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 ..
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.
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.
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 welcoming holiday retreat in the Hampshire village of Sway with forest walks straight from the front door. Sitting within the New Forest National Park, Rushcroft Farm is ideal for walkers, cyclists, horse riders (on-site livery available) and those who want to visit the areas many attractions. Just four miles from Lymington and within easy reach of the coast.
If you are looking to explore the New Forest and the South Coast, Hucklesbrook Farm is a good choice and offers welcoming self-catering accommodation set around a courtyard on the owner's family farm. Ideally located, the forest tracks and trails where ponies roam freely are on the doorstep. Perfect for touring, relaxing and outdoor adventures. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Three 4 Star holiday homes in a courtyard setting on the owner's family farm within the New Forest. Ideally located, the self-catering cottages are a short drive from the sandy beaches of the South Coast offering guests the perfect combination of outdoor adventures and relaxing days by the sea. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Hucklesbrook Farm sits within the New Forest and is home to three Four Star holiday homes. Set around a courtyard the cottages are a short drive from the South Coast. Spend your days exploring the tracks and trails of the forest, browsing the shops or relaxing by the sea. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Stables at Black Hedges Farmhouse is the perfect antidote to your busy life. The award winning cottage is utterly idyllic and the ideal place to spend a romantic holiday. Located in West Meon in the South Downs National Park - voted the Best Village in Britain by The Times - The Stables is a few minutes' walk from village shops and an award winning pub and there are excellent walks, golf, and horse riding virtually on the doorstep. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
A warm welcome awaits at Mary's Barn. Set in the grounds of the owner's thatched property, this delightful holiday home is ideally placed in the very heart of the New Forest National Park with forest walks and bike rides straight from the front door. Perfect for relaxing or exploring the areas many attractions.
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.
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
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.
The Old Chapel is a beautifully converted studio cottage in the New Forest village of Sway, just a short walk from pubs, shops and forest trails. Ideal for couples or small families, it features a king-size bed, a day bed that transforms into two single beds, a well-equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom, and a cosy sitting area with an electric stove. Outside has a private seating area where ponies and donkeys often wander past. Located close to Brockenhurst, Lymington, Lyndhurst, and the coast, it’s perfect for walking, cycling and day trips. One of three cottages on site, you can book The Old Chapel with Chapel End or Chapel Lodge for group stays.
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.
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.
