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!
29. Eyes Wide Shut - Highclere Castle
Legendary director Stanley Kubrick filmed scenes at Highclere Castle for his final movie Eyes Wide Shut. The film starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Photo: Evening Standard
30. Red Dwarf - Farnborough
Sitcom Red Dwarf filmed in Farnborough for an episode Photo: -
31. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Isle of Wight
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang filmed at the The Needles stacks, Isle of Wight back in the 1960s Photo: Supplied
32. The Riot Club - Winchester
Scenes for this 2014 drama about an all-male, exclusive dining club at the University of Oxford filmed scenes at Winchester College in Hampshire Photo: Dave Hogan