Hampshire is one of southern England‘s most varied counties, combining historic cities, beautiful countryside, picturesque market towns and an attractive coastline overlooking the Solent. Home to the ancient city of Winchester, the world-famous New Forest National Park and the great naval city of Portsmouth, Hampshire offers an impressive range of attractions within a relatively compact area.
The county has played an important role throughout English history. Winchester served as the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, Southampton developed into one of Britain’s most important ports, and Portsmouth became the historic home of the Royal Navy. Today, visitors can explore magnificent cathedrals, medieval castles, stately homes and fascinating museums that together tell the story of nearly 2,000 years of English history.
Hampshire is equally appealing for lovers of the outdoors. The New Forest National Park is famous for its ancient woodland, open heathland and free-roaming ponies, while the South Downs National Park extends into the east of the county with rolling chalk hills, scenic walking trails and peaceful villages. Along the coast, traditional seaside towns, nature reserves and beaches enjoy beautiful views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.
The county also offers excellent family attractions, including Beaulieu, Marwell Zoo and Paultons Park, home to the popular Peppa Pig World. Attractive towns such as Lymington, Alresford and Romsey provide independent shops, historic streets and welcoming cafés, making ideal destinations for relaxed day trips.
Whether you are interested in history, walking, wildlife, maritime heritage or simply exploring one of England’s most diverse counties, Hampshire offers rewarding experiences throughout the year.
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The Best Things to Do in Hampshire
New Forest National Park
The New Forest is one of England’s most beautiful national parks, where ancient woodland, open heathland and picturesque villages combine to create a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling through peaceful forests, spot the famous free-roaming ponies, cattle and deer, and explore charming villages such as Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Burley. The park is also home to attractions including Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens and miles of scenic coastline stretching from Calshot to Milford on Sea.
Winchester
Once the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, Winchester remains one of Britain’s finest historic cities. Its magnificent cathedral, medieval streets and attractive riverside setting make it a highlight of any visit to Hampshire. Visitors can admire Winchester Cathedral, explore the Great Hall with the legendary Round Table of King Arthur, stroll beside the River Itchen and browse independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs that give the city its welcoming atmosphere.
Beaulieu
Set in the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is one of Hampshire’s most popular visitor attractions and offers something for all ages. The estate combines the outstanding National Motor Museum with the elegant Palace House, the historic ruins of Beaulieu Abbey and beautiful riverside gardens. Together they provide a fascinating day out, combining motoring history, architecture and family-friendly attractions within one of the county’s most picturesque settings.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is Britain’s great naval city and one of the country’s most fascinating historic destinations. The city’s Historic Dockyard is home to some of the world’s most famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the remarkable Mary Rose Museum, where the Tudor warship raised from the seabed is displayed. Modern attractions such as the Spinnaker Tower and Gunwharf Quays complement Portsmouth’s rich maritime heritage, while Southsea offers a traditional seaside promenade and beach.
Isle of Wight
Although separated from the mainland by the Solent, the Isle of Wight forms part of the ceremonial county of Hampshire and is easily reached by regular ferry services. The island is renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery, sandy beaches, dramatic chalk cliffs and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Popular attractions include the iconic Needles, Osborne House, Shanklin Old Village and the beautiful beaches of Sandown, Compton Bay and Ventnor, making it one of southern England’s favourite holiday destinations.
Lymington
Lymington is one of Hampshire’s prettiest coastal towns, known for its colourful harbour, lively marinas and attractive Georgian High Street. Popular with sailors and walkers alike, the town offers excellent independent shops, cafés and one of the best traditional street markets in southern England. From the harbour, regular ferries cross the Solent to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, while nearby coastal paths and nature reserves offer beautiful views across the water.
Hayling Island
Hayling Island is one of Hampshire’s most popular seaside destinations, offering long sandy beaches, excellent watersports and a traditional holiday atmosphere. The island is particularly well known for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to the favourable conditions along its coastline. Families can enjoy amusement arcades, cafés and beach walks, while nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding saltmarshes and bird reserves that attract a wide variety of wildlife.
Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle is one of England’s most recognisable stately homes and is best known worldwide as the filming location for the television series Downton Abbey. Set within a magnificent estate of landscaped parkland, visitors can tour the elegant state rooms, explore exhibitions about the Carnarvon family and discover the fascinating Egyptian collection linked to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. (Although located in Berkshire, the castle sits just north of the Hampshire border and is easily visited from many parts of the county.)
Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is one of southern England’s leading wildlife attractions, home to hundreds of animals from around the world set within 140 acres of landscaped parkland. Visitors can see giraffes, tigers, snow leopards, rhinos, penguins and many endangered species while enjoying spacious walking trails, children’s play areas and educational exhibits. It’s one of Hampshire’s most popular family attractions.
Mid Hants Railway (Watercress Line)
The Mid Hants Railway, better known as the Watercress Line, is one of Britain’s finest preserved heritage railways. Beautifully restored steam and diesel trains travel through the Hampshire countryside between Alresford and Alton, passing traditional country stations and picturesque scenery. Special events, dining trains and seasonal experiences make it an enjoyable day out for railway enthusiasts and families alike.
Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World)
Paultons Park is one of the UK’s most popular family theme parks and is home to the award-winning Peppa Pig World. Alongside the themed rides and attractions inspired by the much-loved television series, the park also features roller coasters, family rides, splash parks, beautiful gardens and entertainment suitable for children of all ages.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Exbury Gardens is one of Britain’s finest woodland gardens, renowned for its spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias during spring. Created by the Rothschild family, the gardens cover more than 200 acres and include peaceful woodland walks, colourful borders and a charming narrow-gauge steam railway that winds through part of the estate, making it a favourite destination for families and garden lovers.
Buckler’s Hard
Buckler’s Hard is a beautifully preserved 18th-century shipbuilding village on the banks of the Beaulieu River. Once famous for constructing wooden warships for the Royal Navy, the village now offers a fascinating maritime museum, historic cottages, riverside walks and boat trips. Its peaceful setting and rich naval history make it one of the New Forest’s most interesting attractions.
Start the South Downs Way
The South Downs Way begins in the historic city of Winchester before stretching 160 kilometres (100 miles) across the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs National Park to Eastbourne. Even if you are not planning to complete the entire trail, the Hampshire section offers some of southern England’s finest walking, with sweeping countryside views, ancient woodlands and picturesque villages to explore.
Jane Austen’s House
Jane Austen’s House in the picturesque village of Chawton is one of England’s most important literary attractions. The celebrated novelist lived here during the final eight years of her life and wrote or revised many of her best-known novels, including Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility. Today, the beautifully preserved house displays original furniture, personal belongings and manuscripts, offering a fascinating insight into Austen’s life and work.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Covering more than 180 acres near Romsey, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is one of Britain’s finest botanical gardens. Home to an outstanding collection of trees, shrubs and seasonal flowers from around the world, the gardens offer beautiful walks throughout the year. Highlights include colourful spring displays, tranquil lakes, woodland trails, sculptures and one of the largest collections of hardy plants in Europe, making it a favourite destination for gardeners and nature lovers.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian paper mill at Laverstoke Mill, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery offers a fascinating insight into the art of gin-making. Guided tours explain the distillation process, the ten botanicals used to create Bombay Sapphire gin and the site’s industrial heritage. Visitors can also explore the striking glasshouses designed by Thomas Heatherwick and enjoy tastings or cocktails in the stylish Mill Bar.
Portchester Castle
Portchester Castle is one of the best-preserved Roman forts in northern Europe and later became a formidable medieval castle overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. Visitors can walk along the impressive Roman walls, climb the Norman keep for panoramic views across the Solent and explore the historic buildings within the castle grounds. Managed by English Heritage, it provides a fascinating journey through nearly 2,000 years of British history.
Mottisfont
Managed by the National Trust, Mottisfont is a beautiful country estate combining a historic former Augustinian priory with magnificent gardens and peaceful riverside walks. The house contains an impressive collection of 20th-century art, while the gardens are internationally renowned for their spectacular walled rose garden, woodland walks and colourful seasonal displays. The estate is particularly popular during late spring and early summer when the roses are in full bloom.