Frequently Asked Questions about Waterlooville

Common questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Waterlooville, Hampshire.

Where is Waterlooville?

Waterlooville is a town in Hampshire, roughly seven miles north of Portsmouth and five miles north-west of Havant. It sits between Portsdown Hill to the south and the South Downs to the north, in the borough of Havant. The town is at the junction of London Road (the old route between Portsmouth and London) and several other main roads, with the A3(M) motorway running to the east.

Why is it called Waterlooville?

The name comes from a pub called the Heroes of Waterloo, which was established at the crossroads on London Road shortly after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The hamlet that grew up around the pub became known as Waterloo, and later Waterlooville. Before the pub was built, the area had no particular name, being simply scattered farmland between Portsdown Hill and the South Downs.

What is the population of Waterlooville?

Waterlooville, including the adjoining area of Cowplain, has a population of approximately 63,000. The town grew rapidly during the twentieth century, expanding from a small hamlet in the nineteenth century to a major suburban centre. The population continues to grow with new housing developments on the edges of the built-up area.

Does Waterlooville have a train station?

No. Waterlooville does not have a railway station. The town relies on buses, the A3(M) motorway and the B2150 for transport connections. The nearest railway stations are Havant (approximately four miles south-east) and Cosham (approximately five miles south), both on the line between Portsmouth and London Waterloo. The absence of a station has been a long-standing issue for residents.

What shops are in Waterlooville?

Waterlooville Shopping Centre, centred on the pedestrianised Wellington Way, has a mix of chain stores, independent shops, charity shops, cafes, banks and service businesses. Asda and Sainsbury's are the main supermarkets. Cowplain has its own parade of shops along London Road, including a Tesco Express, a Co-op and various independent retailers. The town centre also has a Wetherspoon pub, a library and a regular market.

What schools are in Waterlooville?

Waterlooville has several primary schools serving different parts of the town, including Hart Plain Primary, Woodcroft Primary and schools in Cowplain and Purbrook. For secondary education, Purbrook Park School and Crookhorn College serve the area. There are also pre-schools and nurseries. Hampshire County Council manages school admissions for the area.

What parks and green spaces are in Waterlooville?

Waterlooville has several parks and green spaces, including Jubilee Park (home to Waterlooville FC), Padnell Park in Cowplain, Purbrook Heath, Purbrook Park and Woodlands Walk. Queen Elizabeth Country Park, a 1,400-acre downland park including Butser Hill, is approximately four miles to the north and is the nearest major outdoor recreation area.

Which council covers Waterlooville?

Waterlooville is in the borough of Havant, a local government district in Hampshire. Havant Borough Council provides local services including planning, refuse collection, housing and environmental health. Hampshire County Council provides county-level services including education, highways, social services and libraries. The borough council offices are in Havant town centre.

What is the postcode for Waterlooville?

Waterlooville uses the PO7 postcode district for the town centre, Purbrook, Stakes and the southern areas. Cowplain and the northern parts use the PO8 postcode district. Both are part of the Portsmouth (PO) postcode area, despite Waterlooville being outside the city of Portsmouth. The main town centre postcode is PO7 7DT.

How do I get to Waterlooville?

By car, Waterlooville is accessed from the A3(M) motorway (junction 3 or 4), which connects to the M27 and the wider motorway network. By bus, services run from Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham and the surrounding villages along London Road and other routes. The nearest railway stations are Havant and Cosham. There is no direct rail service to Waterlooville.

What is Queen Elizabeth Country Park?

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a 1,400-acre country park on the South Downs, about four miles north of Waterlooville. The park includes Butser Hill (270 metres, the highest point on the South Downs in Hampshire), chalk downland, ancient woodland and a network of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding. There is a visitor centre, a cafe, an adventure playground and car parks. The park is open all year and managed by Hampshire County Council.

What sport is there in Waterlooville?

Waterlooville has a leisure centre with a swimming pool and gym, a football club (Waterlooville FC, based at Jubilee Park) that has won the FA Vase at Wembley, a cricket club, tennis courts and various playing fields. Queen Elizabeth Country Park nearby offers mountain biking and trail running. The South Downs provide walking and cycling routes. Local sports clubs cover football, cricket, rugby, bowls and other activities.

What are property prices like in Waterlooville?

Property prices in Waterlooville are generally more affordable than in the coastal areas of Portsmouth, Southsea and Emsworth, but higher than in Leigh Park and some parts of Havant. Three-bedroom semi-detached houses are the most common property type. Purbrook tends to command slightly higher prices because of the schools, green spaces and village character. Cowplain and Stakes offer family housing at competitive prices for the area.

Is there a market in Waterlooville?

Waterlooville holds regular markets in and around the town centre, typically along Wellington Way. Market stalls sell a range of goods including fresh produce, clothing, household items, plants and speciality foods. The markets are held weekly, though the days and frequency may vary. Details are available from Havant Borough Council and local community noticeboards.

What is the history of Waterlooville?

Waterlooville began as an unnamed crossroads on the road between Portsmouth and London. After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, a pub called the Heroes of Waterloo was built at the crossroads, and the hamlet that grew around it took the name. St George's Church was built in 1831. The village grew slowly through the Victorian period and then rapidly during the twentieth century, with major housing development in the interwar and postwar periods. The shopping centre was built in the 1970s. The town now has a population of around 63,000.