Profile
These three towns are situated in the north-east corner of Hampshire, near the M3 motorway and Surrey & Berkshire borders, covering an area of 175 square kilometres and has a population of around 175,000. Communication links to other parts of the UK are superb and there are main line stations at Hook, Winchfield, Fleet, Farnborough and Aldershot with frequent services to London (Waterloo). North Camp and Blackwater stations, located just outside the area, have a direct link to Gatwick Airport. In addition, Farnborough Aerodrome and Blackbushe Airport are business aviation centres and both Gatwick and Heathrow are within easy reach.
The eastern border of the area is the River Blackwater, and beyond it lies the County of Surrey. The eastern half is entirely urban as the towns run into one another. The urban area continues into Surrey in the south (Farnham) and the east (Camberley, Ash, Frimley and Mytchett), and into Berkshire and Fleet and Yateley in Hampshire to the north. The western half is more rural with little villages and military land, but is an important picturesque open space, largely wooded, that lies between Aldershot and Fleet giving lots of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.
Tourism
There are two distinct visitor markets to the area – day leisure visiting attractions and friends & relatives and business visitors.
Research has shown that the market mix for 3* hotels is 80 – 90% business and 10-20% leisure. Weddings & functions are the main weekend market for hotels. For local budget hotels, the market mix is 70-75% business and 20-25% leisure.
Day & Short Stay Visitors
Day Visitors can reach the area by direct train links from London in less than 40 minutes or by car from junction 4 & 4a of M3. Basingstoke Canal runs through the area and is a popular area to walk, cycle, boat, picnic and fish.
Aldershot is world-famous as the home of the British Army and its history is illustrated at Aldershot Military Museum. Key leisure attractions include Princes Hall, West End Centre, Alpine Snowsports & Aldershot Pools Complex. A Visitor Information Centre is located in the High Street to assist visitors with information requests and accommodation bookings from Monday to Saturday.
Farnborough's main claim to fame is the biennial International Air Show, held on the site of the birthplace of flying and aeronautical research in Britain and exhibits are available to view at the FAST Museum.
Fleet is home to Fleet Pond, a popular beauty spot and West Green Garden’s is nearby. An Information Centre is located in the Harlington Centre to assist visitors with information requests.
Business Visitors
A number of major international well-known companies have chosen to locate within the Borough and there are numerous business parks. Companies include British Aerospace, Nokia, Thomson Directories, IBM, Zurich Municipal, NTL, CSC, Boots and BOC.
In addition, world class research facilities can be accessed at DSTL and QinetiQ, making the Borough the ideal home for those firms who wish to remain at the cutting edge of technology.
Links:
Rushmoor District Council
Hart District Council
Visit North Hampshire
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