Frequently Asked Questions about Hedge End

Common questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Hedge End, Hampshire.

Where is Hedge End?

Hedge End is a town in Hampshire, situated between Southampton and Fareham along the M27 corridor. It lies within the Borough of Eastleigh, roughly three miles south-east of Eastleigh town centre and five miles east of Southampton city centre. The M27 motorway runs along the southern edge of the town, with Junction 7 providing direct access. The town has its own railway station on the Eastleigh to Fareham line.

What is the population of Hedge End?

Hedge End has a population of approximately 22,000. The town grew rapidly from the 1960s onwards, when large-scale housing development transformed what had been a rural parish into a suburban town. Growth has continued with newer developments such as Dowd's Farm on the eastern edge of the town. The population is predominantly families and commuters, reflecting Hedge End's character as a well-connected residential town.

What schools are in Hedge End?

Hedge End is home to Wildern School, one of the largest and most highly regarded secondary schools in Hampshire. The town also has several primary schools, including Freegrounds Infant and Junior Schools, Shamblehurst Primary School, Kings Copse Primary School, Berrywood Primary School and St James' Church of England Primary School. For sixth form education, students typically attend Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh or Peter Symonds College in Winchester.

Does Hedge End have a train station?

Yes. Hedge End Railway Station is on the line between Eastleigh and Fareham, operated by South Western Railway. Direct services run to Southampton Central in roughly ten minutes and to Fareham in roughly fifteen minutes. From Southampton, connections are available to London Waterloo, Bournemouth and the west. The station has car parking and is within walking distance of the town centre.

What is the Hedge End Retail Park?

The Hedge End Retail Park is an out-of-town shopping centre on Tollbar Way, near Junction 7 of the M27. Developed in the 1990s, the park includes stores from Marks and Spencer, Next, Boots, Argos, Hobbycraft and other national retailers. The M&S food hall is particularly popular. The park has large free car parks and draws shoppers from across the Eastleigh borough and the wider south Hampshire area.

What is the Berry Theatre?

The Berry Theatre is Hedge End's purpose-built arts and community venue, opened in 2010. The theatre has a 200-seat auditorium that hosts professional touring productions, amateur performances, cinema screenings, comedy nights and community events. It also runs community classes in dance, drama, art and music. A cafe bar provides refreshments. The Berry Theatre is operated by HQ Theatres with support from Eastleigh Borough Council.

What is Hedge End's postcode?

Hedge End uses the SO30 postcode district, which is part of the Southampton (SO) postcode area. The main postcodes in the town are SO30 0 (central areas), SO30 2 (Shamblehurst, Dowd's Farm, retail park) and SO30 4 (Wildern area). The SO30 postcode also covers parts of Botley and Bursledon.

Which council covers Hedge End?

Hedge End is served by three tiers of local government. Hedge End Town Council is the parish-level body. Eastleigh Borough Council provides services including planning, waste collection, housing and leisure. Hampshire County Council provides education, highways, social services, libraries and fire and rescue. Hedge End falls within the Eastleigh parliamentary constituency for general elections.

What pubs are in Hedge End?

Hedge End has several pubs, including the Barleycorn on St John's Road, the Bald Forester on Botley Road, and the Turnpike on Turnpike Way. The Barleycorn is well known for its food and beer garden. For a wider choice, Botley has additional pubs including the Swan Inn and the Dolphin, both a short drive from Hedge End. Southampton's city centre also offers an extensive pub and bar scene.

What sports facilities are in Hedge End?

Wildern Leisure Centre is the main sports facility, offering a swimming pool, gym, fitness studios and sports halls. The centre runs swimming lessons, fitness classes and sports activities for all ages. Hedge End also has playing fields, parks and football pitches. Local clubs cover football, cricket, tennis, bowls and other sports. The nearby Hamble Valley offers sailing and watersports.

How do I get to Hedge End by car?

Hedge End is accessed primarily via Junction 7 of the M27 motorway. From Southampton, take the M27 eastbound. From Fareham and Portsmouth, take the M27 westbound. Tollbar Way connects the junction to the town. Southampton is roughly ten minutes by car in normal traffic, and Fareham around fifteen minutes. Rush-hour congestion on the M27, particularly between Junctions 5 and 8, can add significant time to these journeys.

What are property prices like in Hedge End?

Property prices in Hedge End are broadly mid-range for south Hampshire. Detached family houses with three or four bedrooms are the most common property type. Prices are higher than the most affordable parts of Southampton and Eastleigh but lower than the premium Hampshire villages. The Wildern School catchment has a noticeable effect on prices, with properties within the catchment commanding a premium.

What is Wildern School?

Wildern School is a comprehensive secondary school for students aged 11 to 16, located on Wildern Lane in the eastern part of Hedge End. It is one of the largest secondary schools in Hampshire and has a strong academic reputation with consistently good GCSE results and positive Ofsted reports. The school is regularly oversubscribed, and its catchment area is a significant factor in the local property market.

Where is the nearest hospital to Hedge End?

The nearest major hospital is Southampton General Hospital, part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, located roughly fifteen minutes by car from Hedge End. The hospital provides accident and emergency, maternity, surgery, cancer treatment and the full range of specialist services. The Royal South Hants Hospital in central Southampton also provides outpatient and some inpatient services.

What bus services run through Hedge End?

Several bus routes connect Hedge End with Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham, Botley and Bishops Waltham. First Hampshire and Bluestar have historically been the main operators, with services running at regular intervals during the day. The route to Southampton is the busiest. Frequencies are reduced in the evenings and on Sundays. Real-time information is available through smartphone apps and at some bus stops.