I have lived in Hampshire all my life: Born and raised within the Portsmouth area then later studied and now currently live in Alton. I’m now the AccessAble Champion for Hampshire and I’m eager to have the county recognised on a global scale. Today I want to share some facts about the region that I’ve grown up in and that I call home:
1. Hampshire is a county in south England.
2. Hampshire is 3769 square kilometres.
3. Population is approx. 1,290,000.
4. It is a non-Metropolitan county.
5. The county has three cities: Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester.
6. Portsmouth is situated on Portsea Island and is the only island city in the UK.
7. It has been the home of famous people including Jane Austin, Charles Dickens & Florence Nightingale.
8. Hampshire is governed by the County Council and is divided into 18 Parliamentary constituencies – it is currently dominated by the Conservatives.
9. Hampshire borders with Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
10. The county has two national parks: South Downs and The New Forest.
11. It has two ferry ports in Portsmouth and Southampton that can give access to the Isle of Wight and across the channel into mainland Europe.
12. According to uSwitch, the average gross weekly income for a person living in Hampshire is £536.58 and is ranked as the 18th best place to live in the UK.
13. Southampton airport is the main international airport in the county and recently rated Best Airport in Europe.
14. It has numerous tourist attractions including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays, Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park (which includes Pepper Pig World, Portchester Castle, Jane Austen Museum and much more.
15. Hampshire is approximately 70 miles south west of London.
I hope these facts have taught you more about the county of Hampshire and may have inspired you to visit one day. Or maybe you live in Hampshire yourself or have visited on several occasions. What do you like about the county or can you share a fun fact? Leave your thoughts in the comments box or on social media.
