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!
21. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - Fawley Power Station
Tom Cruise and the Mission: Impossible team filmed scenes for the fifth instalment in the franchise at Fawley Power Station in Hampshire. Photo: CHRIS DELMAS
22. No Time To Die - the Solent
The upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die filmed scenes in the Solent in 2019. Photo: EON Productions
23. Quantum of Solace - Farnborough
James Bond sure does love filming in our county - scenes for Quantum of Solace were shot at Farnborough Airport Photo: Brian Ach
24. Skyfall - Hampshire
According to Film Hampshire on Hampshire County Council's website filming for Skyfall took place in Hampshire. Photo: Brad Barket