Hythe and Dibden

Hythe Marina


Hythe is the hidden gem of the New Forest towns. Nestling between the New Forest and Southampton Water, its varied coastline offers fascinating views of one of the world’s busiest ports.
 
People visit Hythe for many reasons - to shop in one of the many independently owned shops or to enjoy a drink or a meal in one of its excellent cafés, pubs or restaurants. But what visitors enjoy most of all are the unrivalled views of the water and the beautiful cruise liners arriving in the port of Southampton. You can stroll along the beautiful and diverse waterfront, or you can just sit and enjoy the ever changing vista. During the year there are many events in the village centre including 'December Snow Days' which won the South East England Action for Market Towns Award in 2008, the Annual Raft Race, Waterside Arts Festival along with other small one off events.

There has been a ferry crossing between Hythe and Southampton since at least 1575.The 640 metre long pier was completed in 1881 and the electric railway and train were introduced in 1922. It is now the world’s oldest pier train. There is a half hourly ferry service to Southampton from the end of the pier that allows you to get ‘up close and personal’ with all the latest cruise liners. For details of ferry times, visit www.hytheferry.co.uk
 
The earliest mention of Hythe was in 1293, it lies in a pivotal position on the western shore of Southampton Water abutting the New Forest. In the early part of the 20th century, flying boats were built and operated from what is now Hythe Marine Park. T E Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, lived and worked at the British Power Boat Company. The hovercraft, invented by Sir Christopher Cockerell - who lived in Hythe until he died - was developed here.

In the area now known as the Waterside, Hythe is the central village of numerous small communities now vastly expanded by dormitory housing serving the petrochemical industries in the Waterside as well as the City of Southampton. Hythe with its sister communities of Dibden and Dibden Purlieu are part of the Parish of Hythe and Dibden.

http://www.HytheOnline.com and http://www.hytheanddibden.gov.uk


Hythe and Dibden Contact

Helen Owers

Parish Project Officer

Tel: 023 8084 1411

Email:

helen.owers@btconnect.com