Whilst being the largest county in the South East of England, Hampshire has an eclectic mix of landscapes from the bustling port cities of Portsmouth and Southampton to the sprawling New Forest National Park. The birthplace of famous figures such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, Hampshire provides a wealth of diverse sights, activities and environments from rolling rural areas to lively cities within its county limits. Read more
A modern stylish Four Star Gold self-contained annex in the Hampshire village of Godshill within the New Forest National Park. Close to Fordingbridge, Wayside is an ideal place for enjoying all the forest has to offer including fabulous walking, cycling and horse riding. Family swimming passes for the pools at the nearby Sandy Balls leisure centre are provided. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A picturesque thatched holiday retreat on the edge of the New Forest National Park providing a superb self-catering base for exploring the forest, and also the many attractions of the area including Winchester, the South Coast and Stonehenge. The county town of Fordingbridge with a good choice of shops and eateries is just half a mile away. It is just 25 mins from Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs are welcome (up to 2 in Wishing Well). Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details - www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk .....
A pretty thatched self catering holiday cottage on the edge of the New Forest, providing very comfortable holiday accommodation and an ideal base for touring the area being just a few miles from world famous Stonehenge, Bournemouth and beaches. Just half a mile from Fordingbridge with a good choice of amenities close by. Just 25 mins to Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs welcome (up to 3 in Little Thatch) - secure back garden/yard area leading off from the kitchen door. Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details. www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk ....
Sitting in an acre of grounds, this well presented holiday home is perfect for families, friends and pet owners. Located on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border in the village of West Tytherley with good pub within walking distance, there are a multitude of attractions within easy reach including Salisbury, The New Forest, Winchester and Stonehenge. Whether you want to simply relax or explore, this welcoming cottage is an excellent choice.
This detached Victorian house is brilliant for extended families and groups of friends, as it can comfortably sleep up to 20 (16+4) people in seven spacious bedrooms. It has four reception areas including a dining room and a separate conservatory, and a lovely spacious garden. The Dairy House overlooks Portsmouth Harbour and is a short walk from shops, pubs and a short drive from the Gosport Ferry terminal. There are beaches, museums, footpaths and other attractions all within easy reach to make this a perfect holiday destination at any time of the year.
Gosport has everything you could want in a holiday destination, including fantastic amenities, beautiful views, historical sights and attractions, and countless ways to have fun. The seaside town is just across the water from Portsmouth and a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys sailing, walking or cycling. The Coach House is a contemporary property with a timeless style built in the grounds of a Grade II listed Georgian villa, a short walk from the centre of town and within easy reach of shops, cafes, pubs and the Gosport Ferry terminal. It sleeps up to ten people in four ensuite bedrooms and is ideal for families or friends. The owner can arrange hot tub hire if required - please contact the owner for details and prices.
Stay in this pretty redbrick Victorian terraced holiday cottage that is a mere five-minute stroll from Stokes Bay and close to Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent. Little Lane sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms, with a snug that can be converted into a third bedroom to sleep two more people if required. It has everything you need for a relaxing holiday by the coast, including a sunny private garden and excellent amenities within easy reach. In addition to lovely walks, cycling paths and Gosport's attractions, Portsmouth is only a short ferry trip away with even more treats for couples, families or friends who choose to stay in this charming cottage. Hot tub hire is possible - please speak to the owner.
An elegant, spacious apartment spread over two floors of a Georgian townhouse in the pedestrianised area of Gosport. South-facing windows overlook a quiet courtyard, and it is just moments away from a park, shops, cafes and pubs, as well as the Gosport Ferry terminal. The Georgian Apartment is family and pet friendly, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and lots of original features like sash windows and decorative fireplaces. You're within easy reach of museums, coastal walks and beaches. Portsmouth Historic Harbour and Gunwharf Quays development are only four-minute ferry crossing, while the Isle of Wight and New Forest National Park are under an hour away. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Enjoy a holiday by the coast with your family and friends in this spacious home with all mod-cons. Century House is a modern detached property just outside the centre of Gosport, within a short drive or an easy walk of beaches, shops, cafes, pubs and attractions. It sleeps up to eight people in four bedrooms with the potential to accommodate two more on sofa beds. Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the New Forest National Park are all within easy reach for a full-day of fun. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
There is plenty of space for everyone at Bury Villa. The spacious Grade-II listed Georgian holiday home sleeps up to 20 (18+2) people in seven bedrooms, with two reception rooms, a breakfast room and a fun games room as well as a private garden and barbecue area. It's in the seaside town of Gosport in Hampshire, a short walk from shops, cafes, pubs and the passenger ferry to Portsmouth. The house is perfect for a large group self-catering holiday with your extended family and friends as it is available all year round. Hot tub hire can be arranged.
