Hampshire Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Hampshire, England with this comprehensive tour guide featuring top attractions, hiking and biking trails, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and more.


Introduction to Hampshire

Hampshire, located on the southern coast of England, is a county filled with stunning natural landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cities. It is known for its rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and quaint villages. Hampshire is also home to some of the most iconic attractions in England such as Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, and the New Forest National Park.

List of Places to Visit in Hampshire

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Hampshire, from cultural landmarks and historical sites to natural wonders and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the must-visit places in Hampshire:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Winchester Cathedral
  • Jane Austen’s House Museum
  • The Mary Rose Museum
  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
  • Highclere Castle
  • Beaulieu National Motor Museum
  • Mottisfont Abbey
  • Palace House and Gardens
  • Basing House

Natural Attractions of Hampshire: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • New Forest National Park
  • South Downs National Park
  • Staunton Country Park
  • Hampshire Hills
  • Southsea Beach
  • Hayling Island Beach
  • The Watercress Line

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hampshire

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Hampshire’s natural beauty has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to explore:

  • South Downs Way
  • The Solent Way
  • Meon Valley Trail
  • Lymington Sea Wall
  • Hinton Ampner Trail

Best Things to Do in Hampshire: Activities and Tours

Aside from its natural beauty, Hampshire offers a range of activities and tours to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Hampshire:

  • Go on a hot air balloon ride over the countryside
  • Explore the vineyards and wineries of the region
  • Take a tour of the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery
  • Attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed
  • Enjoy a day at Paultons Park or Marwell Zoo

Week-Long Itinerary for Hampshire

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Hampshire, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day Activity
1 Visit Winchester Cathedral and walk the city walls
2 Explore the New Forest National Park
3 Take a trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury
4 Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Mary Rose
5 Spend the day at Southsea Beach and Portsmouth
6 Go on a hot air balloon ride or visit a vineyard
7 Enjoy a leisurely day in the countryside

Food and Drink Scene of Hampshire

Hampshire’s food and drink scene is a true reflection of its rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages to sample:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hampshire cream teas
  • New Forest venison pie
  • Isle of Wight blue cheese
  • Hampshire watercress soup
  • Winchester potted shrimps

Local Beverages

  • Meon Valley cider
  • Ringwood Brewery beers
  • Forty Hall Vineyard wines
  • Albourne Estate sparkling wine
  • Hambledon Vineyard English sparkling wine

Where to Stay in Hampshire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hampshire offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hampshire:

  • The Pig
  • The Montagu Arms Hotel
  • Hotel Du Vin
  • The Crown Inn
  • Lainston House Hotel

What to Buy in Hampshire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the top souvenirs and local products to bring home from your visit to Hampshire:

  • Isle of Wight garlic
  • The Isle of Wight glassware
  • New Forest fudge
  • Hampshire Lavender products
  • Beaulieu Chocolate Studio

Local Culture and Customs of Hampshire

Hampshire has a rich heritage and unique local culture that visitors should experience. Some cultural traditions include:

  • Morris Dancing
  • Punting in Winchester
  • The Romsey and Mayoralty Show
  • Knighthood ceremonies in Winchester

Best Time to Visit Hampshire

The best time to visit Hampshire is during the summer months from June through August when the weather is warm and pleasant. If you want to avoid the crowds, visiting in the shoulder seasons of May and September can also offer a great experience.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hampshire

Do:

  • Try local foods and cider
  • Visit the historic towns and cities
  • Explore the natural beauty of the New Forest and South Downs
  • Attend local events and festivals
  • Follow the countryside code when hiking or biking

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local customs and traditions
  • Litter in the countryside
  • Park illegally
  • Overfeed the New Forest ponies

Safety and Health

Safety in Hampshire

Hampshire is a relatively safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should be cautious when traveling alone at night or in secluded areas, especially in the city centers.

Health in Hampshire

Medical facilities are easily accessible throughout Hampshire, and visitors should have no problem finding care if needed. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as comfortable walking shoes for exploring the region.

Getting to Hampshire: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hampshire is easily accessible from London through a range of transportation options. Here’s how to get to Hampshire:

Airports Near Hampshire

  • Southampton Airport
  • London Heathrow Airport
  • London Gatwick Airport

Bus Stations Near Hampshire

  • Winchester Bus Station
  • Portsmouth Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train from London
  • Hire a car

How to Get Around in Hampshire

Getting around in Hampshire is relatively easy with a car, but visitors can also use public transportation or hire a bike. Buses and trains are widely available, and taxis and car rental companies can be found in most towns.

Where to Go Next from Hampshire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’ve explored everything that Hampshire has to offer, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Surrey Hills
  • Brighton
  • Isle of Wight
  • Dorset
  • Bath

Conclusion

Hampshire has something to offer for every kind of traveler, from outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs to foodies and culture seekers. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’re sure to make the most of your time in Hampshire and experience all the region has to offer.

"Downton Abbey" is in Hampshire; well, Highclere Castle is anyway All Saints, Odiham: a typical parish church in Hampshire All Saints, Odiham: a typical parish church in Hampshire The flag of Hampshire The flag of Hampshire King Arthur's Round Table in Winchester Great Hall King Arthur's Round Table in Winchester Great Hall Vintage signposts are a common sight on Hampshire's country lanes Vintage signposts are a common sight on Hampshire's country lanes Hampshire is prime fly-fishing country and its cuisine is heavily influenced by freshwater fish. Hampshire is prime fly-fishing country and its cuisine is heavily influenced by freshwater fish.


    Aldershot
    Alresford
    Basingstoke
    Beaulieu
    Brockenhurst
    Burley
    Eastleigh
    Emsworth
    Fareham
    Gosport
    Havant
    Hythe
    Lymington
    Lyndhurst
    New Forest
    Ringwood
    Romsey
    Tadley
    Winchester