Best places to visit in Hampshire
Penned on the 12th January 2023
If you’re seeking a destination with a blend of vibrant cities, beautiful coastlines and dramatic countryside (including two National Parks!) Hampshire should be on your list. There’s plenty to do for all ages and interests in this diverse south-east county. Nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers will love The New Forest National Park and South Downs National Park; history buffs shouldn’t miss the Portsmouth Docks and the cathedral city of Winchester; and foodies will be spoilt for choice too - Hampshire is home to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery as well as lots of wonderful eateries. In fact, there’s so much to do here, the only question is…what first?
The New Forest National Park
The New Forest trails and adventure centres
The New Forest is one of the UK’s most stunning national parks, stretching across 140,000 acres of ancient woodland and grassland. It’s home to the famous New Forest ponies as well as a huge array of wildlife, including deer, reptiles and birds. And, as you might expect, it’s a haven for adventurous souls. There are dozens of walking and cycling trails of varying lengths and difficulties, from pub walks to family cycle routes, and you can either go it alone or join a guided tour if you fancy being led by an expert. The New Forest’s outdoors activities are not limited to two feet or two wheels either! You can also try horse riding, canoeing and kayaking, yachting and more. Take a look at the full list of adventure activity centres here.
Brockenhurst was recently named ‘the most beautiful place to live in the UK’ - and it’s easy to see why. The bustling village is in the heart of the New Forest nestled amongst enchanting countryside, with wild ponies, deer, donkeys and cattle roaming the streets at will. There are charming houses, boutique shops and quaint tea rooms aplenty, as well as lots of inviting pubs to stop for a hearty meal and a pint of local ale. Once you’ve explored the village itself, the surrounding forest and heathland extends in every direction and is perfect for walking or cycling. ‘The Brockenhurst River Beach’ is a wonderful spot for a wild dip in the stream on a warm day too.
For a special dinner be sure to visit The Pig, a well-loved nearby restaurant serving exceptional dishes with locally sourced ingredients on their ‘25 mile’ menu.
New Forest Lavender Farm, Lyndhurst
A lesser-known gem in the New Forest, this gorgeous family-run Lavender Farm brings a touch of rural France to Hampshire. The idyllic setting makes for a wonderful, calming couple of hours - and a great place to practice your photography skills! Wander the gardens and breathe in the calming scent of fresh lavender as well as herbs, perennials and roses, before visiting The Tearoom for a light homemade lunch or coffee and cake. If the weather’s playing ball you can sit out on the deck overlooking the gardens and fields too. And don’t forget to call into The Nursery before you leave and perhaps purchase a plant souvenir to add some glorious purple to your garden at home.
The Georgian market town of Lymington is a beautiful place to spend the day, dipping in and out of independent shops and cafés and following the twisting cobbled lanes down to its picturesque harbour, packed with bobbing yachts. There are all kinds of other things to enjoy here too, including picnicking in the pretty Woodside Park and swimming in the Lymington Sea Water Baths. Walkers will enjoy the 11 mile route to the aforementioned village of Brockenhurst, encountering parklands, open heaths, pasture and coastal marshes.
Foodie experiences
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Whitchurch
Gin fans rejoice - rural Hampshire is home to the beautiful Bombay Sapphire Distillery and there are all kinds of wonderful gin experiences to be had here. Take part in a Gin Cocktail Masterclass, an interactive session where you’ll learn the tricks of the trade and sample the fruits of your labour. Or join the ‘Discovery Experience’ where you’ll immerse yourself in all things Bombay Sapphire with a tour of the distillery, learning about botanicals and the distillation process before discovering your preferred flavour palate. And if you want to try the full range of gins book onto the Tasting Experience where you’ll be guided by a Gin Expert. But be aware, the distillery’s rural setting means you’ll need a designated driver or a taxi!
High tea at Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
For an afternoon tea with a twist, head to Portsmouth’s famous landmark Spinnaker Tower. The 170 metre icon is Britain’s best viewing tower with breathtaking views stretching up to 23 miles across land and sea on a clear day. And what better way to take it all in than with an indulgent lunch? The Sky Garden offers a ‘High tea in the clouds’ experience with an assortment of sandwiches, sweet treats, fruit scones and jam and cream - all served at 105 metres above the ground! And if you fancy a post-lunch adrenaline rush, you can venture out across the dizzyingly high glass Sky Walk or, if you’re feeling really brave, abseil down the side of the tower.
