# Lee-on-the-Solent: Full Reference > Local news and community guide for Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire. A seaside community on the Solent coast, home to HMS Daedalus, the Hovercraft Museum, and an active sailing culture. ## Areas ### Seafront Lee-on-the-Solent's Seafront is the vibrant historical and social heart of the resort, stretching along the shingle beach for approximately two miles from Hill Head in the west to Stokes Bay in the east. The promenade features Marine Parade, the historic pier with its distinctive Victorian engineeri... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/seafront ### Town Centre Lee-on-the-Solent's Town Centre clusters around the High Street and Victoria Square, serving as the retail, hospitality, and civic heart of the community. The High Street comprises a linear commercial thoroughfare extending from the seafront, with independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and pro... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/town-centre ### Daedalus The Daedalus area encompasses the former HMS Daedalus naval air station, a 369-acre waterfront site undergoing major regeneration transformation that represents Lee-on-the-Solent's most significant development opportunity. The site's historical significance stretches across 90 years of aviation oper... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/daedalus ### Eastern Lee Eastern Lee is the established residential neighbourhood east of the High Street, characterised by tree-lined streets with mature planting, predominantly detached and semi-detached family homes set on individual plots, and comprehensive community infrastructure. This area encompasses the recreation ... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/eastern-lee ### Western Lee Western Lee encompasses the residential areas west of the Town Centre extending towards Stubbington, centred on Cherque Way and surrounding streets. This area comprises primarily mid-20th century residential development with detached and semi-detached family homes situated on individual plots, occas... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/western-lee ### Northern Lee Northern Lee comprises the area north of the Seafront and Town Centre, centred on Broom Way and connecting through open green spaces and country footpaths to Stubbington and surrounding rural areas. This neighbourhood features a mix of residential properties including single-family homes and some ap... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/northern-lee ### Hill Head Hill Head is an adjacent coastal village to the west of Lee-on-the-Solent, administratively within Fareham borough, maintaining distinctive character despite proximity to the larger resort. This charming settlement features a particular visual identity defined by its famous beach huts, predominantly... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/hill-head ### Stokes Bay Stokes Bay is a coastal area east of Lee-on-the-Solent, featuring a distinctive shingle beach with panoramic views across the Solent to Ryde and East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, and westward views to Fawley refinery and the New Forest. The bay provides recreational access through protected foreshore... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/stokes-bay ### Browndown Browndown comprises a former military defensive position south of Stokes Bay, characterised by the long steep shingle beach stretching between Stokes Bay and Lee-on-the-Solent. The area fronts Browndown Camp, a Department of Defence military training facility and ammunition storage area, which signi... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/browndown ### Alverstoke Alverstoke is an affluent residential village located east of Stokes Bay toward Gosport, administratively within Gosport borough but functionally connected to Lee-on-the-Solent through proximity and shared Solent views. The area stretches east-west from Fort Blockhouse and Haslar naval complex to Br... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/alverstoke ### Stubbington Stubbington is a village located directly north of Lee-on-the-Solent, separated administratively but closely integrated with Lee's community, services, and social networks. The village encompasses residential areas comprising postwar suburban homes and some older properties, local retail and hospita... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/stubbington ### Gosport Town Gosport Town, the borough centre of Gosport, is located approximately three miles east of Lee-on-the-Solent, administratively and functionally important as the primary retail and service centre for the wider Gosport borough. As the administrative heart of Gosport borough, the town provides major ret... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/areas/gosport-town ## Guides ### Parking in Lee-on-the-Solent Finding a parking space in Lee-on-the-Solent is straightforward compared to many south coast towns, though the seafront can fill up on warm summer weekends. There are several options depending on wher... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/parking ### Property in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent offers a range of property types at prices that remain competitive compared to many south coast locations. The town has attracted buyers looking for seaside living without the premiu... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/property ### Restaurants and Cafes in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a growing food and drink scene centred on the High Street and the seafront. The emphasis is on independent establishments rather than national chains, which gives the town a dist... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/restaurants-and-cafes ### Dog Walking in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is one of the most dog-friendly towns on the Hampshire coast. The combination of a long seafront promenade, open green spaces, and a community that largely welcomes dogs makes it a p... