus services connect Cosham with Portsmouth city centre, QA Hospital, Fareham, Portchester, Havant and other destinations across south-east Hampshire. Cosham is one of the main bus interchange points ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/buses ### Trains from Cosham Cosham Railway Station is one of the most important stations in the Portsmouth area, sitting at the junction where the lines to Fareham and to Havant diverge. The station is operated by South Western ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/trains ### Parking in Cosham Parking in Cosham is a perennial concern for residents, shoppers and visitors. The High Street is pedestrianised, so there is no parking in the main shopping area itself. The surrounding streets offer... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/parking ### Cycling in Cosham Cosham is reasonably well connected for cyclists, with routes running east and west along the A27 corridor and south across the bridge onto Portsea Island. The flat terrain of the coastal plain makes ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/cycling ### Walking Routes from Cosham Cosham is better placed for walking than almost any other district in Portsmouth, thanks to the presence of Portsdown Hill immediately to the north. The chalk ridge offers miles of walking along its c... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/walking-routes ### Commuting from Cosham Cosham is one of the best-connected commuting points in the Portsmouth area. The junction railway station, the A27/A3 interchange and the bus network give residents multiple options for getting to wor... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/commuting ### Doctors and GPs in Cosham Cosham has GP surgeries providing NHS general practice services to residents of the district and the surrounding area. The practices offer the full range of primary care services, including routine co... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/doctors ### Pharmacies in Cosham Cosham has several pharmacies serving the district, including a Boots on the High Street and pharmacies within or near the supermarkets. These provide prescription dispensing, over-the-counter medicin... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/pharmacy ### Fitness and Exercise in Cosham Cosham offers a reasonable range of options for staying fit, combining commercial gyms and leisure facilities with the natural asset of Portsdown Hill. The district is better served for outdoor exerci... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/fitness ### Mental Health Support in Cosham Mental health support for Cosham residents is available through NHS services, voluntary organisations and community groups. The starting point for most people is their GP, who can assess mental health... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/mental-health ### Dental Care in Cosham Dental care in Cosham is provided by local dental practices offering a mix of NHS and private treatment. The challenge facing many residents is finding an NHS dentist currently accepting new patients,... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/dental-care ### Schools in Cosham Cosham has several primary schools serving the district and the surrounding areas, providing education from reception through to Year 6. The schools are inspected by Ofsted and are part of the Portsmo... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/schools ### Nurseries and Childcare in Cosham Cosham has a range of early years childcare options, including private day nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools and Ofsted-registered childminders. The provision serves working parents and families who ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/nurseries ### Tutoring in Cosham Private tutoring is available in Cosham and the wider Portsmouth area, covering primary school subjects, GCSE and A-level preparation, and specialist areas including maths, English, science, languages... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/tutoring ### Adult Education in Cosham Adult education and lifelong learning options are available to Cosham residents through colleges, community centres, libraries and online platforms. The provision covers a wide range of subjects, from... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/adult-education ### School Catchments in Cosham School catchment areas are an important consideration for families living in or moving to Cosham. In Portsmouth, school places are allocated by Portsmouth City Council based on published admission cri... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/school-catchments ### Buying Property in Cosham Cosham offers some of the more affordable property in the Portsmouth area, making it popular with first-time buyers, young families and investors. The housing stock is varied, ranging from Victorian t... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/buying-property ### Renting in Cosham The rental market in Cosham is active and diverse, driven by demand from young professionals, hospital workers at QA, students, families and people relocating to the area. Cosham offers some of the mo... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/renting ### Property Prices in Cosham Property prices in Cosham are among the more affordable in the Portsmouth area, reflecting the district's working character and its housing stock. Prices are generally lower than in Southsea, Old Port... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/property-prices ### New Build Homes near Cosham New build housing in and around Cosham is limited by the fact that the district is already densely built up, with little undeveloped land available for large-scale residential development. Most new ho... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/new-builds ### Council Tax in Cosham Council tax for Cosham residents is set and collected by Portsmouth City Council. As a unitary authority, Portsmouth provides all local government services, so the council tax bill covers everything f... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/council-tax ### Playgrounds in Cosham Cosham has several playgrounds and play areas providing outdoor space for children of different ages. The main ones are in Cosham Park and King George V Playing Fields, both of which are well maintain... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/playgrounds ### Family Activities in Cosham Cosham and the surrounding area offer a good range of activities for families with children, combining outdoor spaces, community facilities and the attractions of the wider Portsmouth area. Portsdown... