Calshot

Settlement in Hampshire New Forest

England

Calshot

Bourne Gap red buoy Credit: Roger Cornfoot

Calshot is a small village located in the county of Hampshire, England. Situated on the southeastern edge of the New Forest National Park, it lies at the tip of a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Solent, a strait separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland.

Historically, Calshot has been associated with maritime activities due to its strategic coastal location. In the early 16th century, Henry VIII constructed Calshot Castle to protect the region from potential invaders. The castle, now a scheduled ancient monument, offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history. Additionally, the village was a prominent hub for aviation during the 20th century, with the Royal Air Force establishing a seaplane station and later an airbase.

Today, Calshot remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its coastal location makes it an ideal spot for various water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The Calshot Activities Centre offers a range of activities, including indoor climbing, skiing, and snowboarding, making it a year-round attraction.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the beautiful Calshot Marshes, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its diverse bird population and unique wetland habitats. The area is a haven for birdwatching and offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

With its rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and abundance of recreational opportunities, Calshot continues to charm both locals and visitors alike.

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Calshot Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.81128/-1.321088 or Grid Reference SU4701. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bourne Gap red buoy

Roger Cornfoot

Flag and Castle, Calshot

Built in Tudor times to defend the port of Southampton, Calshot Castle now shares the end of Calshot Point with a lifeboat station and coastguard lookout, together with more recent former military buildings.

Des Blenkinsopp

Ship passing Calshot Castle

Taken from the stonework around the outer wall of the castle. The entrance to Southampton Docks is fairly narrow and large vessels come quite near the coast just here.

Des Blenkinsopp

Old Seaplane Hangar, Calshot

An enormous building which once housed seaplanes is now an activity centre with cycling, skiing, climbing etc.

Des Blenkinsopp

Lawrence House, Calshot

Bleak former military housing in an equally bleak location.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Beach Has Grown

From the grid reference this is the same bucket on a stick marker as seen in SU4801 : Groynes on Calshot beach showing how the beach has risen in the intervening years. These shingle beaches are ever changing. Next bit of rough weather and it will be different again.

Des Blenkinsopp

Unsettled Sky, Jack Maynard Road

Jack Maynard Road goes along behind the beach huts out to Calshot Castle. All that Google wants to tell me is that Jack Maynard is another one of many present day media celebrities. I'm not convinced this road is named after him though.

Des Blenkinsopp

Beach Huts, Calshot

A long row of traditional wooden huts overlook the shingly beach on the way to Calshot Castle.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Hangar @ Calshot

The trading name of the Calshot Activities Centre, which is housed in "The largest hangar built in Britain for use by fixed-wing aircraft during World War 1." "It forms part of the most outstanding group of early aircraft structures of this type in the British Isles." Quotes from Historic England listing Link