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!
25. Skyfall - Hampshire
According to Film Hampshire on Hampshire County Council's website filming for Skyfall took place in Hampshire. Photo: Brad Barket
26. Die Another Day - RAF Odiham
In the fourth and final Pierce Brosnan Bond film, scenes were shot at RAF Odiham in Hampshire Photo: Frazer Harrison
27. Edge of Tomorrow - Barton Stacey
The former army base in the village of Barton Stacey in Hampshire was used as a filming location for 2014 sci-fi film Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris
28. The Da Vinci Code - Winchester Cathedral
Scenes for this blockbuster movie was filmed at Winchester Cathedral Photo: Getty