Hampshire is a must for visitors with many historic places, buildings, and ships linked to medieval times, WWII, and the Roman Saxon era. Apart from a rich history, there are beautiful landscapes to see and interesting facts to learn and appreciate about Hampshire.
Farming in Hampshire
Watercress
Alresford is the capital of growing watercress with pure spring water, and the farming of this healthy green leaf vegetable dates back to the 19th century. With modern production, the watercress is shipped to London by train in large quantities, with the route now known as the ‘The Watercress Line’. Alresford hosts a Watercress Festival annually in May.
Wine
Hampshire’s soil is similar to France’s Champagne region. While Hambledon Vineyard’s Non-Vintage Classic Cuvée cannot be labelled Champagne, the wine topped a wine tasting by Noble Rot, coming ahead of famous French champagnes Veuve Clicquot, Pol Roger, and Tattinger.
Leckford Estate
John Spedan Lewis bought the Leckford Estate in the Test Valley in 1929. Eighty-seven years later, it is home to the Waitrose Farm, where visitors like to go for its farm shop, cafés, and fantastic water gardens.
History
Hampshire played its role in history dating back to the thirteenth century when the French tried to possess Odiham Castle. Many ships disembarked in Portsmouth and Southampton, and vessels were built and sailed from Hampshire during WWII. Historical buildings, warships, and artefacts are found at the museums in Portsmouth, which played an integral part in the land’s cultural history.
Sport
Hampshire is said to be the birthplace of windsurfing, fly-fishing, and birdwatching. Born and bred in Hampshire, Sir Chay Blyth was the first man to sail solo around the world, albeit in the ‘wrong direction’, and arrived back in Hamble in 1971.