The Calshot RNLI Station is situated directly beneath the Calshot Tower. The closest of our local lifeboats, since the formation of NCI Calshot the RNLI Station has been a firm supporter and collaborations include joint training sessions. The RNLI station has a FaceBook page.
Calshot Castle is situated below and to the south of Calshot Tower. The Castle, which dates back to Henry VIII is managed by the Calshot Activities Centre on behalf of English Heritage. Visit their website for details of opening hours.
Calshot Activities Centre is housed in the buildings which once formed the RAF Seaplane Base on Calshot Point. The very large Sunderland Hangar contains an artificial ski slope, climbing walls, and a velodrome. There is also a Cafe which is open to the public. The Centre also offers courses in water sport activities such as dinghy sailing, power boating and canoeing. Car parking and boat launching facilities are available for a charge. For regular visitors, or to participate in activities, membership is available.
The Calshot Activities Centre cafe is a good place to watch the many ships which pass very close to Calshot Point on the way to or from the Port of Southampton. These include luxurious Cruise Ships and giant Container Ships. Updated lists of Planned Shipping Movements, vessels actually underway, and Provisional Cruise Ship Schedules are maintained by Southampton VTS (part of the Port Authority). Tide and Weather information is also available from the VTS web site.
Ships are equipped with an “Automatic Identification System” (AIS) which transmits their name, position, and other information. Using web sites such as “Marine Traffic” it is possible to find out what ships are passing the Spit and even detailed information about each of the ships.
Inland from Calshot Point lies the New Forest. Information about visiting or living in the National Park, learning about it, caring for it, and much more , is available on the New Forest National Park web site.
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