A3 (London Road)

Street guide, Solent News

The A3 is the historic trunk road connecting London to Portsmouth, one of the most important strategic routes in English history. From the capital, it runs south through Guildford, Liphook, and Petersfield before descending through the South Downs to reach the coast at Portsmouth. The final section into the city passes through Waterlooville, Cosham, and into Portsea Island. For centuries, this was the main road for naval personnel, supplies, and dignitaries travelling between London and the Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth. Coaching inns along the route testify to its historical importance. Much of the route north of Petersfield has been replaced by the A3(M) dual carriageway, but the old road survives through towns along the way. Within the Solent area, the A3 runs through the northern suburbs of Portsmouth before reaching the city centre. It connects with the A27 at Cosham and feeds into the network of roads serving Portsea Island. The road remains one of the main routes for visitors arriving from London and the Home Counties, and carries significant volumes of traffic year-round, especially during summer holiday periods and naval events.