Fareham

Historic market town at the head of Portsmouth Harbour, well connected by road and rail

Fareham is a market town at the head of Fareham Creek, an inlet on the northern shore of Portsmouth Harbour. It has served as a local centre for trade and commerce since at least the medieval period, and the town's position at the junction of road and rail routes between Southampton and Portsmouth keeps it well connected today. Fareham railway station sits on the main South Western line and is a stop for services running between the two cities. The town centre retains its historic core around West Street and the High Street, where Georgian and Victorian buildings survive alongside modern shops and restaurants. Fareham's weekly market has been held since the town received its charter in 1228. The shopping centre and surrounding streets offer a mix of independent businesses and national retailers, and the town has a lively cafe culture. Fareham Creek and the waterfront at the bottom of the town provide a natural focal point. The creek is tidal, draining to mudflats at low water, and the surrounding marshes and reedbeds support a range of bird species. Fareham Lake and the coastal path towards Portchester offer good walking, with views across the harbour. To the north and west, the town is bordered by the rising ground of Portsdown Hill and the farmland of the Meon Valley. Fareham has grown considerably since the mid-twentieth century, absorbing surrounding villages and adding large residential estates, but the older parts of the town retain a distinct identity. The borough of Fareham also administers Portchester, Stubbington, and other surrounding communities. For Fareham news, local events, and community information, visit fareham.news.