Calshot
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Calshot is a coastal village in Hampshire, England. A settlement at the site is believed to have existed since the fifth century AD. It is mentioned as "Cerdicesora" in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
In 1539, Henry VIII ordered the construction of Calshot Castle, at the end of Calshot Spit, to defend the port of Southampton from attack. Its strategic importance continues to the present day, and there is still a military presence in Calshot, though the castle is no longer a manned fort.
Calshot is notable for its role in the development of aircraft and flying boats. It was also at one point home to Lawrence of Arabia.
The original hangar from the World War II flying boats remains as an activity centre for watersports (including kite-surfing), climbing, snowboarding and track cycling. There is a small velodrome for the cycling, a small practice slope for practicing board tricks and moderate facilites for climbing and bouldering. There are plans to increase the climbing capacity over the winter (2006) to make it one of the largest in the UK. The climbing grades vary from about 4 to 6c. The centre offers residential and visitor courses. Next to the hangar is a dinghy marina. The approach road passes on the landward side of the spit and there are a large number of beach huts. The spit comprises a flint pebble structure more than 1km long. between it and the main shore is a salt marshy area whith a wealth of wildlife and birds.
There are spectacular views at night of the Fawley refinery and the power station, lit up. On a clear day, the Spinnaker tower, in Portsmouth can be seen to the East and the Hamble estuary, to the North.
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