Discover Hampshire | A Visitor's Introduction to Hampshire

Why is Hampshire Worth a Visit?

Hampshire is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and lively cultural scene. It is home to two national parks—the New Forest and South Downs—offering miles of walking and cycling trails through lush woodlands, heathlands, and picturesque villages. For history buffs, Hampshire boasts some of England’s most iconic historical landmarks, including Winchester Cathedral and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The county’s coastline and its proximity to the Isle of Wight also provide opportunities for seaside escapes, sailing, and exploring maritime heritage.

Whether you're enjoying a peaceful day in the countryside or diving into centuries of British history, Hampshire promises a diverse and enriching experience.

Hampshire Highlights: Things to See and Do in Hampshire

1. The New Forest National Park One of Hampshire’s biggest draws is the New Forest National Park, a vast area of ancient woodlands, heathlands, and charming villages. The New Forest is famous for its free-roaming ponies, deer, and other wildlife, and it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore miles of walking and cycling trails, ride horses, or enjoy peaceful picnics in this stunning natural setting. Don’t miss the picturesque villages of Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Beaulieu, each offering unique attractions like the Beaulieu Motor Museum.

2. Winchester Cathedral The historic city of Winchester, once the capital of England, is home to the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals. Visitors can explore its stunning architecture, medieval crypt, and the burial place of Jane Austen. The city itself is steeped in history, with ancient landmarks like the Great Hall, where the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table is displayed. Stroll along Winchester’s cobbled streets, visit independent shops, and enjoy riverside walks along the Itchen Navigation.

3. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard For maritime history enthusiasts, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must-visit. This impressive attraction is home to several famous ships, including HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship from the Battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Warrior, a Victorian-era ironclad warship. Another highlight is the Mary Rose Museum, which showcases the remains of Henry VIII’s warship and its fascinating artefacts. Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower offers breathtaking views across the Solent, while the dockyard’s interactive exhibits bring Britain’s naval history to life.

4. South Downs National Park The South Downs National Park, which stretches across Hampshire and Sussex, is a landscape of rolling hills, chalk downlands, and picturesque villages. The park is perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching, with the South Downs Way offering panoramic views over the countryside. Butser Hill, the highest point in Hampshire, is a popular spot for walks and picnics, while the nearby market town of Petersfield is a great base for exploring the region. The South Downs is also home to ancient woodlands, vibrant wildflowers, and rare bird species, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

5. Beaulieu Set in the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum, one of the UK’s top attractions for car enthusiasts. The museum features a collection of over 280 vehicles, from vintage cars to Formula 1 racers. Visitors can also explore Palace House, the stately home of the Montagu family, as well as the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey. The beautiful riverside village of Beaulieu itself is a charming place to wander, with local tea rooms, shops, and scenic views.

6. Jane Austen’s House Museum Located in the village of Chawton, Jane Austen’s House Museum is a must for literature lovers. This modest 17th-century house was where Austen lived for the last eight years of her life and where she wrote some of her most famous novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Emma. The museum offers a fascinating insight into Austen’s life, with exhibits of her letters, personal belongings, and first editions of her books. The surrounding gardens are peaceful and beautifully maintained, adding to the charm of the visit.

7. Bombay Sapphire Distillery For those interested in a more modern experience, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstoke Mill offers a unique tour of one of the world’s most famous gin brands. Set in a beautifully restored Victorian paper mill, the distillery provides guided tours that take you through the gin-making process, from botanicals to bottling. Visitors can enjoy tastings, learn how to make cocktails, and explore the distillery’s impressive glasshouses, where the key ingredients for the gin are grown.

8. The Watercress Line For a nostalgic journey through Hampshire’s countryside, hop aboard the Watercress Line, a heritage steam railway that runs between Alresford and Alton. The scenic journey takes you through rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque farmland, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. The railway gets its name from the watercress farms that once flourished in the area, and today, it offers a relaxing and atmospheric way to experience Hampshire’s rural beauty.

9. The Solent and Isle of Wight Hampshire’s coastline is dotted with opportunities for seaside fun and exploration. The Solent is a prime spot for sailing, with many visitors taking to the water from Lymington or Southampton. For a memorable day trip, catch a ferry from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, a short 45-minute crossing. Once on the island, you can explore its beaches, walking trails, and charming villages, or visit landmarks like Osborne House, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There: Hampshire is well connected by road and rail, making it easily accessible from major cities. The M3 motorway links London to Winchester and Southampton, while the A3 offers direct access from London to Portsmouth. If travelling by train, Winchester, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Basingstoke are all major railway hubs with regular services from London and other parts of the UK. Southampton Airport provides domestic and European flights, and the ferry ports in Portsmouth offer crossings to the Isle of Wight, France, and Spain.

Parking: Parking is widely available throughout Hampshire, with most towns offering public car parks and park-and-ride schemes. Winchester, Portsmouth, and Southampton have convenient parking options near their main attractions. National Trust properties, including Mottisfont Abbey and Hinton Ampner, offer on-site parking for visitors, usually free for members.

Dining: Hampshire’s food scene is diverse, with everything from fine dining to traditional pubs and farm-to-table restaurants. The Black Rat in Winchester, which holds a Michelin star, offers inventive British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. For a quintessential English pub experience, try The Thomas Lord in West Meon, known for its seasonal menus and cosy atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit Rick Stein’s Restaurant in Winchester for delicious seafood dishes. Hampshire is also home to numerous farmers’ markets, including Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, where you can pick up local produce such as cheeses, meats, and cider.

Shopping: Hampshire’s cities and towns offer a mix of high street stores, independent boutiques, and antique shops. Winchester is a great place for unique shopping, with its bustling high street and Parchment Street, home to artisan shops, galleries, and gift stores. Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth is a popular outlet shopping centre, offering discounted designer brands along the waterfront. Many towns, including Alton, Petersfield, and Romsey, have regular markets where you can buy local goods and produce.

When to Visit: Hampshire is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild and outdoor attractions are in full bloom. Summer is ideal for exploring the countryside, gardens, and coastline, though it can be busy at popular sites like the New Forest and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the South Downs and New Forest, making it a great time for scenic walks. Winter visits can be quieter, with cosy pubs and festive events adding to the charm.

Local Events: Hampshire hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is one of the best in the UK, attracting visitors with its traditional stalls, ice rink, and festive atmosphere. The New Forest Show, held in July, celebrates rural life with agricultural displays, food stalls, and family activities. Victorious Festival in Portsmouth, held every August, is a major music event that brings big-name acts to the Southsea seafront.

Exploring Beyond Hampshire: Hampshire’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring nearby regions. The historic city of Bath, with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, is just over an hour’s drive away. Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, is also within easy reach. The beautiful coastline of Dorset, including the Jurassic Coast, is about an hour’s drive to the west.