In between the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton is the market town of Fareham. The town itself is said to have dated back to the Norman era and its location was determined by the ford of Fareham Creek, which is located at the top of Portsmouth Harbor. Its original economic stimulator was the vast amount of clay that was found in the area. Fareham has become known for the bricks made from this clay. Today, however, the main driving force in the economy is the retail industry.
Just because Fareham has become a popular market spot doesn't mean that there aren't interesting places for visitors to enjoy. The Hovercraft Museum is probably one of the most unique and interesting places to go. Located in Lee-on-the-Solent this museum is dedicated strictly to hovercrafts, as the name implies. Housed inside this unique arena is over sixty varieties of the machine including the Princess Margret. The museum is also home to the last two remaining SR.N4 crafts and the world's largest civil hover craft. Some of these vessels are privately owned and are up for sale if you are interested. You can also see the largest library of publications, films, photography, video, drawings and documentation on the hovercraft and are available to view as part of research if prior arrangements are made.
Once you've taken a walk through the strange world of the hovercraft it might be time to step back in time so to speak. The Portchester Castle is a medieval Roman fort located just east of Fareham. This Grade I listed building is open to visitors year round and is the only Roman fort in northern Europe to have a majority of the bastions and walls complete and still standing. The original castle was built around 1090 and was home to William Mauduit a local lord. The castle changed hands in 1130 and went to William Pont de l'Arche and was often used by King John. In later years the castle started to decline and it was instead used as a jail for over 7000 French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. Today what remains of the castle is a great tourist destination. The inner sections of the castle are used to display exhibits while the grounds are a great place to view the scenery. It is a must stop for visitors of all ages.
Of course since Fareham is a market town you will find many interesting things. If you are a shop-a-holic then you will be in good company here. There are many unique shops and boutiques to pique your interest. You can certainly find that one item that shows you've been to one of the hottest little market towns in Hampshire.
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