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.
Little Owls, Curlews Farm, Pains Hill, Lockerley,, Romsey, Southampton, Hampshire
Originally a 19th Century stable block, Little Owls Cottage sleeps 4 guests and is full of character and charm. The cottage has recently been re-built and beautifully furnished to very high standards.
It benefits from ...
Highcoft Cottage is a located in the pretty village of Burley in the heart of the New Forest. With a five minute walk to the village pubs and restaurant and direct access onto the forest, the cottage is perfectly placed ...
Offering superb views over local countryside with grazing ponies, this delightful family home is peacefully located at the end of a no-through lane within the New Forest National Park. Its only 5 minutes’ drive to local ...
The cottage was originally built as a gardeners cottage for the Shackleton estate. It was sympathetically extended many years ago and now has 4 bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, a large dining room with wood burner and a kitchen ...
Jo's Cottage, Norley Wood near Lymington, Hampshire
Jo’s Cottage is set in a peaceful spot in the heart of the New Forest National Park, where you can often see the horses and donkeys at the gate and lanes nearby. This pretty thatch cob holiday cottage with original ...
Amble Back, West Street, New Forest District, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Amble Back is our lovely new holiday cottage. It dates back to 1880, a red brick character cottage in a terrace of three on the edge of town. You will find a cosy home where the contemporary furnishings offer modern ...
Txoko, Curlews Farm, Pains Hill, Lockerley,, Romsey, Southampton, Hampshire
Recently rebuilt and refurbished to an extremely high standard, this charming cottage was originally a 19th century stable block. It has high vaulted ceilings , giving it a light and airy feel.
There is a large ...
Little Woodley, Boldre, near Lymington, Hampshire, Brockenhurst
This charming, New Forest, single-storey barn conversion enjoys a peaceful setting and superb views over the surrounding fields with horses grazing and frequent visiting deer. This is also a bird watchers’ paradise, with ...
Blue Charm, Damerham, near Fordingbridge, Hampshire, Ringwood
Conveniently located just 3 miles from the New Forest National Park, these two converted holiday cottages adjoin each other. The properties are opposite the popular village pub, The Compasses Inn, which is over 400 years ...
Castleton House, Hamble, near Southampton, Hampshire, Fareham
In an enviable location, with far reaching views over the river Hamble and it’s quay with several restaurants, pub and village shop close at hand in this well-known sailing resort. There are lovely river walks and ...
The cottage was originally built as a gardeners cottage for the Shackleton estate. It was sympathetically extended many years ago and now has 4 bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, a large dining room with wood burner and a kitchen ...
Amble Back, West Street, New Forest District, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Amble Back is our lovely new holiday cottage. It dates back to 1880, a red brick character cottage in a terrace of three on the edge of town. You will find a cosy home where the contemporary furnishings offer modern ...
Amble Back, West Street, New Forest District, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Amble Back is our lovely new holiday cottage. It dates back to 1880, a red brick character cottage in a terrace of three on the edge of town. You will find a cosy home where the contemporary furnishings offer modern ...
All on the first floor:Open plan living space: With beams and Velux windows.Living area: With Freeview TV and single sofa bed.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge and ...
Baytree Cottage, Swanwick, near Bursledon, Hampshire, Fareham
This delightful period cottage has been tastefully restored and enjoys an enviable location, only 22 yards from the water’s edge/slipway, where a colourful array of boats can be seen. There is direct access to a footpath ...
Blue Charm, Damerham, near Fordingbridge, Hampshire, Ringwood
Conveniently located just 3 miles from the New Forest National Park, these two converted holiday cottages adjoin each other. The properties are opposite the popular village pub, The Compasses Inn, which is over 400 years ...
Ground Floor:Open plan living space.Living area: With wood burner, TV, DVD player, iPod dock, CD player, vaulted ceiling and wooden floor.Dining area.Kitchen area: With breakfast bar, range with electric oven and gas hob, ...
Lying within the New Forest, where open heaths, wild ponies and miles of footpaths stretch from the door, this detached, 19th-century holiday cottage forms part of the outbuildings to a country house. Comfortably converted ...
Castleton House, Hamble, near Southampton, Hampshire, Fareham
In an enviable location, with far reaching views over the river Hamble and it’s quay with several restaurants, pub and village shop close at hand in this well-known sailing resort. There are lovely river walks and ...
Castleton House, Hamble, near Southampton, Hampshire, Fareham
In an enviable location, with far reaching views over the river Hamble and it’s quay with several restaurants, pub and village shop close at hand in this well-known sailing resort. There are lovely river walks and ...
