When most people think about Brighton, they picture the rocky beachfront, iconic pier and diverse nightlife. However, towards the west of the city, in West Sussex, lies Portslade which truly resembles the quieter heart of the city.
Portslade is a low key part of Brighton with its own history, culture and sense of community. If you are visiting Brighton, Portslade is worth checking out for an alternative, calmer experience of the coast.
Portslade is divided into two main areas which are Portslade Village and Portslade by Sea. Portslade Village is located near the South Downs and has kept its historical décor, with its traditional narrow streets, historic buildings and friendly neighbourhood vibe.
Portslade by Sea is located near the water and historically grew as a key industry location particularly around the harbour and shipping docks. At Portslade, you can expect to find a series of independent cafes, pubs, retail parks and supermarkets. There are also easy routes to the busy city of Brighton and the countryside of the South Downs.
History of Brighton portslade
The name Portslade goes back years and historically comes from Old English. The name means the slope where horses are kept. St Nicholas’ Church in Portslade stands as a reminder of Portslade’s medieval past. This church is one of the oldest churches in Sussex going back to the 12th century.
This church truly takes you back to historical times, with the surrounding twisted lanes and cottages that allow you to picture yourself in such ancient time periods.
During the 19th century, Portslade carried out an expansion of the Shoreham Harbour. Industry grew along the coast leading to the growth of Portslade by Sea.
Portslade continued to grow and develop with the rapid expansion of housing, factories and shipping businesses. Thus, Portslade went on to build its dual reputation of being a historical village and an industrial working port.
Getting to and around Portslade with its accessibility advantages:
- By train – Portslade Railway Station connects directly to Brighton in roughly just 10 minutes, you can also get to Hove in five minutes and even London in about one hour.
- By bus – There are numerous Brighton and Hove buses that run through Portslade connecting it to the wider city, for example the bus 49.
- By car – If you are travelling by car, the A270 Old Shoreham Road makes it easy to travel east into central Brighton or west towards Worthing and other cities surrounding.
things to see and do in portslade, brighton
While Portslade may not have the big pier rides and nightlife attractions of Brighton, you can expect quieter and local culture.
If you are looking for a wholesome, free day out, a walk through Portslade village could be perfect for you. Step back in time as you wander the narrow streets past St Nicholas’ Church, the village pubs and cottages.
Take pictures in front of the church stone walls and rural countryside cottages. After a day of exploring, end the evening with a refreshing pint and local stories at The Railway Inn or The George Inn.
If you are an outdoors person looking to go for a chilled hike, the hills of the South Downs located north of Portslade Village is for you. Experience miles of walking and cycling trails in the fresh crisp winter air.
From the hills of the South Downs, you can hike up to the popular Devil’s Dyke. Enjoy the stunning views of the coast and rural land from one of the most Instagrammable spots in Sussex.
portslade beach, port and shops
If you want to experience the beach without the business and crowds, Portslade offers a quieter experience of the waterfront. From quiet walks to picnics, Portslade beach is a calmer alternative to Brighton’s coastal stretch.
If you want to delve deeper into what Brighton’s gritty, industrial scene was like, the Shoreham Harbour at Portslade is perfect for you. Experience ships, warehouses and cranes in action as you walk along the pathways near the waterfront and observe a different working side to the Brighton coast separate from its tourist side.
The main shopping location in Portslade is Boundary Road, with a mix of independent shops, supermarkets, takeaways and cafes. It is authentic to Portslade and provides a cultural shopping experience for you and your friends.
Boundary Road, near Portslade Station, offers a variety of food options. Choose from Indian, Chinese, Turkish, Italian and more restaurant and takeaway spots. If you are looking for a chilled spot to read or chat with friends, Portslade has a growing number of coffee shops.
If you are looking for a pub night out, Portslade has a number of options including a traditional local pub with pool games and quiz nights or a gastro pub for evening meals out.
What makes Portslade a different experience to Brighton is its sense of community. Portslade has a local neighbourhood vibe with its community centres, local schools and neighbourhood events. Portslade is a family friendly city, perfect for those looking for a new place to explore with the whole family.
Address: Portslade, Brighton, England
Website: What’s on Portslade. Portslade news, info, local events and help
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