*** Special offer for bookings from October through to mid May a tub tub will be provided at no extra charge(excluding Christmas and New Year) *** ***2 night weekend stays offered during off peak times*** *** Lower occupancy of 6 or less during off peak time get a 30% discount*** Eastwoods is a New Forest holiday home where you can re-connect and celebrate spending time with family and friends. It's incredibly spacious yet wonderfully welcoming and homely, with space for 14 people to sleep in six bedrooms and expansive grounds that include an outdoor pool. Eastwoods is a mile from Sway, where there is a good choice of shops, a mainline train station, and four friendly pubs. Lymington, Brockenhurst and the Hampshire coastline are all within a few miles. Short breaks and more extended stays are available all year round.
You and your family will have all the space you need at Lions Lodge. The three-bedroom holiday home sleeps seven people, but the vast backyard makes this place stand out. There is a large lawn, seating and a patio with a hot tub so you can soak your tired legs and sunburned shoulders after a day cycling through the New Forest, climbing at Go Ape, or swimming and surfing at Bournemouth. There are two pubs within walking distance of this welcoming self-catering rental in this quiet village near Ringwood and Poole.
Offering single level self-catering, Teal Cottage at Burgate Manor Farm is perfect for families and friends and offers an ideal base for exploring the New Forest and enjoying all it has to offer. Spend your days visiting the many attractions and cycling, walking or pony trekking the miles of forest tracks and trails before you retire back to relax in this comfy welcoming holiday cottage. Just a mile from Fordingbridge on the edge of the forest, Paultons Park, the Moors Valley Country Park, Lymington, Salisbury and Portsmouth are all within easy reach.
Burgate Manor Farm is 230-acres of rural bliss in the New Forest National Park. The estate has seven fantastic self-catering properties including Swan Cottage, which sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms, and the holiday cottages can be hired together to accommodate groups of up to 54. Whether you are a couple escaping for a romantic weekend in the New Forest, or a party of extended family and friends celebrating a milestone occasion, you will love the comfortable accommodation and location just a mile from the picturesque town of Fordingbridge, and close to favourite New Forest attractions like Paulton Park and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
The New Forest National Park is such a popular holiday destination because it offers something for everyone. Mallard Cottage is one of seven excellent holiday homes to rent on Burgate Manor Farm, a mile from Fordingbridge and close to fantastic attractions including the New Forest Waterpark, Paultons Park, and the Moors Valley Country Park. It is also an easy drive from places like Lymington, Salisbury and Portsmouth, and footpaths, bridleways and cycling trails are abundant nearby. Whether you are getting the kids out into the fresh air for a family holiday or arranging a special celebration with your friends, the amenities and welcome at Burgate Manor Farm are perfect.
Kingfisher Cottage is ideal for couples and families visiting the New Forest National Park. Only a mile from Fordingbridge and within walking distance of The George pub, the holiday cottage is on a private 230-acre farm beside the banks of the Avon River, surrounded by meadows and fields. There is space for four people in two bedrooms, with a double sofa-bed that opens out to sleep up to two more adults. Paulton's Park, the National Motor Museum and Moors Valley Country Park are all within easy reach, as are miles of footpaths, traffic free cycling routes and bridleways. With its pretty thatched cottages, free-roaming ponies and ancient forests and woodland, the New Forest is a beautiful holiday destination at any time of the year.
Sleeping up to six guests in two bedrooms (plus a sofa bed), Heron Cottage at Burgate Manor Farm is an excellent choice for families, friends and also couples who like a little extra space around them. Sitting on the edge of the New Forest just a mile from Fordingbridge, this welcoming holiday cottage offers lovely walks straight from the front door, river access for fishing and a great base for visiting the multitude of attractions in the area. Whether you want to explore the forest by bike, car or horseback; or get out and about exploring, you are assured a warm welcome at Burgate Manor Farm.