Chiddock Cottage, Midgham, near Fordingbridge, Hampshire, Ringwood
Carefully converted to allow for maximum space and light, these three single-storey barn conversions stand within the owner’s working stud farm, and offer the ideal base for couples, walking groups and families wishing ...
The properties are peacefully located in a superb scenic area near to the delightful village of Droxford, which sits in the beautiful Meon Valley and the South Downs National Park. These three carefully converted single ...
Offering superb views over local countryside with grazing ponies, this delightful family home is peacefully located at the end of a no-through lane within the New Forest National Park. Its only 5 minutes’ drive to local ...
This delightful single-storey holiday home is at the end of a row in a quiet residential crescent of similar properties, overlooking communal lawned grounds. Offering warm and homely, tastefully furnished accommodation for ...
Eglantine, Crondall, near Farnham, Hampshire, Alton
Ground Floor:Living/dining room: With gas wood burner, Freeview TV, DVD player, CD player and beams.Kitchen: Galley style with electric oven, gas hob, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine.Bathroom: With shower over bath, ...
Greengage, Sway, near Lymington, Hampshire, Brockenhurst
Conveniently located in a quiet cul-de-sac close to Sway village, which has various shops, eateries and pubs. This comfortable, single-storey holiday home enjoys a lawned enclosed garden with a covered sitting-out area, as ...
Amidst beautiful rolling countryside and farmland, set in the grounds of the owner’s farmhouse within a working farm, Drayton Farm Barns (PDDP, PDDQ & PDDR) have been skillfully converted from one large barn. Offering ...
Heron Cottage, Timsbury, near Romsey, Hampshire, Brook
This semi-detached holiday cottage, attached to the owners home, is located in a peaceful, rural setting along a quiet lane, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The historic market town of Romsey, 3 miles, is often ...
Heron Grange, adjoining the owners’ home, is set within an acre garden, with a private garden area to the side. This holiday home is ideally placed to enjoy the surrounding areas, with superb walking and cycling from the ...
Highcoft Cottage is a located in the pretty village of Burley in the heart of the New Forest. With a five minute walk to the village pubs and restaurant and direct access onto the forest, the cottage is perfectly placed ...
This delightful holiday cottage is conveniently situated on the border of Hampshire and Wiltshire along the main Ringwood to Salisbury road, it enjoys rear countryside views and overlooks school playing fields to the ...
Having been refurbished to a very good standard throughout, this comfortable and tastefully styled, semi-detached bungalow is ideal for couples or families wishing to explore this popular part of Hampshire. The spacious ...
Jo's Cottage, Norley Wood near Lymington, Hampshire
Jo’s Cottage is set in a peaceful spot in the heart of the New Forest National Park, where you can often see the horses and donkeys at the gate and lanes nearby. This pretty thatch cob holiday cottage with original ...
Jo's Cottage, Norley Wood near Lymington, Hampshire
Jo’s Cottage is set in a peaceful spot in the heart of the New Forest National Park, where you can often see the horses and donkeys at the gate and lanes nearby. This pretty thatch cob holiday cottage with original ...
This lovely bright and airy home, one of a pair, is ideal for couples or families. It is conveniently located just round the corner from local shops and takeaway outlets, and only 5 minutes’ walk from the popular, ...
This single storey holiday lodge is situated in 3-acres of lavender fields which attracts buzzards, pheasants, deer and foxes. The setting offers beautiful scenery with breath taking lavender and attractive sunflowers. ...
Little Lansker, Kings Worthy, near Winchester, Hampshire
This “upside down” detached holiday property has the bedrooms on the ground floor and living areas on the first floor, with lovely views over the fields. Situated in the grounds of the owners’ home, it is located ...
Little Owls, Curlews Farm, Pains Hill, Lockerley,, Romsey, Southampton, Hampshire
Originally a 19th Century stable block, Little Owls Cottage sleeps 4 guests and is full of character and charm. The cottage has recently been re-built and beautifully furnished to very high standards.
It benefits from ...
Little Owls, Curlews Farm, Pains Hill, Lockerley,, Romsey, Southampton, Hampshire
Originally a 19th Century stable block, Little Owls Cottage sleeps 4 guests and is full of character and charm. The cottage has recently been re-built and beautifully furnished to very high standards.
It benefits from ...
Little Woodley, Boldre, near Lymington, Hampshire, Brockenhurst
This charming, New Forest, single-storey barn conversion enjoys a peaceful setting and superb views over the surrounding fields with horses grazing and frequent visiting deer. This is also a bird watchers’ paradise, with ...
United Kingdom cottages
