Sport in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is flat, so cycling is an ideal way to get around. Whether you're going from A to B, or taking in some of the beautiful seaside scenery, riding your bike is a great way to stay active.

Whether you're interested in mountain biking or road cycling, our Cycling Club has got you covered. All levels of skill are welcome and you can get involved in a variety of cycle disciplines, including:

• Road social
• Road competitive
• Trail/Enduro mountain biking
• Downhill mountain biking
• BMX and Street

There are several options to swim across the city and we’re not just talking about the sea. Whether you’re a short or long course swimmer, or just want to swim socially with other students, our Swimming Club has everything you’ll need. All skill levels are welcome and travel to the pool is often arranged within the club, so you don’t need to worry about finding your way there.

Ravelin Sports Centre, includes the University's own swimming pool. This is where the swimming club trains throughout the week. You can swim as part of your core, super or ultimate membership or simply pay as you go. You can swim in lanes, take part in aqua classes, take some lessons to improve your swimming, and try activities such as water polo.

From Southsea Esplanade to Milton Common, there are lots of places to run in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth hosts many running events throughout the year including the Southsea Parkrun (which we helped fund and setup), the Great South Run, and the Portsmouth Coastal Half Marathon, Marathon and 50km Ultra.

You can join a community running club or get involved in running through our Athletics Club. The club specialises in middle and long distance running, and also trains sprint. The Club competes in local, regional and national meets and runs a beginners club if you're new to the sport.

The South Downs National Park, the Isle of Wight and the New Forest are ideal locations to hike for stunning views and beautiful flora and fauna. And they're all a short distance from the city.

Or you can go on less challenging walks in the city along Southsea seafront or at Milton Locks Nature Reserve.

There are many options available if you fancy grabbing your racket and getting on the court, both outdoor grass and hard courts, as well as top-of-the-range indoor facilities. 

You can also join the university's Tennis Club with options to compete, develop as a player with tennis lessons, or participate in recreational sessions, as a social member.

As you'd expect from an island city on the UK's south coast, you'll have lots of opportunities to engage in water sports – from sailing around the Solent to stand-up paddleboarding along the shoreline.

Some of the UK's major water sports events take place near Portsmouth, including the Hayling Island Kitesurfing Armada Festival and Cowes Week Regatta.

Joining one of our student sports clubs or societies is a great way to get involved and into the water – whether you're an expert or a novice. We have clubs for sailing, rowing, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming and surfing.

Or you can get water sports training from local businesses such as the Portsmouth Watersports Centre. They offer classes in sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, paddleboarding, foiling and kayaking.

Portsmouth is a proud football city, with many locals seeing the club as one of the most important things that the city has to offer. The university has a long-standing partnership with the Portsmouth Football Club offering students scholarships and discounted match tickets. Outside the football club, there are also designated 5-a-side courts and other open spaces where you can get active in the city.

There is also the opportunity to join the University's football club or use the 5-a-side courts or football pitches.

With the seafront so close to the city there is a range of beach sports for you to enjoy, such as playing beach volleyball on one of the sand courts in Southsea.