Fareham

Fareham is closely tied to the seafaring cities of Portsmouth and Southampton. It’s between the two, at the very top of Portsmouth’s natural harbour. This is a hard-working part of Hampshire, but there’s some gorgeous countryside on the doorstep too and Fareham has long been a very popular market town to bring up a family and to have as a home-base for the working week.

It’s got excellent facilities of its own, with the backup of two great maritime cities within easy reach. The M27 provides the link between them, as well as with the London-bound M3 and the A3.

Living in Fareham

The town

The focal point of the town is the historic high street with its Georgian buildings. There’s a purpose-built shopping centre and the usual national supermarkets for you to choose from. For commuters, there’s a train station with regular services to Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton, Cardiff and London. There’s an Arts Centre and a Leisure Centre, and of course the call of the sea. This is a town that will suit you all.

The sea

Portsmouth Harbour opens out into The Solent, and car ferries pass the Isle of Wight before heading across the Channel to St Malo, Santander and the Channel Islands. Along with Chichester Harbour, this is prime sailing water and whether you join in or simply watch, it’s very much a local tradition. The beaches at Lee on Solent, Southsea and The Witterings are ready-made day trips for all the family.

City and countryside

You get two for the price of one here. It’s as easy to get to Southampton, a little further away, as it is to Portsmouth. Whether for work, for university, for retail therapy or for city nightlife, Fareham takes a step back from busy city life yet is within a stone’s throw.

The perfect backdrop to this busy part of the south coast, is the South Downs National Park. A short journey up the A3(M) to Petersfield before turning to the east, takes you into the heart of this famous landscape, to some beautiful places to visit and some beautiful country trails to follow.