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/dog-walking ### Sailing in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has one of the finest sailing positions on the south coast of England. The town faces directly onto the Solent, one of the busiest and most varied sailing waters in the world, and th... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/sailing ### Pubs in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a modest but well-liked selection of pubs, each with its own character and regulars. The town is not overloaded with drinking establishments, but the ones it has are genuine loca... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/pubs ### Takeaways in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a reasonable spread of takeaway options for a town of its size, concentrated along and around the High Street. The range covers the staples that most people look for, and while i... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/takeaways ### Fish and Chips in Lee-on-the-Solent Fish and chips in Lee-on-the-Solent is as much about the setting as the food. There are few better places on the Hampshire coast to eat a bag of chips than sitting on the seafront wall with the Solent... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/fish-and-chips ### Supermarkets in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is well served for day-to-day grocery needs, though a full weekly shop will usually mean a trip to one of the larger stores in Stubbington or Fareham. On the High Street, there is a... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/supermarkets ### Doctors in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is served by local GP surgeries that provide primary healthcare to the town and surrounding area. The principal practice in Lee is the Lee-on-the-Solent Medical Practice, which opera... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/doctors ### Dentists in Lee-on-the-Solent Dental care in Lee-on-the-Solent is provided by local practices offering a mix of NHS and private treatment. Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can require some patience, as is the case acr... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/dentists ### Pharmacies in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has pharmacy provision on the High Street covering prescription dispensing, over-the-counter medicines, and a range of additional health services. The local pharmacies serve as an im... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/pharmacies ### Vets in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is a dog-heavy town, and the demand for veterinary services reflects that. While the town itself does not have a veterinary surgery on its high street, there are well-established pra... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/vets ### Schools in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a straightforward school provision covering primary and secondary education, with additional options available in the wider Gosport and Fareham area for those seeking alternative... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/schools ### Nurseries in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has nursery and pre-school provision for families with young children, offering a mix of private day nurseries, pre-schools, and childminder options. The town's family-friendly chara... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/nurseries ### Buses in Lee-on-the-Solent Bus services provide the main public transport link between Lee-on-the-Solent and the wider area. The town does not have a railway station, so buses are the primary option for residents and visitors w... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/buses ### Getting to Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent sits at the southern tip of the Gosport peninsula, between Portsmouth Harbour to the east and Southampton Water to the west. Getting there is straightforward by car and reasonable by... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/getting-here ### Taxis in Lee-on-the-Solent Taxi services cover Lee-on-the-Solent through a combination of local firms and the broader Gosport and Fareham taxi network. There is no dedicated taxi rank in Lee-on-the-Solent, so pre-booking is the... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/taxis ### Estate Agents in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has estate agent representation on and near the High Street, covering sales, lettings, and property management for the town and surrounding area. The agents operating here know the l... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/estate-agents ### Council Tax in Lee-on-the-Solent Council tax in Lee-on-the-Solent is set and collected by Gosport Borough Council, with additional precepts from Hampshire County Council, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, and... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/council-tax ### Postcodes in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent falls within the PO13 postcode district, which is part of the wider Portsmouth PO postcode area. The PO13 code covers Lee-on-the-Solent itself and extends to parts of the surrounding... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/postcode ### Population of Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a population of approximately 11,000, making it a small but self-contained community within the wider Gosport borough. The town functions as a distinct settlement with its own ch... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/population ### Crime in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is a low-crime area by most measures, and residents generally regard the town as a safe and quiet place to live. The combination of a small, settled community, limited nightlife, and... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/crime ### Things to Do in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent offers more than you might expect from a town of 11,000 people. The seafront is the headline act, but there is enough going on to fill a day visit or keep residents entertained throu... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/things-to-do ### Walks in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent's position on the Solent coast gives it access to some of the best walking on the Hampshire shoreline. The routes range from short, flat promenade strolls suitable for pushchairs and... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/walks ### Parks in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a decent provision of green spaces and parks for a town of its size, offering everything from formal playing fields to informal open grassland for picnics and play. Lee Recreati... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/parks ### Gyms in Lee-on-the-Solent Fitness options in Lee-on-the-Solent cover the basics, with a mix of local gym provision and the outdoor exercise opportunities that the seafront naturally provides. The town is not overloaded with co... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/gyms ### Swimming in Lee-on-the-Solent Swimming is part of the fabric of Lee-on-the-Solent. The town's sheltered Solent beach has drawn bathers since the resort was founded in the 1880s, and open-water swimming has grown significantly in p... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/swimming ### Cycling in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent's flat terrain and coastal setting make it a pleasant place to cycle, whether for transport, exercise, or leisure. The lack of significant hills anywhere on the Gosport peninsula rem... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/cycling ### Fishing in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent provides accessible shore fishing along its two-mile beach frontage, with the Solent's productive waters yielding a reasonable variety of species throughout the year. The beach is fr... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/fishing ### Churches in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has several active churches representing the main Christian denominations, each with its own congregation and programme of services, activities, and community involvement. St Faith'... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/churches ### Community Groups in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has an active community life supported by a range of clubs, societies, and volunteer organisations. For a town of its size, the level of community engagement is notable, and newcomer... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/community-groups ### Events in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a strong events calendar for a small town, with several established annual events that draw visitors from across the area and a regular programme of smaller community gatherings ... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/events ### Markets in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent does not have a permanent daily or weekly market in the traditional sense, but it hosts regular pop-up markets, craft fairs, and seasonal events that bring stall-based trading to the... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/markets ### Shops in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent's High Street is defined by its independent shops. The town has resisted the drift toward chain retail that has homogenised many British high streets, and the result is a shopping ex... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/shops ### Hairdressers in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent has a selection of hairdressers and barbers on and near the High Street, covering the range from traditional cuts to more contemporary styling. For a town of 11,000 people, the provi... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/hairdressers ### Weather in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent benefits from one of the more favourable climates on the south coast of England, with the Solent's maritime influence moderating temperatures and the town's south-facing aspect maxim... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/weather ### Facts About Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is a small seaside town on the south coast of Hampshire, England, with a population of approximately 11,000. Here are the key facts and figures, along with some things that even loca... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/facts ### Restaurants in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent's restaurant scene is built on independent businesses rather than chain outlets. The town has no Nando's, no Pizza Express, and no Wagamama. What it does have is a collection of loca... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/restaurants ### Cafes in Lee-on-the-Solent Cafes are central to daily life in Lee-on-the-Solent. Whether it is dog walkers warming up after a winter morning on the promenade, families stopping for ice cream in July, or friends meeting for coff... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/cafes ### Hospitals Near Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent does not have a hospital within the town itself, but NHS hospital services are accessible within a reasonable distance. The main facilities serving the area are Queen Alexandra Hospi... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/hospitals ### Primary Schools in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is served by two primary-phase schools that together cover the full infant and junior age range. For a town of its size, the provision is focused and well established, with both scho... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/primary-schools ### Secondary Schools Near Lee-on-the-Solent Secondary school provision for Lee-on-the-Solent pupils is centred on Brune Park Community School, with Bay House School in Gosport providing the main alternative and sixth form option. Brune Park Co... