Shellfish Trawlers off Netley beach in Southampton Water

Welcome to Netley Village, near Southampton 

Abbey Hall

Abbey Hall, which has ample parking, is next to the Castle Recreation ground (old cricket field) with its adults football pitch and children's play areas. From the field there are excellent views over Southampton Water giving opportunities to take photographs of the ferries and passenger liners on route and also give a wave to those on board.

Netley Beacon

A land mark for this area is the blackened metal Beacon, which stands some five metres high. Installed near the brow of the Castle Recreation ground overlooking Southampton Water and used for the ‘lighting of Beacons’ across the country in 1995 to commemorate the the 50th anniversary of V.E. Day then again in 2000 for the Centenary Celebrations.

Sophie's Pond, Victoria Road. Near the south gate entrance – Southampton Lodge.

A delightful and popular nature reserve, which is home to a charming duck pond. Sophie’s Pond is indeed a good place for people to get close to nature and also hopefully inspire many young people to develop a lifelong interest un the natural world. Species that can be observed throughout the year: Canada Geese, Muscovy duck, Moorhens, Coots, Mute Swan, Black Swan, Nar Headed Goose, Grey Lag, Barnacle Geese, Cormorant, Mandarin Duck, Mallard, Herring Gulls, Prochard and more.

This freshwater pond is fed from water draining through Spear Pond Gully from The Bunney stream and reservoir built at Hound Grove, Butlocks Heath - Circa: 1870. It was dug to ensure a continual supply of water to the new Royal Victoria Hospital for ablution use. It is now known as the Butlocks Heath reservoir, which is privately owned by Castle Angling Club.

The Hard, Victoria Road. Opposite Sophie's Pond.

This area is particularly popular with visitors and has been improved with work to the parking area, viewing platform, steps and now includes street furniture.