Farnborough

The town of Farnborough in north Hampshire is probably best known for its biennial international airshow. Hundreds of companies exhibit at the show and thousands of people visit. The next show will be held in 2014.

The Farnborough Aerodrome is renowned for its long-standing aviation links. Back at the start of the 20th century His Majesty's Balloon Factory was set up in Farnborough. Since then Farnborough has become well known for its pioneering work , from the first powered flight in Britain in 1908 to the first car to go supersonic on land in 1997. A list of the scientists and engineers who have worked at Farnborough, now a commercial enterprise, reads like a Who's Who of British aeronautical science.

The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust runs an aerospace museum (open Saturday and Sunday only) where you can see photographs and exhibits from the early years of aviation. The museum is based in the historic listed building which houses the Royal Balloon School in days gone by.

Farnborough Abbey is where Napoleon III and his wife are buried. The monks live a simple Benedictine life. They earn their living through printing, publishing, bookbinding, and the Abbey Shop is an important part of the monastery's income and is open to visitors.