Couples and families love Grebe Cottage, which offers 4-star accommodation in 230 acres of private farmland in the north of the New Forest National Park. There is space for four people to sleep in two bedrooms, and the holiday cottage can be booked on its own or reserved with one of several other lovely cottages on Burgate Manor Farm to accommodate larger groups of family and friends. Fordingbridge's medieval arched bridge and The George pub are only a mile away, while popular New Forest attractions like Beaulieu and Moors Valley Country Park are nearby. There are miles of beautiful footpaths, cycling trails and bridleways to help you explore the New Forest and enjoy being close to nature in this incredible ancient landscape. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Beautifully presented throughout, Park Farm Cottages offers 5 Star luxury self-catering amongst the scenic beauty of the Hampshire countryside. Sitting on the edge of the South Downs National Park, guests can enjoy peace and tranquility with the River Itchen opposite adding to the charm. Park Farm Cottages is close to the city of Winchester and a popular choice with large groups sleeping up to ten guests who want to holiday or celebrate together. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Perfect for couples and small families, West Cottage sleeps three guests and offers 5 Star self-catering in a beautifully peaceful part of Hampshire on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park. Close to Winchester, this fabulous architect-designed eco-build holiday home sits opposite the River Itchen and offers all the right ingredients for a relaxing break. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
AlresfordAltonBeaulieuBoldreBrockenhurstBurleyCatheringtonChichesterEast BoldreExburyFarehamFordingbridgeFordinghamGosportHampshireHayling IslandHighcliffeHydeHytheLockerleyLymingtonLyndhurstMeon ValleyMilford on SeaMilford-on-seaMinsteadNew MiltonNomanslandNr LymingtonPetersfieldPoolePortsmouthRingwoodRomseyRydeSouthamptonWinchesterWinsorSearch within South and South East England
The county has played an important role throughout England's history. The city of Winchester was once the capital of the country and the two maritime ports of Portsmouth and Southampton (which are also the major cities in the area) acted as a departure point for settlers seeking a new life to America and during the Second World War as a Royal Navy harbour. Furthermore, Hampshire has a strong literary significance and both Charles Dickens and Jane Austen were born in the county. You can visit the birthplace of Dickens in Portsmouth which features a museum dedicated to the author, as well as the house where Jane Austen penned her most important novels in the village of Chawton.
Hampshire's diversity is evident with its untouched countryside and rural nature combined with the industrial modernity of its cities. The county provides over 750 miles of cycling paths both rural and urban, in addition to outdoor activity centres particularly at Calshot along the Hampshire coastline. There are also no less than 8 country parks and nature reserves sprawled across its area including the Queen Elizabeth Country Park with over 20 miles of endearing and beautiful trails for walkers and cyclists, as well as the acclaimed Farley Mount which sits in central Hampshire and offers stunning views across the county with both downland and woodland.
The county is not just a rural retreat and it also benefits from an enthralling coastline, with the chalky cliffs of the South Downs which pass through Hampshire being a particular highlight. Lepe Country Park features miles of sandy beaches, great views to the Isle of Wright and several D-Day memorials and remains. This impressive coastline allows for water based activities such as sailing, waterboarding and kayaking. These can also be undertaken at the New Forest National Park (which the county shares with Wiltshire and Dorset) that boasts 2 lakes, over 220 square miles of natural beauty and diverse wildlife in addition to campsites, fishing on a private island and plenty of pretty thatched cottages providing self-catering accommodation.
There is a strong military heritage in these parts as well. The countryside offers numerous castles and forts from the Middle Ages including the renowned Portchester Castle which stands as one of the best examples in the whole of Northern Europe of medieval architecture with Roman influences. The historic dockyard in Portsmouth is listed as a Top 10 Heritage Attraction in England while it also hosts the Mary Rose Museum.
Hampshire offers activities and events for all the family and is an incredibly diverse and welcoming county in England. Its cities are vibrant with shopping, nightlife and entertainment, whilst its countryside is peaceful, beautiful and enchanting for those who visit. A truly varied county with a solid historical significance intertwined with a modern appeal.
