Which means it is no surprise that it is a popular place to film major movies and TV shows.
With everything from James Bond films to The Avengers and Les Miserables having chosen to shoot across the county, including in Portsmouth and Gosport.
In many cases hundreds – and even thousands – of fans have turned out to catch a glimpse of filming and to meet some of their heroes from both the big and small screen.
In 2016 Hollywood star Sir Anthony Hopkins arrived in Gosport as part of the filming for Transformers: The Last Knight, and had photos taken with fans between takes.
Two years later in 2018 Doctor Who fans went into overdrive after the stars of the BBC sci-fi show were spotted filming in Little Woodham, close to Stokes Bay.
Here are the films and movies you may not have realised were filmed in Portsmouth and Hampshire. Maybe watch the films and shows again and see if you can spot the local connection!
13. The Crown - Winchester
Netflix's Emmy winning drama about Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family has filmed scenes in Winchester in 2016 and 2018. Including at Winchester Cathedral. Photo: Netflix
14. The Hollow Crown - Winchester
Scenes for the second series of BBC's televised Shakespere adaption The Hollow Crown filmed in Winchester's Great Hall. With Benedict Cumberbatch shooting scenes in 2014. Photo: Contributed
15. Inception - Farnborough
Christopher Nolan's mind-bending 2010 blockbuster Inception filmed a scene at Farnborough airport. Photo: Warner Bros
16. War Horse - Stratfield Saye House
Steven Speilberg filmed scenes for his WW1 epic War Horse at Stratfield Saye House in Stratfield Saye in north-east Hampshire. The film's cavalry scenes were filmed at this location in 2010. Photo: Other