Martin is the most westerly village in Hampshire. The parish of Martin contains three settlements: the village of Martin is the largest, with East Martin and the hamlet of Tidpit close by. The 2001 census recorded a total of 162 households and 398 people living in the parish. The nearest town, Fordingbridge, is 7 miles away with the market town of Salisbury (12 miles) offering a wider range of shops and facilities.
Martin lies at the head of the valley of the Allen River, a tributary of the River Avon, and the entire parish is within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nearby Martin Down is one of the largest areas of chalk downland in the country, whose importance for wildlife has been recognised in its designation as a National Nature Reserve.
There are many picturesque old cottages and farmhouses in Martin, some dating back to the 15th century. The church of All Saints dates from Norman times. The surrounding downland boasts several sites of archeological interest, including Bokerly Dyke, a four mile long earthwork built in Roman times.
Martin has a community shop which opened in 2010 and a social club (Martin Club). The village hall is the base for a number of groups offering social and leisure activities.