Whilst being the largest county in the South East of England, Hampshire has an eclectic mix of landscapes from the bustling port cities of Portsmouth and Southampton to the sprawling New Forest National Park. The birthplace of famous figures such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, Hampshire provides a wealth of diverse sights, activities and environments from rolling rural areas to lively cities within its county limits. Read more
A modern stylish Four Star Gold self-contained annex in the Hampshire village of Godshill within the New Forest National Park. Close to Fordingbridge, Wayside is an ideal place for enjoying all the forest has to offer including fabulous walking, cycling and horse riding. Family swimming passes for the pools and gym at the nearby Sandy Balls leisure centre are provided. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Sitting in an acre of grounds, this well presented holiday home is perfect for families, friends and pet owners. Located on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border in the village of West Tytherley with good pub within walking distance, there are a multitude of attractions within easy reach including Salisbury, The New Forest, Winchester and Stonehenge. Whether you want to simply relax or explore, this welcoming cottage is an excellent choice.
Located in the New Forest National Park midway between Lymington and Brockenhurst, this spacious holiday home provides a good self-catering base for families and couples to explore the areas many attractions. Spout House Studio is a great choice for walkers and cyclists.
A picturesque thatched holiday retreat on the edge of the New Forest National Park providing a superb self-catering base for exploring the forest, and also the many attractions of the area including Winchester, the South Coast and Stonehenge. The county town of Fordingbridge with a good choice of shops and eateries is just half a mile away. It is just 25 mins from Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs are welcome (up to 2 in Wishing Well). Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details - www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk
A pretty thatched self catering holiday cottage on the edge of the New Forest, providing very comfortable holiday accommodation and an ideal base for touring the area being just a few miles from world famous Stonehenge, Bournemouth and beaches. Just half a mile from Fordingbridge with a good choice of amenities close by. Just 25 mins to Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs welcome (up to 3 in Little Thatch) - secure back garden/yard area leading off from the kitchen door. Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details. www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk ..
Located on the edge of the Dorset village of Alderholt is this pretty holiday cottage for two with log burner and romantic double bedroom. The Hampshire riverside county town of Fordingbridge is just three miles away and the New Forest National Park is five minutes in the car with miles of forest tracks and trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders.
Offering the perfect blend of rustic charm, cosiness with log burner and modern day conveniences to ensure a high standard of comfort, Barn Cottage sits on the outskirts of Alderholt in Dorset. A pretty village with pub for meals out, a mill serving cream teas at the weekend, and a shop for forgotten provisions, Alderholt is just three miles from the county town of Fordingbridge and a five minute car ride into the New Forest National Park with an abundance of forest tracks to satisfy the keenest of walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This welcoming holiday cottage is a perfect self-catering base for exploring both Dorset and Hampshire including the Forest and South Coast.
Welcome aboard our Classic Yacht Nadine, including a Hot Tub Jacuzzi on the upper deck, a Master Double Cabin with ensuite Bathroom, a Twin Bed Cabin with ensuite Shower Room, a spacious soulful Lounge, a Kitchen Galley, an Alfresco Dining Deck, a Sun Deck and a beautiful waterside sea view across the bay. There is also SuperFast BT Broadband, WiFi and SKY TV.
A delightful holiday cottage in the picturesque Test Valley ideally placed on the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire just ten minutes drive from the New Forest. A peaceful location with stunning countryside views. Presented to a high standard with an outdoor (shared) pool, this is a perfect place for a family holiday
Little Owls is as sweet as its name and a lovely choice for families, friends and couples who want to explore the many attractions of both Hampshire and Wiltshire. Nestling in a peaceful position in the picturesque Test Valley, guests can enjoy stunning countryside views, the shared use of an outdoor heated swimming pool (June - September), lovely walks and plenty of relaxation
Offering single level self-catering, Teal Cottage at Burgate Manor Farm is perfect for families and friends and offers an ideal base for exploring the New Forest and enjoying all it has to offer. Spend your days visiting the many attractions and cycling, walking or pony trekking the miles of forest tracks and trails before you retire back to relax in this comfy welcoming holiday cottage. Just a mile from Fordingbridge on the edge of the forest, Paultons Park, the Moors Valley Country Park, Lymington, Salisbury and Portsmouth are all within easy reach.
The New Forest National Park is such a popular holiday destination because it offers something for everyone. Mallard Cottage is one of seven excellent holiday homes to rent on Burgate Manor Farm, a mile from Fordingbridge and close to fantastic attractions including the New Forest Waterpark, Paultons Park, and the Moors Valley Country Park. It is also an easy drive from places like Lymington, Salisbury and Portsmouth, and footpaths, bridleways and cycling trails are abundant nearby. Whether you are getting the kids out into the fresh air for a family holiday or arranging a special celebration with your friends, the amenities and welcome at Burgate Manor Farm are perfect.
Kingfisher Cottage is ideal for couples and families visiting the New Forest National Park. Only a mile from Fordingbridge and within walking distance of The George pub, the holiday cottage is on a private 230-acre farm beside the banks of the Avon River, surrounded by meadows and fields. There is space for four people in two bedrooms, with a double sofa-bed that opens out to sleep up to two more adults. Paulton's Park, the National Motor Museum and Moors Valley Country Park are all within easy reach, as are miles of footpaths, traffic free cycling routes and bridleways. With its pretty thatched cottages, free-roaming ponies and ancient forests and woodland, the New Forest is a beautiful holiday destination at any time of the year.
