Hythe

Once discovered you’ll no doubt want to move to the quaint little tucked away coastal village of Hythe or one of the surrounding suburbs affectionately known as The Waterside. Water views of ocean liners and cruise ships will keep you amused and the vast New Forest National Park will draw you in, also being close to the beaches at Calshot spit & Lepe Country Park.

Hythe (which means landing-place) is recorded as far back as 1293 and boasts a wealth of history. Known in the early 20th century as a ‘little fishing village’, its prominence rose by the link that it provides to the city of Southampton. The Hythe Ferry has been in operation since at least the 17th century and continues to provide the service to this day with the help of the Hythe Pier (constructed in 1881) which extends out 640m into the Solent.

The ferry will get you into Southampton within 10 minutes and a short connecting bus journey can have you on the Platform at Southampton Central Station heading into London within 20 minutes, London is accessible within 1.15 hours. Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight are easily and quickly reached too with or without a car. Red Funnel Redjet service can have you in Cowes within 25 minutes from Town quay.

Hythe Marina is situated to the left of Hythe Village and is a must ‘visit, stay, live’ destination for boating enthusiasts. The Marina village is managed by MDL Marinas who manage and run 20 Marinas situated along the south coast. Hythe marina was the very first marina village to be built in the UK which offers water front homes, 206 berths, shops, bars and a boutique hotel called The Boathouse.

With the marina you can benefit from access to the onsite boatyard for DIY maintenance, boat lifting and storage, 24-hour lock operation, fuel station, slipway and even Wifi.

The village is home to various eatery hot spots such as Seashells bar and restaurant, Amalfi and Luca’s which are two wonderful Italian restaurants, The Boathouse waterfront restaurant, Thai Corner providing authentic Thai food, Ebenezers pub (set in an old chapel), the Jack and Grill burger bar as well as a wealth of takeaway options. Whether it’s a visit The Lord Nelson, a traditional pub on the high street or a lazy afternoon in one of the local café’s such as Be Be’s or Millie’s Tea Rooms, there is something for everyone. If you prefer the larger chain stores you will find Waitrose, Costa Coffee, Boots, Superdrug, Domino’s Pizza and Lidl all in the village.

Along with the Hythe Marina berths there a various Yacht Clubs in the local vicinity such as Hythe Sailing Club, Ashlett Sailing Club, Calshot Sailing Club, Marchwood Sailing Club and slightly further out there is Royal Southampton Yacht Club on the Beaulieu river and Royal Lymington Yacht Club in Lymington.

The area prides itself on creating a community and is considered to be a very popular place for families to grow with various schools in the SO45 area. The pick being Orchard Infant and Junior School receiving ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Good’ inspection reports through Ofsted. As the age range increases, schools such as Applemore College and Noadswood School which both have ‘Good’ Ofstead reports are extremely desirable.

Applemore Recreation Centre is the heartbeat of remaining active in The Waterside. The Centre has various courts available including Badminton, Basketball, Tennis and Five aside football along with 25m and 10m swimming pools. You will also find a fully equipped gym and health suite along with spin studio and sauna/steam room.

As mentioned, the transport links to Southampton and beyond via ferry are easy and simple however should you need to commute to work via car then the A326 links perfectly to the M27, East or West.

Whether you are working, resting or playing, there will be something to do. The Waterside offers such attractions as Calshot Activity Centre, Calshot Castle, Exbury Gardens, Lepe Country Park and various woodland walks in The New Forest National Park.

Stepping further out from The Waterside nearby Lymington and Beaulieu in the New Forest offers a plethora of outdoor activities if you choose to take them up. Beaulieu is located within a picturesque setting and also is home to Beaulieu Motor Museum. The New Forest is home to many quaint little hamlets and villages with different stories and tales. You will find Ponies and cattle roaming free along the many walks that are accessible, often with a traditional pub with hearty meals situated perfectly at the end!