Around 3 minutes to read · Updated 30 September 2026
Published by Serious Sports Training Academy
At a glance
- Direct Southern trains from Portsmouth & Southsea to Chichester take about 22 to 35 minutes.
- By car it is about 17 miles along the A27, usually 20 to 25 minutes.
- Early weekend trains leave time to walk to the venue for 9am.
- The course costs £1,997.99, with a deposit and monthly instalment option.
Getting to Chichester from Portsmouth
Southern runs direct trains from Portsmouth & Southsea to Chichester along the coast. Most take about 22 to 35 minutes. By car the journey is about 17 miles along the A27, usually 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Portsmouth is in Hampshire, but Chichester is closer than many Hampshire training centres. It is a short hop along the coast by train or the A27.
- Sat 07:33
- 08:08
- Sun 07:52
- 08:18
Scroll sideways to compare the columns. Row labels stay visible.
| Weekend train | Arrives Chichester (then about 20 minutes’ walk) |
|---|---|
| Sat 07:33 | 08:08 |
| Sun 07:52 | 08:18 |
From Chichester station to the venue
The October weekend cohort is taught at the University of Chichester’s Bishop Otter Campus (PO19 6PE). The University says it is about a 20-minute walk from Chichester station, and the Stagecoach 50 bus stops at the main entrance. Parking on campus is charged every day, including weekends, and is paid through the Evology Parking app.
SSTA’s usual venue, Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club at Oaklands Park (PO19 6AR), is also about a 20-minute walk from the station. Stagecoach 50, 55 and 60 buses stop nearby, and Northgate Car Park next door is pay and display.
Admissions confirms the venue for your cohort in writing before you pay a deposit.
What you train for
The course leads to the Active IQ Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma), qualification 610/3925/1. You learn consultation, assessment, sports massage techniques, pre- and post-event massage, contraindications and professional practice, in a group of no more than 10.
The fee is £1,997.99, or a £197.99 deposit then 3 × £600, 4 × £450, 6 × £300. It includes a massage table, oils and towels, a Graduate Business Hub website with bookings and payments, a business workshop and three one-to-one marketing sessions after you qualify.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is there a sports massage course in Portsmouth?
SSTA does not teach in Portsmouth. The course is taught in Chichester, which is about 22 to 35 minutes away by direct train.
Can I get there for a 9am start at weekends?
Yes. Early Saturday and Sunday trains from Portsmouth & Southsea arrive in Chichester with time to walk the 20 minutes to the venue for 9am.
How much does it cost?
£1,997.99, or a £197.99 deposit then 3 × £600, 4 × £450, 6 × £300. The total is the same either way.
Sources and further reading
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