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/secondary-schools ### Trains Near Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent does not have a railway station. The town's branch line closed to passenger traffic in 1931, making it one of the earliest railway closures in Hampshire. The trackbed has long since ... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/trains ### Gosport Borough Council Lee-on-the-Solent falls within the administrative area of Gosport Borough Council, which is the district-level local authority responsible for a range of services affecting daily life in the town. Und... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/council ### Lee-on-the-Solent High Street Lee-on-the-Solent's High Street is one of the more distinctive shopping streets on the south coast. In an era when many town centres have lost their independent retailers to chains and online shopping... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/high-street ### History of Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent's history stretches back centuries as a small coastal settlement, but the town as it exists today is largely a product of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Its story is on... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/history ### Cinema Near Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent does not have a cinema. The town once had the Lee Tower, an Art Deco entertainment complex that included a cinema and dance hall, but it was demolished in 1971. Since then, residents... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/cinema ### Lee-on-the-Solent Library Lee-on-the-Solent has its own public library, located on the High Street. It is part of the Hampshire Library Service, run by Hampshire County Council, and provides free access to books, information, ... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/library ### Leisure Centre Near Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent does not have a dedicated leisure centre within the town, but facilities are available within a short distance in Gosport and the surrounding area. For organised sport, swimming, and... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/leisure-centre ### Jobs Near Lee-on-the-Solent The job market for Lee-on-the-Solent residents is shaped by the town's position on the Gosport peninsula and the employment centres within commuting distance. Lee itself has limited employment, but Go... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/jobs ### Recycling Centre Near Lee-on-the-Solent The nearest household waste recycling centre to Lee-on-the-Solent is the Gosport site on Grange Road, located in the Forton area of Gosport. It is approximately three miles from Lee and takes around t... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/recycling-centre ### Football in Lee-on-the-Solent Football in Lee-on-the-Solent operates at grassroots level, with local clubs, youth teams, and informal kickabouts on the recreation ground forming the main picture. For competitive league football at... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/football ### Museums in Lee-on-the-Solent Lee-on-the-Solent is home to one of the most distinctive museums on the south coast, and several others are within easy reach. The area's military and maritime heritage provides rich material, and the... URL: https://www.leeonthesolent.news/guide/museum ## History - 1884: Lee-on-the-Solent Founded as Seaside Resort - 1885: Pier Construction and Marine Parade Development Begins - 1888: Lee-on-the-Solent Pier Opens to Public - 1893: Lee-on-the-Solent Railway Authorized by Parliament - 1894: Lee-on-the-Solent Railway Opens (12 May 1894) - 1909: First Powered Flights in Lee-on-the-Solent Area - 1917: Naval Seaplane Training School Established (30 July 1917) - 1918: RNAS Lee-on-Solent Becomes RAF Station (1 April 1918) - 1931: Grass Airstrip Constructed and RAF Coastal Area HQ Established - 1934: Formal Land Aerodrome Opened (25 October 1934) - 1935: Lee Tower Art Deco Complex Opened (26 December 1935) - 1936: RAF Coastal Area Becomes RAF Coastal Command (14 July 1936) - 1939: Lee-on-Solent Commissioned as HMS Daedalus (24 May 1939) - 1940: Battle of Britain Operations from HMS Daedalus - 1944: D-Day Operations: Busiest South Coast Airfield (6 June 1944) - 1950: Post-War Community Rebuilding and Civilian Return - 1959: HMS Daedalus Becomes HMS Ariel (October 1959) - 1965: HMS Ariel Reverts to HMS Daedalus (October 1965) - 1971: Lee Tower Demolished - 1980: Hovercraft Museum Established - 1993: Fixed-Wing Flying Operations Cease at HMS Daedalus - 1996: HMS Daedalus Decommissioned - 2006: Daedalus Site Regeneration Plans Begin - 2015: Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus Launched - 2020: Daedalus Village Housing Development Underway ## Streets - High Street - Marine Parade East - Marine Parade West - Pier Street - Beach Road - Cambridge Road - Elmore Road - Grove Road - Victoria Square - Russell Road - Manor Way - Gosport Road - Broom Way - Church Road - Anglesey Road - Milvil Road - Cherque Way - Privett Road - Salisbury Terrace - Court Road - Daedalus Drive - Swordfish Close - Catalina Close - Ariel Close - Meteor Way - Vulcan Way - Spitfire Way - Cockerell Close - Malthouse Gardens - Fieldhouse Drive - Falklands Close - Hollybank - Common Barn Lane - Redmill Drive - Prowse Close - Newton Place - Olave Close - Westcliff Close - Eastcliff Close - Britten Road - Swanage Road - Bayntun Drive - Carnegie Close - Prospect Road - Richmond Road - Stubbington Lane ## Places - The Hovercraft Museum (undefined) - Lee-on-the-Solent Sailing Club (undefined) - The Bun Penny (undefined) - The Old Ship (undefined) - Bluebird Cafe (undefined) - The Osborne View (undefined) - Lee Recreation Ground (undefined) - Solent Airport at Daedalus (undefined) - Brune Park Community School (undefined) - Lee-on-the-Solent Infant and Junior Schools (undefined) - Lee Methodist Church (undefined) - St Faith's Church (undefined) - Lee Tower Memorial Gardens (undefined) - Solents Finest (undefined) - Lee-on-the-Solent Splash Park (undefined) - Lee-on-the-Solent War Memorial (undefined) - Lee-on-the-Solent Library (undefined)