Frequently Asked Questions about Fareham

Common questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Fareham, Hampshire.

Where is Fareham?

Fareham is a market town in Hampshire, situated between Portsmouth and Southampton on the south coast of England. It sits at the head of Fareham Creek, a tidal inlet of Portsmouth Harbour. The M27 motorway runs through the northern part of the borough, and the town is approximately 75 miles south-west of London. The postcode district is primarily PO16.

What is the population of Fareham?

The population of Fareham town is approximately 42,000. The wider Fareham borough, which includes Portchester, Titchfield, Stubbington, Locks Heath, Park Gate, Whiteley, and the surrounding areas, has a population of around 116,000. The borough population has grown significantly in recent decades due to new housing development, particularly at Whiteley and Locks Heath.

How do I get to Fareham by train?

Fareham railway station has direct services to London Waterloo (approximately one hour and forty minutes), Portsmouth (fifteen to twenty minutes), and Southampton (twenty to twenty-five minutes). Services are operated by South Western Railway and Southern. The station is a short walk from the town centre, on the western side of the High Street.

What is Fareham known for?

Fareham is historically known for its brick-making industry. Fareham Reds, a distinctive local brick made from the red clay found in the area, were used in buildings across southern England including the Royal Albert Hall. The town is also known as a market town (the market charter dates from 1228), for the Price's candle factory, and for its position as a commuter town between Portsmouth and Southampton. Portchester Castle, within the borough, is one of the most significant Roman and Norman monuments in England.

Is there parking in Fareham town centre?

Yes. Fareham town centre has several car parks, including the multi-storey car park at Fareham Shopping Centre and surface car parks on Osborn Road. The shopping centre car park offers the first hour free or at a reduced rate. Pay-and-display surface car parks are available nearby. The railway station also has a car park, which fills early on weekday mornings.

What schools are in Fareham?

Fareham has four main secondary schools: Fareham Academy, Henry Cort Community College, Cams Hill School, and Brookfield Community School. There are numerous primary schools across the borough. Fareham College on Bishopsfield Road provides further education and vocational courses. School admissions are coordinated by Hampshire County Council.

Where is the nearest hospital to Fareham?

The nearest major hospital is Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) in Cosham, approximately six miles from Fareham town centre. QA provides A&E, maternity, and specialist services. Fareham Community Hospital on Highlands Road provides outpatient and community health services but does not have an A&E department. Gosport War Memorial Hospital has a minor injuries unit for non-life-threatening injuries.

What is there to do in Fareham?

Fareham offers a range of activities including visiting Portchester Castle (Roman and Norman), Titchfield Abbey (medieval ruins), Fort Nelson (Royal Armouries museum, free entry), and Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve (birdwatching). Shopping is available on the High Street and at Whiteley Shopping Centre. Holly Hill Woodland Park provides pleasant walks. Fareham Leisure Centre has a swimming pool and gym. The Solent Way footpath passes through the southern part of the borough.

Is Fareham a good place to live?

Fareham is a practical, well-connected market town. It has good transport links (railway to London, Portsmouth, and Southampton; M27 motorway access), a reasonable range of shops and services, and a variety of housing at prices generally lower than the neighbouring cities. Schools are considered good overall. The town lacks the cultural life of a larger centre, but it offers a comfortable, functional base for families and commuters. The surrounding areas, including Titchfield village, Hill Head, and the nature reserves, add character to the borough.

What is the postcode for Fareham?

Fareham town centre is in the PO16 postcode district. The wider borough uses several postcodes: PO14 (Hill Head, Stubbington area), PO15 (west of town, parts of Whiteley), PO16 (town centre, Fareham Common, Cams Hill, Portchester), PO17 (Wickham and northern area), and SO31 (Park Gate, Locks Heath). The SO31 postcode, which falls within the Southampton postal area, often surprises residents who live in Fareham borough.

When is Fareham market?

Fareham's traditional market takes place on Mondays on the pedestrianised High Street. The market has been a feature of the town since the original market charter was granted in 1228. Stalls typically sell fresh produce, flowers, clothing, and household goods. Specialist and seasonal markets are held on occasional dates throughout the year.

What are Fareham Reds?

Fareham Reds are a type of brick made from the distinctive red clay found in the Fareham area. The brick-making industry thrived in the town from the sixteenth century through to the twentieth century, and Fareham Reds were prized for their colour and durability. They were used in notable buildings including the Royal Albert Hall in London and numerous structures in Portsmouth Dockyard. The industry has since declined, but the bricks remain visible in buildings across southern England and the street names Kiln Road and Redlands Lane preserve the memory of the trade.

How far is Fareham from Portsmouth and Southampton?

Fareham is approximately ten miles west of Portsmouth city centre and twelve miles east of Southampton city centre. By car, the journey to either city takes fifteen to twenty-five minutes depending on traffic. By train, Portsmouth is fifteen to twenty minutes and Southampton is twenty to twenty-five minutes. The M27 motorway connects all three towns.

Does Fareham have a leisure centre or swimming pool?

Yes. Fareham Leisure Centre on Park Lane has a twenty-five-metre swimming pool, a gym, fitness studios, and a programme of group exercise classes. It is operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Fareham Borough Council. Swimming lessons, lane swimming, and public swim sessions are all available. The centre is the only public swimming pool in the immediate Fareham area.