Frequently Asked Questions about Solent News

Common questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Solent News, Hampshire.

What is the Solent?

The Solent is the strait between the Hampshire mainland and the Isle of Wight, running roughly east to west for about twenty miles. It is one of the busiest and most famous stretches of water in the world, used by commercial shipping, ferries, sailing boats, and leisure craft. The name is also used more loosely to refer to the wider area of south Hampshire along the coast.

What is Solent News?

Solent News is a network of local community news sites covering towns and villages across the Solent area of Hampshire. The network includes dedicated sites for Gosport (gosport.news), Lee-on-the-Solent (leeonthesolent.news), Fareham (fareham.news), Stubbington (stubbington.news), and Portchester (portchester.news). This umbrella site, solent.news, brings together news and information from across the area.

Which towns and villages does the network cover?

The network currently covers Gosport, Lee-on-the-Solent, Fareham, Stubbington, and Portchester. Each has its own dedicated site with local news, history, community information, and guides. The umbrella site at solent.news covers topics and news relevant to the wider Solent area.

How do I get to the Solent area?

By rail, Fareham and Portchester are both on the main South Western Railway line between Southampton and Portsmouth, with regular services throughout the day. By road, the M27 motorway runs along the northern edge of the area, with junctions 9 to 12 serving the main towns. From London, the journey by car takes roughly ninety minutes, and by train about two hours via Waterloo or Victoria. The nearest airports are Southampton and Bournemouth.

When is the best time to visit the Solent area?

The Solent area is pleasant to visit throughout the year. Summer (June to September) offers the best weather for beaches, sailing, and coastal walks, and this is when events like Cowes Week and local regattas take place. Spring and autumn are good for birdwatching, with migrant species passing through and winter visitors arriving from October. Winter can be cold on the coast, but the overwintering bird populations at Titchfield Haven and Portsmouth Harbour make it worthwhile for nature enthusiasts.

How do I get to the Isle of Wight from the Solent area?

The most convenient route from the Solent area is to take the Gosport Ferry across Portsmouth Harbour and then board the Wightlink car ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (about 45 minutes) or the Hovertravel hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde (about 10 minutes). If you are driving, the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth is the nearest vehicle crossing. Red Funnel operates services from Southampton to East Cowes and Cowes. Booking in advance is recommended for car crossings in summer.

Is Gosport worth visiting?

Gosport has significant naval heritage, including the Royal Submarine Museum, the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower at Priddy's Hard, and the Millennium Promenade along Portsmouth Harbour. Stokes Bay offers views across to the Isle of Wight and is popular for watersports. The Gosport Ferry crossing itself is one of the best short boat trips on the south coast. For more, visit gosport.news.

What are the best walking routes in the area?

The Solent Way long-distance path runs along the Hampshire coast and passes through Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport, Portchester, and Fareham. Shorter walks include the seafront promenade at Lee-on-the-Solent, the Millennium Promenade in Gosport, the harbour shore path from Portchester to Fareham, and the nature trails at Titchfield Haven near Stubbington. Portsdown Hill, north of Fareham and Portchester, offers ridge walks with panoramic views.

Can I go sailing on the Solent?

The Solent is one of the premier sailing grounds in the world. Sailing clubs at Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport, and Hill Head welcome visitors and offer courses. Several sailing schools along the Hampshire coast run Royal Yachting Association courses for beginners and improvers. Charter boats are available from Gosport and Portsmouth for those who want to sail without joining a club. The season runs from April to October, though some clubs sail year-round.

What is Portchester Castle?

Portchester Castle is a medieval castle built within the walls of a late Roman fort on the shore of Portsmouth Harbour. The Roman fort, Portus Adurni, was constructed in the late third century and is the most complete example of its type in northern Europe. The Norman keep was added in the twelfth century. The castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to visitors. Entry is charged. The parish church of St Mary, which stands within the castle walls, dates from the twelfth century. For more, visit portchester.news.

Where can I park in the Solent area?

Fareham has several town centre car parks, including pay-and-display and multi-storey options. Gosport has parking near the ferry terminal and at Stokes Bay. Lee-on-the-Solent has seafront parking along Marine Parade and in car parks off the High Street. Portchester has a car park near the castle (English Heritage, charges apply). Stubbington has limited village centre parking. On busy summer weekends, seafront car parks at Lee-on-the-Solent and Stokes Bay can fill up by late morning.

What events take place in the Solent area?

The area has a busy calendar of local events. Gosport holds an annual fete and various waterfront events. Lee-on-the-Solent has a summer carnival and regular sailing regattas. Fareham hosts markets, live music, and community events in the town centre and at Westbury Manor. The wider Solent area is busy with sailing events throughout the summer, with Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight the most prominent. Check the individual town sites for up-to-date event listings.