Hamble is a village and parish in the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, UK. Hamble is best known as a popular yachting location. Sheltered port, a scenic village, and a sense of community makes Hamble a must for those who love the sea. This year the weakening of the British pound sterling relative to both the US dollar and euro makes this the perfect time to charter a yacht in Hamble. The weakest pound sterling in more than 20 years means shopping, restaurants, and other adventures in the UK just became more affordable than ever. Add to this the enduring appeal of Hamble as a destination for yacht enthusiasts and this charming village becomes the place to visit this year.
From Rome Rule to King Henry the VIII
Today, Hamble is home to a variety of fine dining and shopping options but its history dates back to at least Roman times. In the 1920s broken Roman pottery was found and over 2,500 Roman coins were discovered in 1968 inside an earthenware jar. The Romans withdrew from the area in 410 AD and Denmark took possession of the region. Evidence still remains in the Common of the fortress Jules of Northern Denmark erected in 730 AD.
Traces of a 16th century castle can still be seen at low tide. The St Andrews castles dates back to the time of King Henry the VIII. Based on excavations of the area, it appears the castle had a rectangular structure, surrounded by a moat. The castle was protected by gun platforms. During the 1500s Hamble was also known for incidences of piracy and smuggling.
Explore the South Coast’s Sailing Scene
Hamble is home to wildlife, scenic walks, and a friendly yacht community, but that is only the start of Hamble’s appeal. Port Hamble is a central launching point for cruising along the South Coast. From Hamble, sail down to Solent and around the Isle of Wight. Sail to the east and you’ll be set to explore Portsmouth.
The city of Portsmouth is filled with historic sights, restaurants, and shopping. From the Southsea Castle, King Henry VIII viewed the sinking of his ship the Mary Rose. The ship remained on the bottle for 437 years but has now been raised and put on display in her own museum in Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard also includes the HMS Victory and the HMS Warrior 1860, both on display and open to the public. Near the Dockyard is a shopping complex and the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. This 170-metre tall structure provides an amazing view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, it is possible to see up to 23 miles from the viewing platforms. For those seeking even more of a thrill, brave a walk across the tower’s glass floor.
For anyone interested in history, the Southsea Castle and the D-Day Museum are important stops. Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and the city has also been home to Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling. Museums play tribute to these literary legends as do events held in the city throughout the year.
After Portsmouth, sail to Cowes to explore the Isle of Wight. The island features Osborne House, a favorite of Queen Victoria. King Charles I was imprisoned in the island’s Carisbrooke Castle. For the young, or young at heart, there is Dinosaur Isle, the UK’s premier spot for all things dinosaur.
Find further adventures by sailing west. There you’ll find Buckler’s Hard on the Beaulieu River. Buckler’s Hard was developed as a shipbuilding center. Henry Adams established a private shipyard there in 1744 and went on to win construction contracts for the Royal Navy. Three warships produced there for Nelson’s Navy went on to fight in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum has models of these ships as well as Nelson memorabilia.
Reserve a yacht charter now for your Hamble adventures. Schedule your charter online or contact our team for expert assistance in planning your trip of a lifetime. Call us today at: 866.469.0912