Are you up for the coming holidays? Do you have many options?
Well, in this article, you will read about some of the best and most amazing places to visit in Hampshire, one of the most famous countries of Southeast England, with many popular attractions.
1. Discover The Beauty Of Hampshire’s Countryside
The country has extraordinary natural beauty, cultural heritage, and glorious history. It is also considered the birthplace of fly-fishing, wind-surfing, and bird-watching.
The country has a lot to offer its visitors, from relaxing accommodations to mouth-watering foods, from beautiful coastlines to national parks, historic market towns to cozy pubs, beautiful countryside, and vibrant cities with historic buildings.
The country is the perfect destination for you; it is full of events and occasions, vibes, and music. Enjoy some days out in Hampshire with your family and friends.
2. Best Places To Visit In Hampshire
Without further delay, let’s go through the list of the most amazing and interesting places to visit.
2.1. New Forest National Park
The New Forest National Park is an ancient woodland spread over a wide area and a must-visit place in Hampshire for all nature lovers. It is located at Lyndhurst SO43 7NY.
2.1.1. What’s Special
It is one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK, also known as the Royal Hunting Ground. It is home to the new forest ponies, cattle, donkeys, and deer.
You will love the ancient woodlands, heathland, open moors, idyllic meadows, and clifftop walks.
Experience biking, horse-riding, or simply walking along its extensive trails, passing through several landscapes and coasts.
And yes, don’t miss the New Forest Museum, New Forest Cider, and the working Tide Mill nearby. You can also join any guided tour.
The park also provides space to organize any wedding or other private functions.
Some of its most famous nearby attractions are Beaulieu Abbey, the National Motor Museum, and Beaulieu Palace.
2.2. National Motor Museum
The world-class famous National Motor Museum is located at Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZN.
2.2.1. What’s Special
It is a well-known museum and one of the finest places, with a huge collection of over 280 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia.
Become a part of the various exhibitions displayed there that will help you to explore about the
- Evolution of cars
- Early days of motorsport and urban culture.
- Entire vehicle collection
- The Golden age of luxury motoring
- Iconic cars and brand-new gadgets.
You are advised to pre-book your tickets online. Getting one inclusive ticket will give you access to the National Motor Museum, Place House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey, and other nearby attractions.
2.3. South Downs National Park
South Downs National Park is England’s newest park and one of Hampshire’s best places to visit. It is located at North Street, Midhurst GU29 9DH.
2.3.1. What’s Special
The South Downs National Park stretches from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. Its fascinating views of the sea, ancient woodlands, river valleys, and rolling green pastures are enough to mesmerize the tourists.
The national park in East Hampshire recalls the memories of famous author Jane Austen, who used to live nearby.
Explore the wildlife and fauna at the park, enjoy a beautiful drive or walk on day trips through the hills and trails, and exercise in the open landscapes. Overall, this park is a good treat for nature lovers.
2.4. West Quay Shopping Centre
The West Quay Shopping Centre is a perfect place to visit in Hampshire for all shopaholics. It is located at Southampton SO 15 1QF.
2.4.1. What’s Special
An exquisite shopping centre with most brands available in more than 90 stores.
Be it the Apple store, designer outfits of Tom Hilfiger, Levi’s, Zara, H&M, and many more, the latest make-up and beauty treats at Lush, home stores, electronics, and fashion brands are all available.
You can also have a mid-shopping break to have lunch with your friends or family. There are numerous restaurants and cafes, namely.
The mall not only provides you with shopping and food but is also a perfect leisure centre and offers a lot of other things. You can enjoy the Hollywood Bowl’s bowling lane or watch the latest movies at Showcase Cinemas De Lux.
2.5. Queen Elizabeth Country Park
It is a large country park in south England located at Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE.
2.5.1. What’s Special
Three walking and two biking or cycling trails are marked on the ground.
You will experience the real South Downs at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, with lots of things to do there.
Enjoy the pizza-oven parties or hawk walks, do some yoga in the forest, or relax in the calm and beautiful surroundings of the park.
Have some adventure on the grounds with adventurous sports and outdoor activities, including paragliding, wayfaring, off-road driver training, and orienteering.
Children can have fun in the play areas with equipment at the Adventure play trail. There is also a Tots play area for small kids.
2.6. Winchester Castle
One of the most famous and attractive places in Hampshire is Winchester Castle, located at Castle Avenue, Winchester SO23 8UJ.
2.6.1. What’s Special
It is a famous building from the medieval period of England, now a history museum in Winchester.
The museum showcases the history and evolution of Winchester. You will spot its structure, which is made up of flint with stone dressings, a roof with dormer windows, an imitation of the Arthurian round table, pictorial epigrams, and many other exciting things from medieval times.
One of the castle’s main attractions is the Great Hall, owned by the Hampshire County Council. It has stained glass windows, a judge’s gallery, and wrought steel gates.
The beautiful Queen Eleanor’s garden is a recreation of a medieval garden that attracts many visitors. Entry to the castle is free, but you can donate there for its maintenance and development.
The facility of guided tours is also available but only on request, and most group tours are preferred.
2.7. Staunton Country Park
Next on the list is the Staunton Country Park or The Staunton Farm located at Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB.
2.7.1. What’s Special
It is a beautiful and well-maintained park that brings you closer to nature.
The park is a perfect place for families with children to have a fun day as it offers a lot of play for children.
There is George’s play barn and a soft play area for children with slides, ropes, cargo, and bridges.
It also offers walking, cycling, and orienteering trails. You can also join their crash courses for the same.
Various friendly farm animals are in the park, like pigs, chickens, and horses. In addition, you will also find ponies and cattle.
