Home to England’s former capital city, Winchester, this region lies on the South East coast. With two national parks and the culture and history of Southampton and Portsmouth, there are activities and wildlife for all the family at any time of year during a holiday in Hampshire.
Where to stay
Lytton Lawn Touring park, Milford on Sea
With views across the solent to the Needles, Lytton Lawn Touring park is a perfect spot to discover the coast of Hampshire. It has a children’s play area and the site is dog friendly too.
Folly Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Crawley
Located close to Winchester, Folly Farm Caravan and camping Park is an ideal base to discover the historic city and surrounding area. There are level pitches and a children’s play area on site.
Fishery Creek Park, Hayling Island
Situated on Hayling Island close to the beach, Fishery Creek Park is set on Chichester Harbour’s tidal creek. It has its own slipway and a children’s play area.Guests are even welcome to launch small craft from the park.
Hampshire Days out
Best for families: Beaulieu
Beaulieu has so much for all the family to do and see. Lose yourself in the grounds and gardens via a network of paths or take a ride on the MonoRail and get a birds eye view over the grounds. Discover the palace house, Abbey, exhibitions and the National Motor Museum, home to over 280 vehicles. Some of which are famous cars. For the younger visitors, Little Beaulieu has wooden cars, an adventure play area and an enchanting wooden palace. If you’re planning to stay the whole day, bring a picnic or eat in the onsite restaurant. Dogs are allowed in the ground and gardens but not in any of the indoor attractions.
Best for sunny days: Hayling Island
Enjoy a sunny day on Hayling Island, set between Portsmouth and Chichester. This island had 3 main beaches, mainly shingle and sand, with excellent water sport facilities. Fun fact: windsurfing was actually invented here! Funland, an amusement park, is a great place to take the children. The Billy cycle trail, seaside railway, kite surfing school and nature reserve are just some of the attractions on this popular seaside resort.
Best for rainy days: The Mary Rose
Discover Henry VIII’s favourite Ship from 1545 that was recovered from the Seabed in 1982. Find out what life was like for the crew aboard the ship, view the ship floor by floor and explore all the artifacts found onboard. Tickets also allow you entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and you can purchase tickets to go aboard other ships, such as Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.
Hampshire Beaches
Best for families: Southsea
For a traditional British seaside experience, head to Southsea Beach in Portsmouth. A long pebble beach at high tide, with sand is exposed as the tide goes out, it is safe for swimming and manned by lifeguards. There is a promenade, pier and a recreation ground with a sea-filled canoe lake and plenty of playgrounds. Dogs are allowed but there may be restrictions.
Best for activities: Calshot
Home to one of the largest outdoor and water activity centres, Calshot offers windsurfing, kayaking, climbing and so much more. The beach is shingle and is part of the split that reaches out into the mouth of Southampton water. Stroll along for views of the Solent, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. Dogs are allowed.
Best for wildlife: Lepe
Lepe is a coastal country park in the New Forest National Park. It is surrounded by protected meadows and woodlands, making it ideal for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The beach is shingle and popular with windsurfers and families too. Dog restrictions apply on this beach.
See this
Winchester Cathedral
You can find one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe set in the historic city of Winchester. Fifteen centuries of history lie behind this impressive cathedral. Marvel at the stunning architecture, beautiful stained glass windows and medieval woodwork as you explore this vast and ancient place of worship on your own or with a guided tour.
Highclere Castle
For Downton Abbey fans, a visit to Highclere Castle is a must. Just imagine gliding down the staircase like Lady Mary did on her wedding day! The impressive castle was built in 1679, but the first written records of the estate and gardens date back to 749. The gardens and parkland at Highclere, designed by famous landscape gardener Capability Brown, are truly stunning. Guided tours and events run all year round.
Do this
Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen
Born in Stevenage in 1766, Jane Austen lived most of her life in Hampshire. Moving through Southampton, Alton and Chawton villages, where you’ll find Jane Austen’s House Museum, to where she was laid to rest in Winchester Cathedral. There are many tours and walks in the areas Jane lived, so it’s easy for you to discover the life and works of one of the most famous and loved British female writers.
Discover the New Forest
At the heart of Hampshire is the New Forest National Park. With every changing season there is something new to discover. Put on your walking boots, hire a bike, pack a picnic or take a drive, travel from the heathland to the coast. You’ll see pretty villages, pubs, campsites and wild ponies all along your way.
Eat this
A truly high up High Tea
Enjoy a High Tea with astonishing views over one-hundred metres above ground. The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth offers tea and brunch in its Cloud restaurant. Afterwards, see if you fancy abseiling back down!
Fish and Seafood
Visit Viviers Fish Market to watch the boats sail in with fresh fish and seafood. A long established family business, here you’ll get plenty of advice on all aspects of buying and cooking this fresh off-the-boat produce.
Drink this
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Based at Laverstoke Mill, fifteen miles from Winchester, you can visit this popular gin producer and see how they make their distinctive gin. They offer many different experiences from tours to tasting and even masterclasses in gin cocktails.
Something hot
Venture to the coast on a clear morning to watch the spectacular sunrises. Fill a flask with your morning tea or coffee, grab a cosy jumper and watch the sky come to life over the horizon.
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