Hampshire
The County
Hampshire is the largest county in south-east England. This affluent area has a beautiful coastline, bustling cities, rolling hills, and attractive market towns. The New Forest in the south is famous for its wild ponies, grassland habitat, and thriving fauna and flora.
Southampton is the largest city, closely followed by Portsmouth. Other significant population centres include Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Fareham/Portchester, Farnborough, Fleet, Gosport, Havant, and Waterlooville. Your Recoco property finder can also help you discover the attractive market towns of Alton, Andover, Bishop’s Waltham, Lymington, New Milton, Petersfield, Ringwood, Romsey, and Whitchurch, or wealthy county town Winchester.
Travel
Car ownership is high here, and road links plentiful. The M3 and M27 motorways run through Hampshire; other major roads are the A3, A31, A34, A36, and A303.
Trains from Winchester, Southampton, and Portsmouth to London are frequent and regular. Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex are also close. Southampton has a small airport, and Heathrow and Gatwick are easily accessible to Recoco property finders and property buyers alike.
The History
In Old English, Southampton was called Hamtun, and in the Domesday Book, the surrounding area was recorded as Hantescire. The county has also been known as Southamptonshire.
History is everywhere you look, with fortifications from both World Wars, the Napoleonic Wars, and even Tudor, Roman and prehistoric times. Both Southampton and Portsmouth suffered extensive damage in the Blitz. The county has, however, prospered recently, as your Recoco buying agent can confirm.
Leisure and Events
Hampshire is so varied that property buyers are sure to find activities that appeal. Thrill to the glamour of major stage productions in Southampton, or weep with frustration (or joy) at a match in Portsmouth (or Southampton). Indulge in retail therapy at West Quays or ask your Recoco property finder for their recommendations on which flourishing gardens to visit in one of the sunniest, warmest climates in England.
Hampshire is perfectly located if you love sailing, either on the sea or on inland lakes, and Cowes is just a quick trip away across the Solent. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a perfect destination for property buyers keen on cars. Those seeking further thrills can head to Thurston, the premier motor racing circuit in the county, or give gliding a try at Lasham Airfield near Alton. Other popular sports include windsurfing, equestrian pursuits, cricket, and bowling.
Museums are plentiful here, including Milestones in Basingstoke and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home of the Mary Rose. Gosport hosts the Submarine Museum, while Aldershot and Middle Wallop also have military museums.
There are numerous annual events to suit all tastes. Take in the New Forest and Hampshire County Show in July; the Beltain Festival at Butser Ancient Farm each spring; or visit Jalsa Salana, near Alton.
Education
There are over twenty independent schools in the county, with three in Southampton and four in Portsmouth. Sixth forms are rare in Hampshire; most students attend one of the further education colleges. Ask your Recoco buying agent for details of which institutions are currently rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
The four university-level institutions are Southampton; Southampton Solent; Portsmouth; and the University of Winchester. Farnborough College of Technology also awards degrees accredited by the University of Surrey.
Celebrity Connections
As well as writers Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, other famous historical figures include Florence Nightingale, the Duke of Wellington, and engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Actors Alfie Allen and Colin Firth and celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock have Hampshire links; novelist Neil Gaiman was born in Portchester, and retail designer Cath Kidston grew up near Andover.
Foodies’ Corner
Local produce is excellent, with beef, lamb, salmon, strawberries, trout, and watercress just some victuals available to help fuel your property search. You’ll often find local game, meat and dairy products, jams, on restaurant menus and at farmers’ markets.
Wherever you are in Hampshire, your Recoco buying agent will be able to point you in the direction of fish restaurants; quaint country pubs with real fires and real ales; Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Indian restaurants as well as Greek, French, British, Turkish, pan-European, and intimate bistros.
Several local vineyards and micro-breweries produce award-winning ales and ciders. And look out for the 38 delicious flavours of New Forest Ice Cream.
Fun Fact
Feel like solving a historical puzzle as part of your property search? The Rufus Stone near Minstead in the New Forest commemorates one of Britain’s most enduring mysteries. In 1100, William Rufus, third son of William the Conqueror, was killed by an arrow. The assassin was never identified.