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 both 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. You may even want to watch the films and shows again and see if you can spot the local connection!
13. Wolf Hall - Winchester
The Great Hall in Winchester was used to film scenes for the BBC miniseries adaption of the acclaimed novel Wolf Hall. Filming took place in 2014. Photo: Ed Miller/ BBC
14. 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
15. 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
16. Inception - Farnborough
Christopher Nolan's mind-bending 2010 blockbuster Inception filmed a scene at Farnborough airport. Photo: Warner Bros