Hampshire Info

A county on the south coast of England and bordering Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

Hampshire is undulating, finely wooded, and fruitful. Its coast line is extremely irregular, the principal indentation being Southampton Water. From Surrey and Sussex, north-east to Wiltshire and Berkshire, two ranges of chalk hills, known as the North and South Downs, traverse the county. In the west is the New Forest, and in the south-east are the Forests of Bere and Waltham Chase. The Avon, Exe, Test, Itching, and Hamble are the main rivers.

Over several centuries a series of castles and forts were built along the coast of the Solent to defend the harbours at Southampton and Portsmouth. These included the Norman Portchester Castle which overlooks Portsmouth Harbour, as well as a series of forts built by Henry VIII which include Hurst Castle, Calshot Castle and Netley Castle. Southampton and Portsmouth remained important harbours as they were among the few locations that combined shelter with deep water. Southampton has played host to many famous ships, including the Mayflower and the Titanic. The majority of the staff working the Titanic were natives of Southampton.

Hampshire played a large role during the second World War due to its large Royal Navy harbour at Portsmouth along with the army camp at Aldershot and the military Netley Hospital on Southampton Water. The army training ranges on Salisbury Plain and the Isle of Purbeck were also in close proximity. The designers of the Supermarine Spitfire and other military aircraft were based in Southampton which led to severe bombing of the area. Aldershot still remains one of the British Army's main permanent camps.

The prosperity of the area is based on its rich agriculture, the wheat of Hampshire being of exceptional quality. Upon the Downs large flocks of sheep are reared and are known as Hampshire Downs, or short wools. The county has a long association with wild boar and the domesticated breed of pig the Hampshire Hog. Pig breeding and the curing of bacon have long been lucrative branches of the county's industry.

The New Forest area is a National Park, and tourism is a significant economic segment in this area with 7.5 million visitors in 1992. The South Downs and the cities of Southampton and Winchester also attract tourists to the county. The Southampton Boat Show is one of the biggest annual events held and attracts visitors from throughout the country. In 2003 Hampshire had a total of 31 million day visits, and 4.2 million long-term stays.

Several new real estate developments are taking place in Hampshire with some of these new properties having excellent views over the Solent. Other estate agents in cities and towns such as Portsmouth, Lee-on-the Solent, the Isle of Wight or Havant also have much property for sale or rent on their books.

Glorious countryside, a superb coastline and vibrant towns combine with a rich cultural heritage to make Hampshire an ideal place to visit, and less than an hour away from London.