Built-up area in New Forest, Hampshire, England
| Coordinates: | 50.861, -1.411 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SU 41 06 |
| Population: | 20,201 |
| Dialling code: | 0238 (Southampton) |
Hythe and Dibden Purlieu sit on the western shore of Southampton Water at the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, England. Hythe is a compact waterside settlement known for its historic pier with a narrow‑gauge pier railway and the ferry link across to Southampton, while the surrounding salt marshes and forest heath make the area popular for walking, birdwatching and sailing.
Dibden Purlieu takes its name from "purlieu", land once on the fringes of forest law, and developed largely as housing for 20th‑century workers; today it has a straightforward village feel with local shops, clubs and schools. The local economy is shaped by maritime and port activities - notably the nearby Port of Southampton and the Fawley refinery - but many residents commute to Southampton, and the proximity to the New Forest gives a strong outdoor and community character.
SO45 5FU, SO45 5SF, SO45 6BQ, SO45 4NS, SO45 5ET, SO45 6JW, SO45 6FJ, SO45 4PR, SO45 6WF … See all