What Hamble People Love about Hamble

Nestling at the tip of a peninsular between the Hamble River and Southampton Water, Hamble, or Hamble-le-Rice as it’s also known, is much more than just a picture postcard village.

Whether you’ve driven in from Botley or sailed over from Bermuda, the mesmerising waterfront with its big skies and views across the water to Warsash no longer resounds to the hundreds of craft that left here for the D-Day landings, or of its pioneering role in the history of aviation, including the sea-plane. Instead, the rhythmic clinking of a multitude of masts signals one of the south coast’s busiest marina and yachting centres, offering everything needed by its sea-faring community.

Regardless of your mode of transport, no compass is needed to navigate from the foreshore up the cobbled High Street to The Square. When it comes to satisfying hunger pangs or a thirst, there’s plenty of choice from cheerful cafés for breakfast and a cappuccino to cosy pubs serving-up local brews and home cooked fare. Or perhaps push the boat out and book a restaurant table at The River Rat. Whilst art galleries, clothing and homeware emporium also provide a chance to treat yourself, everyday basics from having a haircut to buying a pint of milk are on the doorstep.

And a refreshing parking policy means that it’s possible to stay for free, for a limited time, in several areas… and you’ll want to linger, because these independent businesses ensure that a return visit or, perhaps, even more permanent shore leave might well be on the horizon.