In
previous blogs we've focused on major Hampshire towns like Havant and Gosport. This time we turn
our attentions to the small, picturesque village of Swanwick.
The
area
Located
within the borough of Fareham, Swanwick is to the east of the River Hamble and
best-known for being a key air traffic control hub.
The
village doesn't have a centre as such, but is home to a number of housing
developments and is a popular commuter hub for those working in Portsmouth,
Southampton, London and further afield.
Lower
Swanwick, situated on the edge of the River Hamble, is a few miles away and is
popular among history buffs (thanks to the Bursledon Brickworks, the last
surviving Victorian steam-powered brickworks in the UK).
It
also draws fans of the BBC classic Howards' Way, with many scenes from that
filmed in and around the village and its local pub, “The Jolly Sailor”.
There
is a good mix of property in Swanwick, with 3 and 4 bedroom terraced houses on
sale for around £320,000, as well as stylish, modern flats and stunning barn
conversions for affordable prices.
You
can certainly, with a bit of research and planning, bag a bargain in Swanwick.
And, like with anywhere else in Hampshire, you get much more for your money
than you do in London or its surrounds.
Things
to do
Portsmouth,
Southampton and Fareham are all on the doorstep – and easy to venture into –
while the New Forest and the South Downs are close enough for days out
experiencing lovely, serene woodland and beautiful open countryside.
Marwell
Zoo
(perfect for the little ones) isn't very far away, while there are a number of
excellent golf courses close at hand for all the budding Rory Mcllroy's out
there.
Equally,
high-quality cricket and football matches can be sampled at The Ageas Bowl and
St Mary's Stadium respectively.
Bursledon
Brickworks Industrial Museum is another family-friendly gem, while Swanwick's
main landmark is the delightful 80-acre Swanwick
Lakes
– a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and a fantastic place to get away from
the fast-paced nature of modern life.
Meanwhile,
nearby Whiteley is home to a shopping centre, a Cineworld Cinema and Solent
Hotel & Spa.
Food
& Drink
Swanwick
itself isn't blessed with places to eat and drink, other than the excellent Elm
Tree Inn country pub and the popular bar 'Halladay's At The ELM Tree'.
But
Lower Swanwick and Whiteley more than make up for this, with The Old Ship, The
Navigator, The Bold Forester and the Village Inn all superb, family friendly
pubs with great food and attentive service.
Tiger
Lily, Kamz Palace and the Golden Valley are all good choices for those feeling
a bit bolder, while Whiteley is home to a number of chain restaurants ranging from
Chimichanga to Five Guys and the Harvester.
Montagu's
Cafe Bar & Bistro is the best place to opt for in Whiteley's Shopping
Centre, whereas Swanwick Railway CafĂ© – located, funnily enough, right by
Swanwick train station – undoubtedly offers the best fast food in town.
Transport
The
village has excellent transport links. The M27 is to the north, with
Southampton and Portsmouth easily reached by car.
Swanwick
railway station is on the West Coastway Line, providing services to Southampton
Central and Portsmouth Harbour. Commuters can be in London Waterloo in under
two hours, with one quick change at Fareham.
Southampton
Airport, with flights to many destinations in Europe, is an 18 minute drive
way.
For
expert advice when it comes to selling your home in Swanwick, Fareham and other
locations in the South of England, please get in touch with ChimneyPots on: 0844 809. 993.
We
also provide an instant
online valuation tool to give you an estimate of how much your
property is worth in the current marketplace.