When North European tribes arrived after the Romans drifted away, it was the Jutes who settled this area, calling themselves the Meonwara. St Peter’s Church, Titchfield, was established in about 680 AD, so it is one of the oldest churches in England. Domesday Book in 1086AD mentions ‘Ticefelle’ - with a Mill, a Market and farms it was a successful community, though tiny by today’s standards.

Premonstratensian Monks (White Monks) set up Titchfield Abbey in the 12th century, dominating the village and its surroundings for 300 years. Henry VIII put paid to that in the 16th century, giving the property to a favoured politician - Thomas Wriothsley - who turned it into ‘Place House’ and took the title ‘Earl of Southampton’. Charles I was captured here before being held in Carisbrooke Castle (IOW). Shakespeare was a close friend of the 3rd Earl and certainly visited; it is believed that some sonnets were written for him!

Few car museums in the world can match the unique collection of the world renowned National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

Formerly the 14th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House is set in glorious grounds and gardens with immaculate spreading lawns and walkways overlooking the Beaulieu River. The House has been in Lord Montagu's family ownership since 1538, when Sir Thomas Wriothesley, later 1st Earl of Southampton, bought the Estate after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John. Although much was destroyed at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII, there is still much for visitors to see today.

At Bucklers Hard, on the banks of the delightful Beaulieu River, you will be immediately aware that quality comes far before expediency - and meticulous attention-to-detail and loving workmanship before production-line convenience.

Entrench yourself in the colourful and exciting history of the Royal Marines, brought to life through dramatic and interactive displays.

A site full of information that has been produced by Ian Jeffery. Gosport - from the stony beach at Stokes Bay, there is a great view to the Isle of Wight, with some wonderful sunsets over The Solent. There are parks, woodland walks, grassland walks and a walk along the edge of Portsmouth Harbour with views to Portsmouth, Portsdown Hill, the Forts in The Solent and the Isle of Wight.

The Hamble Valley's coastline stretches along the Solent and Hamble River - Mecca for the yachting world. The Hamble Valley incorporates the parishes of Hamble- le- Rice, Bursledon, Hound, Botley, West End and Hedge End, plus the Victorian railway town of Eastleigh and the largely residential Chandler's Ford, Bishopstoke and Fair Oak. Together with 800 acres of unspoilt countryside, it's here waiting to be explored.

Entry to the museum in Fareham is free though some activities and events may be chargeable.

Tourist information for many towns in Hampshire.

This unique Museum offers you the chance to walk on board a real submarine, discover true tales of heroism and relive a life under the sea through the personal belongings of the crew.

The south's biggest selling daily newspaper, The News, has teamed up with Hampshire brewery Gales to bring you constant footage from a webcam devoted exclusively to the maritime comings and goings at Portsmouth Harbour.

Concerts, Workshops, Informal Sessions, Dance Displays, Singarounds and Late Night Festival Club.

A glimpse of a ruin of a 13th Century Cistercian abbey which was converted in Tudor times for the use as a house.

Marwell has 200 different species from tropical frogs to big cats, from little lovebirds to awesome ostrich.

In the Solent, almost opposite Cowes, the Beaulieu River and the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler's Hard occupy a superb location surrounded by oak woodland within the Beaulieu Estate. Buckler's Hard has been in the private ownership of the Montagu family since it was founded in 1724. It was here that wooden ships for the English Fleet were built and the village today retains much of the atmosphere of its shipbuilding origins.

Gosport Marina is a large marina situated on the port hand side of the busy Naval and commercial port of Portsmouth, opposite HMS Warrior.

Owned and managed by Associated British Ports the Port of Southampton on the South Coast of England is one of the largest and most diverse ports in Europe, handling 55,000 commercial vessel movements and 34 million tonnes of cargo each year.

As well as being a World-class hub port for containers and new vehicles, Southampton handles a wide range of other trades including cruise ships, grain and agribulks, fruit and fresh produce, liquid bulks and project cargoes. Thanks to the presence of a large oil refinery at Fawley, together with an oil terminal at Hamble, the port is also a major handler of tanker traffic.

The River Hamble at the heart of the sheltered waters of the Solent, protected from the open sea by the Isle of Wight, and benefiting from a two hour stand at high water, is an ideal base for cruising whether one's horizons are limited to the Solent and Isle of Wight, or extend further afield on the South Coast, the Channel Islands or France. The River Hamble Authority, Yacht Clubs, Marinas and Boatyards extend a welcome to all visiting yachts and craft.

Lymington is a bustling market town with a wide variety of shops from picturesque boutiques on the cobbled quay to the larger supermarkets. The Georgian and Victorian architecture and the varied and colourful history helps to create a distinctive quaintness drawing visitors back time and again.

Portsmouth is the UK’s premier waterfront destination with miles of sea views and centuries of history. Come and enjoy life on the water’s edge.

Ramblings from the author across his home territory with pictures to accompany the walks

Whether your choice of cruise is a day trip to Ryde or Cowes on the Isle of Wight, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Hamble or Beaulieu Rivers or viewing the ships of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, on board the Spirit of Portsmouth you will enjoy an unforgettable days cruising experience.

Their all weather vessel is able to accommodate up to a maximum of 300 passengers. The accommodation on board Spirit of Portsmouth is split into two decks. The upper deck has its own bar and opens onto an open air upper deck which makes a wonderful viewing platform to see all the Marine activity in an around the Solent and the harbour area.

Visit Titchfield Haven for a peaceful walk and to see a variety of wildlife, especially birds, really close to.

Call into the Visitor Centre first to buy your ticket and check the wildlife sightings board for the day.

The centre has an excellent Tea Room, shop, toilets and children's activities and you can find out where to walk, ride or cycle locally.

The National Trust protects and opens to the public over 300 historic houses and gardens and 49 industrial monuments and mills. They also look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages - for ever, for everyone.

Port Solent in Portsmouth is one of the South Coast’s leading leisure attractions where you can stroll along the marina, browse amongst the individual shops on The Boardwalk, or just relax in the Mediterranean atmosphere of this picturesque site and watch as the world goes by.

Skandia Cowes Week has a huge amount to offer both sailors and visitors alike, with an exciting racing schedule afloat and a packed entertainment itinerary on shore throughout the week. A visit to Cowes during the regatta is a must, with its great selection of specialist shops, excellent line-up of live bands and superb choice of cuisine, all helping to create a festival atmosphere - plus one of the best sailing spectacles in the entire world!

Find out all you need to know about Cowes Harbour and the River Medina.

The museum of Naval Firepower, situated on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour, Hampshire, UK - tracing Naval ordnance from the Battle of Trafalgar to the Gulf War.