The attractive waterside village of Hamble is the perfect spot for yachties, foodies and lovers of the coast and countryside
Hamble is one of a cluster of attractive sailing villages along the River Hamble. It is a sociable, active community with world-renowned sailing facilities, coastal walks, country parks and nature reserves on the doorstep.
Cobbled streets, period cottages, traditional country pubs, smart art galleries, superb river views and a beautiful Norman church combine to make this a much sought-after place to both live and visit.
This historic sailing village also has three marinas, and is home to The Royal Yachting Association.
With its deep water and double tides, the River Hamble is internationally recognised as a mecca for sailing enthusiasts with marinas, sailing clubs and boatyards clustered around Old Bursledon, Hamble, Swanwick and Warsash. Hamble itself is home to the Royal Yachting Association.
Old Bursledon is a quiet, hidden, retreat best known for the Jolly Sailor riverside pub. Warsash, on the opposite bank to Hamble and linked by a passenger ferry, is home to Warsash Maritime Academy and Warsash Superyacht Academy, and Swanwick is buzzing with pubs, bistros and cafes.
Take a look at our homes in and and around Hamble.
Strawberry Trail
This 15-mile figure of eight trail runs through Hamble along the riverbank from Botley to Netley, taking in some of the area’s most beautiful countryside.
Netley Abbey
The Netley Abbey ruins are also within walking distance from Hamble – once an impressive Cistercian Priory, many arched windows and doorways can still be seen in the surviving stone walls.
The Solent Way
Walk sections of this 60-mile coastal route from the seaside town of Milford-on-Sea to Emsworth Harbour, passing through the Hamble Valley.
Curbridge Nature Reserve
The National Trust’s Curbridge Nature Reserve is a stunning ancient woodland that runs alongside the Hamble River. Loved by the local community, the woodland is home to a ‘fairy tree’, decorated with tokens from visitors, and strewn with bluebells in the spring.
Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, Holly Hill Woodland Park, and Bunney Meadows
A delightful walk along the east bank of the River Hamble with stunning views of the marinas on the western side.
Hamble Rail Trail
This easy 4.5-mile walk runs along a disused railway track built towards the end of WWI to transport aircraft from Manchester to Hamble. The trail links Hamble Common, Royal Victoria Country Park, the Solent Way and the Strawberry Trail.
Heritage and History
The popular 1980s sailing soap Howards Way was filmed in Hamble – very appropriate, when you consider Hamble has been involved in boatbuilding and yachting since the 14th century, when the river port was considered even more important than neighbouring Portsmouth.
In the late 19th century the world-famous Hamble Valley strawberries were a booming industry, giving the area the title of the 'Strawberry Coast'.
The boom began in the 1860s, with the railways playing an important part in delivering the fruit across the country on ‘strawberry specials’.
Swanwick station was built in 1888 to export the strawberries, and during the harvest between the end of May and mid-July, it was one of the busiest stations in the country.
Every day, more than 20,000 berries would be loaded onto the train bound for Covent Garden and top hotels in London.
During World War II, the historic waterfront community also played an important part in preparations for D Day, with hundreds of Spitfires, Wellington and Lancaster bombers taking off from the aircraft training centre based there.
OUR HAMBLE SPECIALIST
Jason Guard
Contact Jason or any of our Hamble team at hamble@whiteandguard.com.
