Nigel Clarke, CEO of Morgan Innovation and Technology
St. Catherine's Hill - Visit Hampshire
are consistently ranked among the UK's best places to live
than anywhere else in the UK
as well as stunning beaches and glorious countryside
are based in Hampshire
With a combination of three historic cities, two national parks and miles of coastline, Hampshire has it all. Very close to London* and with excellent transport links in and out of the county, it makes for the perfect location to live, work and enjoy.
Hampshire has the perfect blend of city, coast and countryside. Occupying two National Parks – New Forest National Park, which covers an unspoilt area of 566 square kilometres to the west of Hampshire and South Downs National Park to the east of Hampshire, which encompasses 1600 square kilometres of rolling hills to bustling market towns.
Hampshire is near to London that it’s a big part of our story, but far enough away to have our own special way of life. And that can mean city living in Southampton or Portsmouth, quintessential English historic city living in Winchester, the joys of a market town, new towns such as Basingstoke, villages or rural life. Whatever you choose you are always near countryside, coastline or capital city.
Hampshire certainly isn’t all about quaint, traditional places to live that come with big price tags: there’s a lot of new development that means more affordable opportunities in garden style communities, and quality edge of town housing schemes. Welborne is a 21st century Garden Village between the South Downs National Park and the coast; Whitehill and Bordon are being transformed from what was a garrison town to Hampshire’s Green Town, and Wellesley is a new and exciting neighbourhood for Aldershot. These are all providing quality homes, employment opportunities and education vital to support the growth of the county.
There’s a great combination of urban hustle and bustle with a slower pace of life if and when you want it, and it’s not hard to find quiet, big skies, fresh air and to simply lose yourself in the landscape.
The county sees some of the most iconic and exciting events every year.
Every September, Mayflower Park is the host of the Southampton International Boat Show – Britain’s biggest and best festival of boating which showcases a plethora of beautifully designed boats and products from over 600 global marine brands.
Every August one of the longest-running regular regattas in the world, Cowes Week returns to the Solent, attracting over 100,000 spectators.
For more information about upcoming events see visit-hampshire.co.uk
Hampshire produces award-winning locally sourced food and drink; it stages the month-long Hampshire Food Festival every summer, and is home to celebrity chefs including James Martin and Angela Hartnett.
Hampshire is arguably the sparkling wine region of the UK, being home to leading vineyards such as Hattingley Valley and Hambledon Vineyard.
Sports fans are spoilt in Hampshire with the range of sporting facilities on offer, including the Ageas Bowl (home of Hampshire Cricket) which is a regular venue for international fixtures. Football fans get to choose from two premier league teams, Southampton FC (Premier League) and Portsmouth FC (League One).
For those passionate about watersports, Hampshire’s coastline is famous for sailing, for all abilities. There is an abundance of marina’s dotted along the coastline, including Ocean Village Marina in Southampton; Hamble Point Marina in Hamble and Port Solent Marina in Portsmouth.
For more information about sports and activities see visit-hampshire.co.uk
Read more about Hampshire's places here
Business Hampshire is the economic development service of Hampshire County Council.
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