Forced Perspective Pinching
at Southsea Castle and Lighthouse
The co-ordinates take you to the top of the gunnery position where you can see a great view of Portsmouth landmarks against the skyline including - The lighthouse, The Spinnaker Tower, The Lipstick Building, The Royal Naval War Memorial, The Bandstand and Southsea Castle.
To qualify for this Virtual cache you are required to take a photo from the headline coordinates at the top of the gunnery position. This is the ideal position for a forced perspective picture showing you touching the top or pinching the lighthouse (see details below). You will then need to walk around the castle walls to answer three questions at the marked waypoints.
Parking is free along Southsea seafront after 6pm
The Theatre of the Sea
The Theatre of the Sea is a newly created, promenade and seating area surrounding the castle with stunning views across the Solent. Opened in May 2024 it features extensive tiered seating, a walkway and coastal protection against flooding. Along the walls are the words of a poem by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
This is the perfect place to rest, enjoy a drink or picnic or just enjoy the view and take in the atmosphere
Southsea Lighthouse
The lighthouse, commissioned by the Admiralty, was constructed on the western gun platform in 1828. In 1854 its height was raised and it now stands at 34 feet (10 m) above its base atop the walls.
The lamp burned sperm oil and was installed behind a fixed dioptric; it showed red and white sectors (red and green from 1854) to guide ships through the safe water between Horse Sand and Spit Sand.
The lighthouse keeper was housed in the castle itself. The lighthouse was in continuous use until 2017, when it was superseded by a new structure as part of changes made to approaches to Portsmouth Harbour in preparation for the arrival of the Royal Navy's new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. The original dioptric lens, which was subsequently replaced, is now on display inside the castle.
In January 2026 Southsea Castle’s iconic lighthouse has been lit up for the first time since being taken out of use in 2017, thanks to the addition of a new contemporary artwork. The illuminated artwork is wrapped around the lantern gallery at the top of the lighthouse and contains seven overlapping words.
Southsea Castle
Historically also known as Chaderton Castle, South Castle and Portsea Castle.
Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by King Henry VIII around England's coasts to protect the country from invaders. Barely had the work been completed when Henry VIII stood inside only to watch his flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sink at the Battle of the Solent against the French in July 1545.
During the English Civil War, nearly a century later, the castle was captured for the only time in its history by parliamentarian forces. Over the centuries, Southsea Castle's defences were strengthened so that it could continue to protect Portsmouth. In the 19th century a tunnel was built to defend the castle moat. Visitors can still enter the tunnel and see how the castle would have been defended against invaders. Artillery, gun platforms and panoramic views from the top of the keep overlook the Isle of Wight and the Solent.
The castle is open Tuesdays to Sundays between April and October and entry is free of charge.
The courtyard is open all year.
Brian Kidd Way and the Water Fountains
The path leading up to the castle was named in honour of Brian Kidd (1938-2020). The renowned British horticulturist, radio personality and former head of parks & gardens for Portsmouth City Council, in charge of 1,600 acres of green spaces in the city.
He was affectionately known as "Mr Gardening" in Portsmouth, as a panellist on a local radio phone-in show giving gardening advice for nearly 50 years.
If you visit during the summer months you will see a colourful display of flowers with new designs each year.
The water feature in front of the castle has 30 dancing water jets and coloured LED lights. A popular attraction for children to run through and cool down in the Summer.
To claim the Virtual Reward
1) At the published co-ordinates on the top of the gunnery position take a photo. Either pinching the lighthouse between your thumb and forefinger or pointing to the top of it will produce a forced perspective optical illusion.
Additional photos of your visit to the castle and lighthouse along with your qualifying photo from the headline coordinates are also welcome (and encouraged) but please do not show the answers to the questions.
See illustration below demonstrating forced perspective pinching.
2) At Waypoint 2 - The Theatre of the Sea. Find the answer to the following question.
What time does the sun deliver its big speech?
3) At Waypoint 3 - The Lighthouse. Find the answer to the following question.
Look at the illuminated words on the lighthouse. Which word is facing you at this location?
4) At waypoint 4 - The Castle. Find the answer to the following question.
What year was this object introduced according to the plaque?
5) Add your qualifying photo to your log and send your answers to the three questions via Geocaching message or email geojaxx@yahoo.com
Any logs that do not comply with the logging criteria will be deleted.
I hope you enjoy my virtual reward cache and if the castle is open I highly recommend having a look inside.
Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.