The Solent

South Hampshire borders on the Solent coastline, a 20 mile long stretch of water begins in Barton on Sea then onto New Forest, Southampton, Gosport and Portsmouth offers unrivalled opportunities for recreation, learning and fun.

In Southampton, Gosport and Portsmouth you'll find a wealth of literary, artistic and historical attractions and along the coastline there are nature reserves, country parks and activity centres.

The Solent is famous for hosting the interational sailing event Cowes Week.  King Henry VIII Navy Warship the Mary Rose sunk in the Solent, in 1982 a feat or dedication and technology raised the ship off the seabed and is now displayed in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. One day every summer a cricket match is played in the middle of the Solent! This is possible due to strong receding tide creating a temporary island on Bramble Bank.
 

Gosport

In Gosport the extensive waterfront offers opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and boat tours as well as restaurants, shops and pubs. Accessible by road or via the Gosport ferry, conveniently situated at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

At Gosport's Royal Navy Submarine Museum you can climb inside a real submarine while at lively Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower there are many hands-on activities.
 

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard also has thrills of its own with the interactive museum Action Stations, The Royal Naval Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Mary Rose Museum.

Gunwharf Quays, with its bars, nightclubs, cinemas and designer outlets, provides shopping delights while the 170-metre-tall Spinnaker Tower offers impressive views of Portsmouth Harbour.

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are two of fiction's most famous characters and Portsmouth's extensive collection of Arthur Conan Doyle memorabilia can now be seen at the 'A Study in Sherlock' exhibition at Portsmouth City Museum.

Kids will love the seafront and funfair, Blue Reef Aquarium and Pyramids leisure centre at Southsea while at nearby Hayling Island there are nature reserves, Blue Flag beaches, a mini railway and walking and cycling trails.
 

Southampton

Southampton's magnificent City Art Gallery has over 3,500 works of art and an enviable reputation while the city also hosts the annual Southampton Boat Show.

Southampton's 800-year-old Bargate is now open to the public while the Museum of Archaeology, Medieval Merchant's House, Solent Sky Hall of Aviation and SeaCity Museum offer fascinating insights into Southampton's Roman, medieval, aviation and maritime history.

Further along the coast the River Hamble is ideal for sailing, water sports and wildlife-spotting while on the New Forest shoreline you'll find Lepe Country Park, Hurst Castle and Calshot Activities Centre.
 

Country Parks and Forest along The Solent

Many country parks border the shoreline and offer scenic views, such as Manor Farm Country Park on the Hamble River and Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley Abbey.

The coastal nature reserve at Titchfield Haven provides tranquillity for birdwatchers and walkers while Hampshire's role in the D-Day invasions can be seen in the remains of mulberry harbours at Lepe and Hayling Island.