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/family-activities ### Community Groups in Cosham Cosham has an active community sector, with groups and organisations covering everything from social clubs and support networks to sports, hobbies and local campaigning. The community groups reflect t... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/community-groups ### Churches in Cosham Cosham has several churches representing different Christian denominations, each serving the spiritual and community needs of the district. The churches are active in community life, running groups, e... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/churches ### Volunteering in Cosham Volunteering in Cosham and the wider Portsmouth area offers a range of roles for people who want to give their time to support the local community. The opportunities span charity shops, community orga... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/volunteering ### Local Events in Cosham Cosham hosts a modest programme of local events throughout the year, supplemented by the much larger events calendar in Portsmouth and the wider Solent area. The events reflect the community character... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/local-events ### Portsdown Hill Portsdown Hill is the defining natural feature of the Cosham area, a chalk ridge running east to west along the northern boundary of Portsmouth. Rising to over 120 metres above sea level, the hill pro... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/portsdown-hill ### Walks near Cosham Cosham is unusually well placed for walking, with Portsdown Hill, Farlington Marshes and the harbour shoreline all within reach on foot. The combination of chalk ridge, coastal marshes and urban paths... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/walks ### Wildlife near Cosham The Cosham area is surprisingly rich in wildlife, thanks to the chalk grassland of Portsdown Hill, the coastal habitats of Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours, and the proximity of Farlington Marshes na... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/wildlife ### Parks in Cosham Cosham has two main parks serving the district: Cosham Park and King George V Playing Fields. Between them, they provide the essential green space, play areas, sports pitches and informal recreation t... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/parks ### Gardening in Cosham Gardening in Cosham is shaped by the district's geography, soil and housing stock. The chalk influence from Portsdown Hill means that soil in the higher parts of the district tends towards alkaline, w... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/gardening ### Allotments in Cosham Allotment sites in the Cosham area provide plots for residents who want to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. Allotment gardening has a long tradition in Portsmouth, and demand for plots ac... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/allotments ### Wymering Manor Wymering Manor is the oldest surviving building in Portsmouth, with origins dating back to at least the twelfth century and possibly earlier. The grade II* listed manor house stands on Old Wymering La... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/wymering-manor ### The Palmerston Forts The Palmerston Forts are a chain of Victorian fortifications built along the crest of Portsdown Hill in the 1860s, forming a defensive line designed to protect Portsmouth and its naval dockyard from a... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/palmerston-forts ### Cosham Station History Cosham Railway Station opened in 1848 as part of the London and South Western Railway's line connecting London with Portsmouth via Fareham. The arrival of the railway was the single most transformativ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/cosham-station-history ### Wartime Cosham Cosham's proximity to Portsmouth dockyard and its position as a transport hub meant that the district was deeply affected by both world wars. During the First World War, many Cosham men worked in the ... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/wartime-cosham ### Medieval Cosham For most of its history, Cosham was a small agricultural village on the road between mainland Hampshire and the growing town of Portsmouth on Portsea Island. The settlement sat on low-lying ground bet... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/medieval-cosham ### Local Legends and Stories Every community has its stories, and Cosham is no exception. The district's long history, its wartime experiences, its Victorian transformation and the presence of Portsdown Hill have all generated ta... URL: https://www.cosham.news/guide/local-legends ## History - c. 700-900 AD: Saxon Settlement at Cosham - 1086: Cosham in the Domesday Book - c. 1150: Wymering Manor Established - 1200-1500: Medieval Village Life - 1848: Railway Reaches Cosham - 1860s: Palmerston Forts Built on Portsdown Hill - 1870-1900: Victorian Expansion - 1903: Tram Service to Portsmouth - 1914-1918: First World War - 1920: Cosham Absorbed into Portsmouth - 1940-1944: Second World War Bombing - 1944: D-Day Planning at Fort Southwick - 1945-1960: Postwar Rebuilding - 1970s-1980s: Queen Alexandra Hospital Built - 1970s: A27 Cosham Bypass - 1990s: High Street Pedestrianised - 2000s: Modern Transport Hub - 2010s-2020s: Community Regeneration ## Streets - High Street - Northern Road - Medina Road - Wootton Street - Wayte Street - Portsdown Hill Road - Southampton Road - Havant Road - Sundridge Close - Vectis Way - Lakeside Avenue - Spur Road - Albert Road - Penrhyn Avenue - Courtmount Grove - Chatsworth Avenue - Highbury Grove - Tukes Avenue - Portsview Avenue - Station Road - The Thicket - Cornaway Lane - Southwick Hill Road - Drayton Road - Upper Wymering Lane - Old Wymering Lane ## Places - Portsdown Hill Viewpoint (Viewpoint) - Fort Southwick (Historic Site) - Fort Widley (Historic Site) - Queen Alexandra Hospital (Healthcare) - Cosham Library (Library) - Cosham Park (Park) - King George V Playing Fields (Park) - Wymering Manor (Historic Site) - The George (Pub) - Cosham Baptist Church (Church) - St Philip's Church (Church) - Cosham Community Centre (Community) - The Red White and Blue (Pub) - Cosham Railway Station (Transport) - Highbury Grove Shops (Shops) - Tesco Extra Cosham (Supermarket) - Lidl Cosham (Supermarket) - Asda Havant Road (Supermarket)