One of the main attractions is the Victorian glass house, where you can see a variety of typical and exotic species of plants and tropical flowers from around the world.
Make your day fun and pleasure with the natural beauty and pleasant surroundings of Staunton Country Park. Have cakes, sandwiches, coffee, drinks, and other meals inside the cafe.
2.8. Sea City Museum
Check out the Sea City Museum, another gem among the places, located at Havelock Road, Southampton, SO14 7FY.
2.8.1. What’s special
The biggest attraction at Sea City Museum is the “Titanic Trail.” It portrays the history of Titanic and the real stories of the passengers on the journey during the tragic incident.
There is also a Titanic court with a courtroom having docks, a jury area, and the judges’ chair.
Apart from the Titanic story, the museum displays many artefacts from maritime archives, archaeology, and other local collections.
Several events and temporary exhibitions are held there from time to time.
Facilities for food and drinks or other refreshments are available there.
2.9. Test Valley
Test Valley is a borough in Hampshire that got its name after the River Test.
2.9.1. What’s Special
The Valley is known for its several towns and villages. One of the famous attractions is the market town of Romsey, which is very pretty.
Some other attractions in the Test Valley are listed here.
The test valley also boasts clear chalk streams and chocolate-box thatched cottages. There are also some fishing areas, as the Valley is historically associated with dry fly fishing.
The picturesque view of the Valley and its peaceful surroundings add to the list of perfect places to visit.
2.10. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
It is an HM Naval Base Portsmouth area, open to the public at the Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ.
2.10.1. What’s Special
Portsmouth is the only island city in England, and the dockyard is one of the ultimate places to visit and a highly voted place by visitors.
The port has many amazing things to offer; get their Ultimate Explorer Ticket and enjoy your Hampshire day by visiting the following.
- HMS Victory– the most famous warship of the Royal Navy
- HMS Warrior– the largest and fastest of all Royal Navy ships
- Mary Rose Museum– displays the remains of the Mary Rose ship and other unique objects.
- Victory Gallery
- National Museum of Royal Navy– explore the Navy’s amazing history.
- Action stations and Harbour tours
2.11. Portchester Castle
The Portchester Castle, located at Church Road, Portchester PO16 9QW, gives you an insight into Britain’s past.
2.11.1. What’s Special
It is a castle from medieval times and is considered to be surrounded by the Roman walls in Northern Europe.
Now, it is a Norman church inside a Roman fort with a spectacular view from the rooftop.
The exhibitions are held there to display the history of the castle and Portchester village, along with several objects found in the excavations. Quality works from notable artists are also featured there.
You can also take the help of audio tours while visiting the castle and explore every aspect.
Several family-friendly events are also organized there throughout the year.
2.12. Winchester Cathedral
One of the most attractive places in Hampshire is the Winchester Cathedral at 9 The Close, WinchesterSO23 9LS.
2.12.1. What’s Special
The Cathedral is known as the seat of the Bishop of this historic city. The place of worship and peace attracts tourists with its magnificent architecture.
Many historical items are displayed there, including manuscripts, stone sculptures, books, woodwork, metalwork, and fine arts.
Regular prayers are held there with glorious choral music. Many musical events are organized by local feature artists, choir groups, national artists, and orchestras.
Photography is allowed only for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
Don’t miss eating the home-cooked food in the Cathedral refectory. You can also have some gifts for the special ones available at the shop there.
2.13. Highclere Castle
The beautiful Highclere castle, spread in a vast area of heavenly gardens, is located at Highclere Park, Newbury RG20 9RN.
2.13.1. What’s Special
Highclere Castle is considered one of the best places in England, built on a 5,000-acre estate. Large grounds and beautiful gardens surround it.
The wonderful location of this castle has been used in the award-winning movie “Downtown Abbey.”
Many seasonal events and exhibitions are organized there. One of the most interesting ones is the Egyptian exhibitions. It is mostly open during the summer season.
Dogs and picnics are not allowed there right now. Facilities for wheelchairs and toddler’s chairs are available.
The castle is amongst the most interesting places to visit, so booking in advance would be better. You can book your tickets from this link.
You can also purchase some unique items from the castle’s shop.
2.14. Spinnaker Tower
The Spinnaker Tower, in dazzling rainbow colours, is one of the top attractions of Southern England. It is located at Gunwharf Quays, Shopping Centre, Portsmouth PO1 3TT.
2.14.1. What’s Special
The tower is beautifully designed like a spinnaker sail, reflecting the city’s maritime history.
It is one of the UK’s tallest structures and assures the city’s most spectacular view.
Book your tickets for a memorable experience of walking on the glass floor and catching up with fantastic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth.
Enjoy the coffee, high-tea, cakes, and sandwiches at the Tower cafe and bar.
2.15. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire located at Heel Stone, Amesbury, SP4 7DE.
2.15.1 What’s Special
Though Stonehenge seems to be just a concentric circle of stones, it represents an amazing engineering feat.
Visitors come here to catch a glimpse of the divine beauty of the glow of early sunrise and beautiful sunset.
You can go for the self-guided tour or audio tour.
Clicking pictures at this mesmerizing spot makes anyone’s day memorable.
3. To Wrap Up
Mentioned above is a detailed list of the places to visit in Hampshire. Enjoy the beauty of Hayling Island, and visit the military museums and other gardens if you wish to extend your holidays.
Besides this, you can also go to Petersfield, an ancient market town with traditional pubs, theme parks or safari parks. These are the gems that you can’t miss on your Hampshire trip.
Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Arnab Nandi
Hampshire has always been one of my dream destinations so I am glad I came across this article. The list was well curated and thus easy to read and understand. Reading this article, I am curious to learn more about the cathedrals and museums as they must be very beautiful to look at.