Dancing Man Brewery, Southampton
Set in a gorgeous historic building that was once Southampton’s Woolhouse, this independent brewpub and restaurant is renowned for both its food and beer. If you’re coming to eat, on the A La Carte menu you’ll find satisfying dishes like pies, burgers, grills and deli sandwiches, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Or if you’re just here for the beer, choose from the brewery’s own classic ales and stouts to the more experimental DIPAs and sours. And if you’re not sure which to go for, the passionate and expertly-trained bar staff will happily recommend something to suit your tastes.
Days Out
The Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover
Home to over 130 birds of prey, The Hawk Conservancy Trust in the Test Valley is a conservation charity and a fun and educational day out for families of all ages. On your visit you can see some of the UK’s most spectacular bird of prey flying displays, with up to 20 birds flying at once! You’ll get the chance to see owls, vultures, eagles and more up close in one of the many daily talks and demonstrations. Plus there’s a Top Trumps trail to keep children occupied as you stroll the grounds, as well as a bird themed playground where they can let off some steam.
The Watercress Line, New Alresford
This heritage steam railway makes for a magical family day out where you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the golden age of travel. Visitors of all ages will love getting up close to the grand locomotives on a 10 mile ride through the Hampshire countryside - or for a special treat take a look at the events throughout the year, including nostalgic Railway Children-style trips to Thomas the Tank Engine and the incredible Steam Illuminations. There’s also the Harry Potter bridge, where you can follow in his footsteps in the spot where he picked up his tickets for the Hogwarts Express, as well as a miniature railway, the Loco playground, the Young Engineers Activity Trail and more.
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Curious youngsters will love this huge action-packed attraction. Over two floors you’ll find playful hands-on interactives, spaces to explore nature, exciting live science demonstrations and more, taking you and your family on an exhilarating journey through the world of science, technology, engineering and maths. The fantastic Planetarium is the largest in the UK and puts on 360 degree cinema-quality shows, flying you through the solar system. There are lots of tasty treats available in the on-site café if you get hungry, and there’s a wonderful science shop to find books, toys and experiment-sets that’ll continue to boggle their brains at home.
Rolling green countryside, wide open spaces, ancient woodlands and dramatic river valleys make this National Park perfect for an active day out in nature. South Downs Way is a 100 mile route stretching from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east and it’s great for walking or cycling and soaking up the breathtaking landscape. You can customise your itinerary with your preferred section and distance, so whether you’re after a gentle after-lunch stroll or a more intensive full day’s cycle, there will be something to suit.
Interesting history
The ancient city of Winchester is steeped in history and, being one of the country’s smallest cities, it’s perfect for exploring by foot. You’ll easily fill a day visiting its many points of interest, but some of the must-sees include the majestic medieval Winchester Cathedral where you’ll discover stunning architecture and over 1,000 years of heritage; the Jane Austen Trail to learn more about the famed author’s life in the city; and The Great Hall, one the finest surviving medieval halls containing King Arthur’s Round Table. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of Winchester’s many historic pubs for a real ale and a warming meal. The Royal Oak is one of the oldest bars in Britain and with low ceilings, tiny doorways and cosy corners to settle into, it’s loaded with character.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a magical attraction for anyone interested in naval history. Here you’ll get the chance to admire, or even climb aboard, some of the navy’s most important historic ships including HMS Victory best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Warrior from the first world war, and relic of Tudor ship The Mary Rose. You can also discover naval life beneath the sea and take a peek through the working periscopes onboard HMS Alliance, the only remaining World War II submarine. The Ultimate Explorer ticket will give you access to all of this and more.
If you fancy tying in exploring Hampshire’s history with a day by the seaside, visit Southsea. This coastal resort on the southern side of Portsmouth became a popular tourist destination in the Victorian era and it still maintains much of its traditional British seaside charm. Aside from wandering the waterfront, sights of historical interest include Southsea Castle built by Henry VII and The D-Day Story, the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in June 1944. Also look out for the blue plaques on display throughout Southsea’s streets, showcasing some of the area’s well-known former residents including Rudyard Kipling and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The waterfront is lined with cool bars and shops too, so there’s plenty of choice for a spot of shopping and a cocktail when you’re done sightseeing.