Hythe

Hythe, on the eastern edge of the national park, sits on the western shore of Southampton Water opposite the city of Southampton. It is the central town in the area known as the Waterside and has a population of over 20,000.

The first recorded reference to Hythe dates from 1293, although the village was probably established some time before this date. Its position on the waterside and closeness to Southampton helped it to prosper through trade, shipbuilding and other maritime activities.

Hythe has a small shopping high street and is a popular vantage point for viewing liners arriving at the port of Southampton. There is also a thriving sailing community and a modern marina development.

Hythe’s 19 century iron pier is 640 metres long (2,100 feet), making it one of the longest piers in the British Isles. It also has the oldest working pier train in the world. You can visit Southampton by using the half-hourly railway and ferry service across Southampton Water.

Famous past inhabitants include hovercraft inventor Sir Christopher Cockerell, who lived and died in Hythe, and T.E. Lawrence – Lawrence of Arabia, then known as T.E.Shaw – who was seconded there by the RAF from 1931 to 1932.