Couples and families love Grebe Cottage, which offers 4-star accommodation in 230 acres of private farmland in the north of the New Forest National Park. There is space for four people to sleep in two bedrooms, and the holiday cottage can be booked on its own or reserved with one of several other lovely cottages on Burgate Manor Farm to accommodate larger groups of family and friends. Fordingbridge's medieval arched bridge and The George pub are only a mile away, while popular New Forest attractions like Beaulieu and Moors Valley Country Park are nearby. There are miles of beautiful footpaths, cycling trails and bridleways to help you explore the New Forest and enjoy being close to nature in this incredible ancient landscape. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Beautifully presented throughout, Park Farm Cottages offers 5 Star luxury self-catering amongst the scenic beauty of the Hampshire countryside. Sitting on the edge of the South Downs National Park, guests can enjoy peace and tranquility with the River Itchen opposite adding to the charm. Park Farm Cottages is close to the city of Winchester and a popular choice with large groups sleeping up to ten guests who want to holiday or celebrate together. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Perfect for couples and small families, West Cottage sleeps three guests and offers 5 Star self-catering in a beautifully peaceful part of Hampshire on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park. Close to Winchester, this fabulous architect-designed eco-build holiday home sits opposite the River Itchen and offers all the right ingredients for a relaxing break. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
An award winning single storey 5 Star holiday home situated in Hampshire on the edge of the South Downs National Park, near Winchester. East Cottage enjoys a wonderful tranquil position opposite the River Itchen and is ideal for a relaxing break. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
The Blue House is a characterful holiday cottage in Lymington on the edge of the New Forest, sleeping six guests across three bedrooms. Built in the 1840s and instantly recognisable by its distinctive blue brick exterior, this self-catering holiday home blends period charm with modern comforts, including a well-equipped kitchen, stylish living space and a secluded courtyard garden. Situated within easy walking distance of Lymington’s bustling quay, independent shops and famous Saturday market, it offers an excellent base for exploring the New Forest, the Solent coastline and nearby Dorset. With beaches, sailing, forest walks, and nearby ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, it suits families, couples, and small groups.
Chapel Lodge is a peaceful studio retreat for two in the New Forest village of Sway. Ideal for couples and dog owners, it features a king-size bed, comfortable sitting area, well-equipped kitchenette, and a modern en-suite shower room. Outside, a sunny enclosed patio offers a quiet space to relax after exploring the forest trails just moments from the door. The Hare and Hounds pub is a ten-minute walk, and Brockenhurst, Lymington, and the coast are all within easy reach. Dog-friendly, private, and perfectly placed, Chapel Lodge is one of three charming cottages available for individual or group bookings.
Chapel End is a cosy studio cottage for two tucked at the end of a converted chapel in the New Forest village of Sway. Perfect for couples, it features a king-size bed, well-equipped kitchenette, private bathroom with bath and separate shower, and an enclosed courtyard garden. The village shop, bakery, and Hare and Hounds pub are just a short stroll away, and open forest trails begin at the gate. Explore nearby Brockenhurst, Lymington and Lyndhurst, or head to Milford-on-Sea and Barton-on-Sea for beach walks and clifftop views. Dog-friendly and full of charm, it’s ideal for a relaxing New Forest escape.
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
AlresfordAltonBeaulieuBoldreBrockenhurstBurleyCatheringtonChichesterEast BoldreExburyFarehamFordingbridgeFordinghamGosportHampshireHayling IslandHighcliffeHydeHytheLockerleyLymingtonLyndhurstMeon ValleyMilford on SeaMilford-on-seaMinsteadNew MiltonNomanslandNr LymingtonPetersfieldPoolePortsmouthRingwoodRomseyRydeSouthamptonWinchesterWinsorSome local suggestions:
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The county has played an important role throughout England's history. The city of Winchester was once the capital of the country and the two maritime ports of Portsmouth and Southampton (which are also the major cities in the area) acted as a departure point for settlers seeking a new life to America and during the Second World War as a Royal Navy harbour. Furthermore, Hampshire has a strong literary significance and both Charles Dickens and Jane Austen were born in the county. You can visit the birthplace of Dickens in Portsmouth which features a museum dedicated to the author, as well as the house where Jane Austen penned her most important novels in the village of Chawton.
Hampshire's diversity is evident with its untouched countryside and rural nature combined with the industrial modernity of its cities. The county provides over 750 miles of cycling paths both rural and urban, in addition to outdoor activity centres particularly at Calshot along the Hampshire coastline. There are also no less than 8 country parks and nature reserves sprawled across its area including the Queen Elizabeth Country Park with over 20 miles of endearing and beautiful trails for walkers and cyclists, as well as the acclaimed Farley Mount which sits in central Hampshire and offers stunning views across the county with both downland and woodland.
The county is not just a rural retreat and it also benefits from an enthralling coastline, with the chalky cliffs of the South Downs which pass through Hampshire being a particular highlight. Lepe Country Park features miles of sandy beaches, great views to the Isle of Wright and several D-Day memorials and remains. This impressive coastline allows for water based activities such as sailing, waterboarding and kayaking. These can also be undertaken at the New Forest National Park (which the county shares with Wiltshire and Dorset) that boasts 2 lakes, over 220 square miles of natural beauty and diverse wildlife in addition to campsites, fishing on a private island and plenty of pretty thatched cottages providing self-catering accommodation.
There is a strong military heritage in these parts as well. The countryside offers numerous castles and forts from the Middle Ages including the renowned Portchester Castle which stands as one of the best examples in the whole of Northern Europe of medieval architecture with Roman influences. The historic dockyard in Portsmouth is listed as a Top 10 Heritage Attraction in England while it also hosts the Mary Rose Museum.
Hampshire offers activities and events for all the family and is an incredibly diverse and welcoming county in England. Its cities are vibrant with shopping, nightlife and entertainment, whilst its countryside is peaceful, beautiful and enchanting for those who visit. A truly varied county with a solid historical significance intertwined with a modern appeal.
