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!
17. World War Z - Aldershot
This Brad Pitt staring zombie blockbuster World War Z shot scenes at Aldershot Military Barracks. Photo: Ian West
18. Rush - Blackbushe Airport
This Chris Hemsworth starring dramatisation of the Hunt–Lauda rivalry in Formula One in the 1970s filmed scenes at Blackbushe Airport in Yateley, Hampshire. Photo: PA Photo/UPI Media
19. Downton Abbey movies - Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle once again was used as a filming location for Downton Abbey - this time for the film adaption of the TV series which was released in 2019. Its sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era also filmed at Highclere Castle and was released in April 2022. Photo: ISABEL INFANTES
20. The Monuments Men - Bramley Camp
Directed by George Clooney the 2014 film The Monuments Men shot scenes at Bramley Camp in Hampshire - according to Visit Hampshire Photo: PA