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
In a superb position by the marinas and yacht clubs in the bustling Hampshire market town of Lymington, this 'upside down' cottage is an ideal base for exploring the New Forest and the coast, and affords vibrant views of nautical life with The Solent and Isle of Wight on the horizon. Plenty of amenities and places for a meal out on the doorstep and an abundance of attractions nearby. The best of both worlds allowing you to explore the coast and forest, as well as the Isle of Wight (just a ferry trip away).
Located in the small Hampshire village of Lockerley just ten minutes drive from the New Forest National Park, this delightful holiday home provides a luxurious retreat for couples who want to explore the many attractions that this area has to offer. Fantastic fishing on the nearby River Test, as well as riverside walks and pubs within walking distance. Stonehenge, the Roman City of Bath and the South Coast are all drivable for day trips out. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
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 with stunning countryside views, the shared use of an outdoor heated swimming pool in the warmer months, lovely walks and plenty of relaxation.
On the Hampshire/Dorset borders, sitting on the edge of Cranborne Chase, this comfortable home is within easy driving distance of many attractions including the New Forest National Park, Salisbury, Stonehenge and the Jurassic coastline. Enjoy miles of forest tracks and trails (great for walkers, cyclists and horse riders); iconic world class attractions, some of the country's finest beaches and lots of rest and relaxation.
A spacious stylish self-catering holiday home located in New Milton in Hampshire on the edge of the New Forest. Ideal for families and friends who like plenty of space and comfort, Inglewood Cottage offers the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds with the forest and coast close by. Barton on Sea is the nearest beach and just a short drive (or forty five minute walk) from the cottage, and there are miles of forest tracks and trails just waiting to be explored.
Comfy and welcoming, Garden Annexe is located on the outskirts of Hayling Island on the South Coast of England and is ideal for those visiting the many festivals and events of the area, along with the plethora of attractions. Superb water based activities and beaches. Portsmouth and Chichester close by.
A delightful stylish retreat for two in a wonderfully tranquil area, deep within Bentley Woods where rare butterflies and fallow deer can be seen under the giant oaks. Sitting on the Hampshire/Wiltshire borders, this is a walkers and cyclists paradise and a short drive from the New Forest National Park.
A well-equipped holiday cottage located in the attractive downland village of Rockbourne near to the New Forest National Park, Cranborne Chase and Salisbury. Ideal for relaxing, walking or visiting Hampshire's many attractions.
Beautifully presented, this 5 Star award winning holiday home sits in the scenic county of Hampshire, on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park. A wonderfully tranquil retreat opposite the River Itchen within close proximity to the city of Winchester and ideal for large groups of up to ten guests who want to holiday or celebrate together. 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. A wonderful tranquil position opposite the River Itchen and ideal 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. A wonderful tranquil position opposite the River Itchen and ideal for a relaxing break. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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. A perfect base for exploring both Dorset and Hampshire including the Forest and South Coast.
Perfectly placed in the coastal village of Milford-on-Sea, this stylish luxury holiday home offers the chance to enjoy all of Hampshire's best bits. The beach is just a short stroll away and the New Forest National Park is only a minute by car. Whether you want to enjoy forest walks, bike rides, relax on the beach or explore Hampshire's many attractions, Mulberry Barn is an excellent choice. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Located between the forest and sea, this holiday cottage sits within a one mile flat walk of the delightful historic market town of Ringwood and just a five minute drive from the New Forest. An abundance of attractions within easy reach as well as miles of forest walks and cycle rides.
Located on the edge of the Dorset village of Alderholt is this pretty 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.
A bright and modern one room studio just two miles from the edge of the New Forest and three miles from the coast - a cheerful retreat for couples wanting to explore the forest and Hampshire/Dorset coastline.
A relaxing and peaceful retreat in the pretty Wiltshire village of Downton, just a five minute car ride from the New Forest National Park and within easy reach of Salisbury, Stonehenge and the coast for day trips out.
A fabulous country chic retreat for up to six guests in a magical spot within an oasis of calm on the Hampshire/Wiltshire borders. Perfect for escaping away from it all, Farley Lodge sits within Bentley Woods, a haven for wildlife with superb opportunities for cyclists and walkers. Whether you want to simply relax or explore Hampshire and its many attractions including the New Forest National Park, Farley Lodge is a welcoming retreat to enjoy a taste of country life.
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.
