Present Day Hamble-le-Rice

Hamble-le-Rice is best known for its yachting fraternity and the River Hamble is always busy with local yachts and boating enthusiasts out on the water. The first Hamble Regatta was held in 1870 and is still an annual tradition which the village enthusiastically embraces.

Sailing masts seem to outnumber the small red brick cottages and houses which make up this historic waterfront community of around 400 residents. In fact the village covers 413 acres of land and 870 acres of water!

Although serene and peaceful, Hamble-le-Rice is easily reached from the M27 along the winding B3397 which ends in the village square where there is plenty of car parking. A cobbled lane then leads down to the river.

Hamble-le-Rice remains a rural village despite its popularity. It has a village common, plenty of birds and wildlife on the estuary and many scenic footpaths around the area. It has several local shops, upmarket restaurants, pubs and tearooms and a post office.