2 Bedroom Hampshire cottages

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Once part of the ancient kingdom of Wessex, Hampshire sits on the southern coast of England, and with its close proximity to the Isle of Wight, is perhaps one of the most popular holiday locations in the country. In addition to a splendid coastline, the county boasts the National Parks of the New Forest and the South Downs, the world-famous National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, two of the largest English ports at Southampton and Portsmouth, and the picturesque county town of Winchester.

Hampshire was the home of two of England’s finest writers, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, and was also the birthplace of the civil engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Things to do in Hampshire

The South Downs Way is situated in England’s newest National Park. This long-distance footpath extends across chalk downland, from the eastern side of Hampshire into Sussex, and runs close to a wonderful selection of seaside towns, allowing walkers to take in both country and coastal views for over 70 miles.  Flowing from the middle of the county and out into Southampton Water, the River Itchen is one of the premier chalk streams in the World for fly fishing, whilst the nearby River Test also provides ideal conditions for salmon and trout fishing.

Top Destinations

Marlborough – This ancient market town lies on the old main route between London and Bath, and boasts one of the widest high streets in Britain, its central market place still host to a regular market and numerous annual events, including a jazz festival and the Marlborough Mop Fair.

Andover – First noted as the site of an ancient royal hunting lodge, the town is now focused on its military heritage; the MOD is the largest employer, and the Museum of Army Flying is located nearby at Middle Wallop.

Winchester – An historic cathedral city, and once the ancient capital of England until after the Norman Conquest, Winchester still conforms to the Saxon street plan of King Alfred the Great, whilst its old Roman and mediaeval city walls are also still visible, together with six city gates.

Portsmouth – Mainly located on Portsea Island, Portsmouth is unique in the UK as the only island city. Still a significant, though much reduced, naval port, the city is also home to Nelson’s historic flagship, the HMS Victory. More recently, the local skyline has been embellished by the addition of the sweeping steel arcs of the Spinnaker Tower, the tallest accessible structure in the UK outside London, which is situated amidst the newly-developed leisure facilities at Gunwharf Quays.

Lyndhurst – The largest village within the New Forest is a popular destination for visitors; offering a fine selection of shops, galleries, restaurants, pubs and hotels. The local parish church of St Michael and All Angels has a fine collection of Pre-Raphaelite stained glass by artists including Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

Southampton – The largest city in the county and one of the largest commercial ports in Europe was also once the point of arrival in England for the Black Death (in 1348), and the point of departure for the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower (in 1620).

Petersfield – Seventeen miles to the north of Portsmouth, the market town of Petersfield lies at one end of the 64-mile Serpent Trail long-distance footpath. Also near to the town, the Queen Elizabeth Country Park – which incorporates the highest point of the South Downs Way at Butser Hill – also offers visitors a wide variety of beautiful woodland and downland.

Romsey – This small market town is dominated by a large Norman abbey. Nearby is situated Broadlands, the elegant Palladian mansion that was once the country home of the late Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Fareham – A pleasant town, situated at the north-west tip of Portsmouth harbour, and between the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, Fareham has a fine collection of Georgian buildings and retail properties, as well as a number of recently-developed leisure facilities around the Market Quay.