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
Enjoy a peaceful New Forest break at 14 Gatehouse, a beautifully renovated former railway gate keeprs cottage on the edge of Ringwood. Sleeping 6 in 3 bedrooms, this eco-friendly holiday home has open-plan living, a log burner, enclosed garden with a wildlife pond, and direct access to the Castleman Trailway for walking and cycling. Walk to a local pub, farm shop and Ringwood’s shops and eateries. Family attractions, beaches at Bournemouth, and day trips to Salisbury, Lymington and the Isle of Wight are all within easy reach. Ideal for families or couples wanting comfort, character and countryside charm in the New Forest. Contact us for early season discount. Possible shorter breaks may be available on some weeks.
Newly built using traditional techniques and featuring a separate bedroom and shower room, this charming Shepherd's Hut offers couples space and comfort in an idyllic location close to the New Forest National Park and within walking distance of a country pub. Enjoy walking and bike rides through the forest and countryside, and with the coast only half an hour away plus plenty of picturesque towns and villages to explore, your self-catering holiday can be as exciting or relaxing as you choose.
It's hard not to be wooed by this idyllic romantic retreat set in beautiful rural surroundings on the outskirts of the New Forest National Park. Located in the charming village of Alderholt, Shepherd's Retreat is a cosy bolthole for two. The artisan built hut has everything you need for a self-catering holiday, including a hand built kitchen, wood burning stove, WiFi and a village pub just a short walk away. Enjoy walks and bike rides from the front door or lazy days on the beach, just half an hour away.
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.
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 ..
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
The spacious bedroom with a view onto the an open field has a supering zip link bed with either organic cotton sheets or Irish linen. There's a small double sofa bed on the landing suitable for children under 12. We can provide a travel cot and high chair. There is a log fire with complimentary logs and kindling. There is a down stairs loo and a shower room upstairs.
Delawarr Cottage is on a quiet country lane that's only a 15-minute stroll from the busy waterfront town of Lymington, with its Georgian buildings and historic quay. The welcoming holiday cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is convenient for exploring the Hampshire coast and beaches like Milford-on-Sea and the wonderful New Forest National Park. Footpaths and cycling routes are accessible from the door, as are swimming, sailing, fishing, SUP'ing, kayaking, and golf. Local attractions include Hurst Castle, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, and Paulton's Park and Peppa Pig World.
No. 51 sleeps 2 and is a great space for couples, friends or single travellers. The property is only a 10-15 minute walk away from Lymington High Street. For convenience there are shops and great selection of take away's literally on the doorstep. Having recently undergone a little refurb the place is fresh and clean and is an ideal base to explore the local area.
An ‘upside down' quirky terraced cottage by the harbour and with off street parking. This cottage is light, comfortable & tastefully presented with a relaxed coastal feel. It has a spacious living area with French doors leading out on to the balcony with its vibrant ever changing river mouth views, there’s a marina in front of you and the sea in the distance with ferries and all sorts of boats to watch. In the living area find 2 sofas, a large round dining table comfortably seating 5, coffee tables, Smart TV, DVD player and unlimited WiFi internet. There is a modern well equipped kitchen leading from the dining area with fan oven/electric grill/gas hob/microwave oven, fridge with ice box, dishwasher etc. Downstairs find Bedroom 1 with king sized bed, ample storage/hanging space, bedside chests and lamps, chair and hairdryer. Bedroom 2 with single bed, bedside chest, chest of drawers, under-bed drawers, chair and robe hooks. Bathroom (refurbished 2020) with powerful over-bath shower, back-lit shaving mirror, basin, heated towel rail and window. Cloakroom (refurbished 2020) with lavatory, basin, mirror and towel rail. Porch, very handy for outdoor clothing, Utility unit with Belfast sink, washing machine, tumble dryer, freezer, microwave, kettle, ironing equipment and bike stands. 1 private secure patio garden (SE facing) is off Bedroom 1 and has a high locked gate, garden furniture and pretty shrubs. The other private and secure patio garden is off the porch again with a high locking gate, garden furniture and pretty shrubs. Close by - Mayflower Hotel, Haven Restaurant & Bar, Nick Cox chandlery/convenience store. The location is ideal for walking into the Georgian town of Lymington, visiting the Saturday Charter Market, or exploring the New Forest and nearby beaches. We send much information in advance and meet and greet our guests on arrival. We live just around the corner and are on hand should a problem occur. We are now open to taking children under 6 years of age so long as people are fully aware of the balcony and stairs leading directly off the living room and we ask for a £200 security deposit in this instance.
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.
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.
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.
