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 at the nearby Sandy Balls leisure centre are provided. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
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 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.
Superb position: Lymington Harbour right by the marinas, sailing clubs, river mouth and lifeboat station and sea. Very attractive Georgian town with bustling Saturday street market. 'Upside down' terraced cottage. Vibrant views from balcony of nautical life, the sea and Isle of Wight. Parking off-street for 1 car. 2 patio gardens with seating. Explore the New Forest and southbcoast from here. Plenty of amenities and places for a meal out on the doorstep and an abundance of attractions nearby. The Isle of Wight just a ferry trip away.
Little Home Farm is a fabulous New Forest holiday home, half a mile from Lymington with fantastic views towards the Lymington River. It sleeps six people in three superb ensuite bedrooms and is ideal for families and friends. Walking, cycling, golf, sailing, and kayaking are readily accessible, while local attractions include Hurst Castle, Milford-on-Sea beach, and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The welcoming cottage has recently been refurbished to a very high standard and features an enclosed garden with a seven-person hot tub. It's available for bookings all year round and is child-and-pet friendly.
Ancient woodlands, beautiful beaches, villages and towns with thatched cottages and free-roaming ponies are just a few of the many reasons anyone planning a peaceful, relaxing holiday should consider the New Forest. Robin's Nest is a quiet self-catering holiday home in Fordingbridge, a ten-minute walk from the medieval stone arched bridge, pubs, cafes, shops and other amenities. It's great for couples or friends as it sleeps two people in one twin bedroom, with a private enclosed garden and off-street parking. Not only do you have the national park close by, but you are also within easy reach of the River Avon, Salisbury, Stonehenge and Southampton.
Singles/Couples £100 night, families £120 night & cleaning £30 per stay (20%discount for month long stays) Forest barn is located in a quiet rural lane in the new forest national park set in 2 acres of garden and paddock with easy car access to the beautiful forest and stunning coast. Bashley has a farm shop, village shop, tea rooms, fishing lake and 2 pubs. Self catering, central heating, unlimited hot water, open plan living/sleeping layout, garden furniture, BBQ, play area, ducks & chicken to feed. Electric gate, off road parking, bike washdown & storage.
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 Kitchen is fully equipped with a dining area. The sitting room has an armchair, large comfortable sofa with a log burning stove. A spacious hallway with Laundry area and downstairs loo. Large bedroom with superking size zip link bed. Landing with small double sofa bed for a child. Shower room with underfloor heating. Travel cot available.
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.
Perfectly located, this stylish barn is a popular 'bolt-hole' for couples and enjoys a peaceful position just a short stroll from the very heart of Burley and its shops and pubs. Being based right in the heart of the New Forest National Park allows you to explore the many attractions of the area, get active in the great outdoors or simply relax and unwind. This delightful holiday cottage is perfect for a weekend away or longer holiday.
The New Forest is always an excellent choice for a holiday. Easy to reach from both the south-east and the west of England, with ancient forests, beautiful beaches and fantastic attractions, it's perfect for people who enjoy walking, cycling, horse riding and eating well. Bracken Cottage is a spacious holiday cottage in the quiet village of Sway, within walking distance of four pubs and the village shop and butcher. Guests have direct access to wonderful New Forest footpaths and cycling routes. Spend happy days exploring far and wide or sit in the garden and admire the scenery and the odd pony or donkey that meanders past the gate. There is space for eight people to sleep in four bedrooms and a layout ideal for families.
Graylands Cottage is much loved - 70% of our guests return due to our homely atmosphere and beautiful location. Sleeping 2-8 guests in 5 bedrooms, it’s ideal for relaxed multi-generational family catch ups and pets. In a tranquil position with lovely views, Graylands is tucked away in the New Forest National Park with walks starting from the cottage gate. Spend your days exploring the forest by foot, pony trekking, cycling, getting out and about exploring the areas many attractions or simply sitting back in the large garden and soaking up the lovely views and wildlife.
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.
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
AlresfordAltonBeaulieuBoldreBrockenhurstBurleyCatheringtonChichesterEast BoldreExburyFarehamFordingbridgeFordinghamGosportHampshireHayling IslandHighcliffeHydeHytheLockerleyLymingtonLyndhurstMeon ValleyMilford on SeaMilford-on-seaMinsteadNew MiltonNomanslandNr LymingtonPetersfieldPoolePortsmouthRingwoodRomseyRydeSouthamptonWinchesterWinsorSearch 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.
