Things to Do
Lee-on-the-Solent offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors and residents. The Solent coast provides natural opportunities for water sports, the High Street and seafront offer shops and cafes, and the town's heritage sites tell the story of aviation and leisure on the south coast.
On the Water
The Solent is one of the most active sailing and water sports areas on the south coast of England. Lee-on-the-Solent Sailing Club, established in the post-war period, remains the centre of water sports activity. The club offers sailing lessons, club membership, and boat launching facilities for members and visitors. Beginners can take accredited sailing courses, and experienced sailors can join organised racing and cruising events. Beyond sailing, the sheltered waters of the Solent and the beaches near Lee support kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The site known as Stokes Bay, just west of Lee-on-the-Solent, is particularly popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing, attracting enthusiasts on days when the wind conditions are favourable. Jet skiing is available through water sports operators in the area, and the relatively calm waters make the Solent suitable for paddleboarding activities throughout much of the year.
On the Beach
The Lee-on-the-Solent seafront includes shingly beaches and areas of sand that are accessible at low tide. Swimming is popular during the summer months, with a lifeguard presence on the main beach during peak season. Beachcombing is rewarding, particularly after storms, when shells, pebbles, and other items of interest appear along the shoreline. At low tide, rockpools in the surrounding areas provide habitats for small fish, anemones, and crustaceans, making them educational and entertaining for families and naturalists. The Solent itself is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, and the vantage point of the Lee-on-the-Solent waterfront offers excellent opportunities to watch container ships, tankers, ferries, and naval vessels passing through the water. The Isle of Wight is visible across the Solent, and on clear days the views extend to the Needles at the western tip of the island.
For Families
Lee-on-the-Solent has several facilities designed for families with children. The Lee Splash Park, located near the seafront, provides free water play during the summer season, with fountains and sprays popular with young children. The park is operated on a seasonal basis, typically from late May through August. The town has children's play areas at several locations, including facilities near the Recreation Ground and at designated parks throughout the residential areas. The skate park, located near the seafront, serves roller skaters and skateboarders of all ages. Adventure golf, also known as mini golf, is available at Stokes Bay, just to the west, offering a family-friendly activity on the Solent coast. The combination of these amenities makes Lee-on-the-Solent a suitable destination for families with young children.
Sport and Recreation
The Lee Recreation Ground, located in the central residential area, provides facilities for football, tennis, and bowls. Local football clubs use the pitches for training and matches, and the ground is available for community booking. The Lee-on-the-Solent Tennis and Squash Club offers membership, coaching, and facilities for competitive and recreational play. Walking and cycling along the seafront promenade is a popular activity throughout the year, with the three-mile stretch of waterfront providing a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists. The relatively flat topography of Lee makes it accessible for people of different fitness levels and ages.
Culture and Heritage
The Hovercraft Museum is one of Lee-on-the-Solent's most distinctive attractions, located on the site of the former HMS Daedalus airfield. The museum houses the world's largest collection of hovercraft, including both military and civilian craft. Exhibitions trace the history of hovercraft development and use, with interactive displays and documented accounts of their operation. The museum is popular with engineering enthusiasts, families, and visitors interested in the unusual and innovative history of hovercraft technology. Local history walks, organised by heritage groups and volunteers, explore the town's aviation heritage and its development as a seaside resort. Gosport Heritage Open Days, held annually, provide access to buildings and sites of historical interest in the wider Gosport area, and some walks and events extend into Lee-on-the-Solent.
Events
Lee-on-the-Solent hosts several events throughout the year that bring the community together and attract visitors. The Lee Victory Festival, held in May, is a multi-day celebration of the seafront with live music, entertainment, food stalls, family activities, and community spirit. Summer in Lee refers to a series of summer events and activities held across June, July, and August, including concerts, film screenings, and market days. Christmas in Lee brings festive decorations, a Christmas market, and special events to the seafront, creating a seasonal atmosphere. Halloween events are organised for families in late October. Sailing regattas and racing events are held throughout the sailing season, with events ranging from local club races to larger competitions that attract sailing clubs from across the region. These events provide focal points for community gathering and seasonal celebration.
Nearby Attractions
Several attractions are located within a short distance of Lee-on-the-Solent. Stokes Bay, one mile to the west, is a popular spot for water sports, with calm water and good facilities. The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower is located in Gosport, approximately three miles away, and documents the history of naval weapons development and naval gunnery. The Royal Navy Submarine Museum, also in Gosport, provides exhibitions on submarine operations and naval history, including visits to decommissioned submarines. The Spinnaker Tower, located at Portsmouth Harbour approximately six miles to the east, is visible across the Solent and accessible for day visits. Portsmouth itself, fifteen minutes away by car or bus, offers additional attractions including museums, the historic dockyard, shopping, and dining.