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
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 with stunning countryside views, the shared use of an outdoor heated swimming pool in the warmer months, lovely walks and plenty of relaxation.
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.
You and your family will have all the space you need at Lions Lodge. The three-bedroom holiday home sleeps seven people, but the vast backyard makes this place stand out. There is a large lawn, seating and a patio with a hot tub so you can soak your tired legs and sunburned shoulders after a day cycling through the New Forest, climbing at Go Ape, or swimming and surfing at Bournemouth. There are two pubs within walking distance of this welcoming self-catering rental in this quiet village near Ringwood and Poole.
Beau Soleil is on a quiet street just back from the beach at Milford-on-Sea. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is a fantastic holiday home for families, being barely a three-minute walk from the sand and around 15 minutes from shops, cafes, pubs and other amenities. With the gorgeous Hampshire coast on the doorstep and the beautiful New Forest within a few miles, guests at Beau Soleil have an endless choice of walking, cycling, horse-riding, swimming, sailing and a host of other activities. The house has a sheltered south-facing terraced garden and off-street parking.
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
There's nothing rustic about this well-appointed Shepherd Hut. Set in a field with gorgeous views, the holiday cottage is two modern timber and corrugated metal huts sleeping four people in two bedrooms with electricity, running water and a proper bathroom. Shepherd Hut is on the family-run Michelmersh Farm, where the owners raise dairy cows, sheep and keep horses and chickens. It's an idyllic location only a few miles from Romsey and within easy reach of the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, the Hampshire coast, Stonehenge, Winchester and Salisbury. Shepherd Hut is romantic for couples and fun for families.
Enjoy a farm holiday in this lovely holiday cottage on Michlemersh Manor Farm near Romsey. Foxglove Cottage sleeps four people in two double bedrooms and is welcoming and comfortable for couples or families. The farm has roots going back to 1205. The current owners raise dairy cows and sheep, and it's a great way to introduce children to the delights of country life. There are excellent footpaths and cycling routes nearby. Days out can include exploring the New Forest National Park, shopping and sightseeing in Salisbury and Winchester, visiting Stonehenge, or sunning yourself on Hampshire beaches like Milford-on-Sea.
Enjoy a self-catering farm holiday within reach of the New Forest National Park, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury at Bluebells on family-run Michelmersh Manor Farm. There are some beautiful footpaths and cycle routes nearby, as well as golf, fishing and horse riding.
This elegant wing of a listed property dates back to medieval times, although the standard of self catering accommodation is firmly in the 21st-Century! It is part of a working farm and enjoys rural views of fields and farmland from the house and a private garden. Located close to Romsey in Hampshire, the Manor is ideal for families who can easily explore Salisbury, Winchester and the New Forest National Park as well as the south coast and sites such as Stonehenge.
Enjoy a holiday by the coast with your family and friends in this spacious home with all mod-cons. Century House is a modern detached property just outside the centre of Gosport, within a short drive or an easy walk of beaches, shops, cafes, pubs and attractions. It sleeps up to eight people in four bedrooms with the potential to accommodate two more on sofa beds. Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the New Forest National Park are all within easy reach for a full-day of fun. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Once a hub of Georgian naval life, Gosport is now a welcoming coastal town with plenty to offer visitors in every season. This charming holiday home is in a quiet gated community only five minutes walk from the centre of town and shops, cafes, pubs and the terminal to catch the ferry to Portsmouth. Explore museums, walk along the waterfront, admire views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, or spend a day on the beach at places like Lee-on-Solent. Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays, historic docks, shops, restaurants and nightlife are only a four-minute ferry crossing away from the one-bedroom holiday cottage, which can sleep between one and three people and is perfect for couples.
Is there anything more relaxing than watching boats on a harbour? We don't think so, which is why Gosport is such a fantastic holiday destination. Harbour View 4 is a spacious second-floor self-catering apartment opposite the harbour and ferry terminal, with all bedrooms affording harbour views. It sleeps up to eight people and is conveniently located not only for Gosport's shops, cafes, pubs and attractions but also for Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the New Forest National Park. The space and apartment layout are perfect for families and friends of all ages. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
A modern second-floor holiday apartment with stunning harbour views towards Portsmouth and The Spinnaker Tower, with space for up to four people to sleep in two bedrooms, plus a sofa bed. Harbour View 2 is in the Gosport town centre's pedestrianised area, steps from shops, cafes, pubs, and the ferry terminal. Explore museums, enjoy beautiful coastal walks, and Hampshire's beaches. Portsmouth is only a four-minute ferry crossing away, with even more attractions and places to eat, drink and shop. The apartment is perfect for couples, families or friends who want to be close to everything yet still have their own space. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Harbour views don't get better than those from Waterfront Quay, a second-floor holiday apartment overlooking Portsmouth Harbour with views of Spinnaker Tower. Couples, families and friends can stay in the pedestrianised area of Gosport, a stroll from shops, cafes, pubs and the passenger ferry to Portsmouth. Walk along the Waterfront Trail, explore museums, go sailing, spend a day at the seaside, and cycle around Alver Country Park. Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays and Historic Dockyard are a short ferry journey away, while the New Forest National Park, Winchester, Paulton Park and the Isle of Wight are all within easy reach for a fun day out. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
An elegant, spacious apartment spread over two floors of a Georgian townhouse in the pedestrianised area of Gosport. South-facing windows overlook a quiet courtyard, and it is just moments away from a park, shops, cafes and pubs, as well as the Gosport Ferry terminal. The Georgian Apartment is family and pet friendly, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and lots of original features like sash windows and decorative fireplaces. You're within easy reach of museums, coastal walks and beaches. Portsmouth Historic Harbour and Gunwharf Quays development are only four-minute ferry crossing, while the Isle of Wight and New Forest National Park are under an hour away. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Granary is in Royal Clarence Yard, a desirable development overlooking Portsmouth Harbour and moments from Gosport town centre. Shops, cafes, pubs and attractions are all within walking distance, as is the Gosport Ferry terminal where a short journey will take you to Gunwharf Quays and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. There is so much to see and do in any season that you'll never run out of ideas whether you're planning a day at the seaside or a night on the town. The stylish two-bedroom holiday apartment is on the second floor of a former granary and bakery that dates from the 1820s with period Georgian features and modern fixtures and furnishings. It sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms with a layout that suits couples, families or friends. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Lee-on-the-Solent is a quiet coastal town with a long beach backed by a seafront promenade. This contemporary second-floor holiday apartment is a minute from the beach and close to bars, cafes, and shops. It sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families and groups of friends. Gosport is only four miles away with more places to eat and drink and several museums and other attractions. The ferry from Gosport to Portsmouth only takes four minutes, so you're close to the shops and restaurants of Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth Historic Harbour, theatres and nightlife. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A well-equipped holiday cottage located in the attractive downland village of Rockbourne near to the New Forest National Park, Cranborne Chase and Salisbury. Garden Cottage is deal for relaxing, walking or visiting Hampshire's many attractions.
Popular towns in and around Hampshire:
BurleyFordingbridgeGosportLymingtonWinchesterSearch within South and South East England
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.
