Hampshire is known as a diverse county of towns, coast and countryside. One of its defining features can be explored through its network of paths: the county has 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, extending across two national parks. Hampshire’s public rights of way include footpaths and bridleways, as well as restricted byways and byways open to all traffic that grant the public a right of passage. Restrictions may apply depending on the route.
Open landscapes and paths
The New Forest covers 566 square kilometres, with extensive woodland and heathland, as well as river valleys. Deer, ponies and cattle roam freely across its ancient heathland and woodlands. The national park has more than 140 miles of trails and footpaths. The landscape and its routes are attractions in their own right: open heath, woodland and valleys shape the character of the area, while the network of paths provides access to different sections.
The South Downs National Park stretches across around 1,600 square kilometres of England, from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. Its chalk hills and dry valleys cross Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex. The hilltops offer far-reaching panoramic views for walkers and cyclists. The park’s natural wealth includes rare species such as nightjars, silver-spotted skippers and adders. This also makes the park appealing to travellers who want to experience the landscape not only through its paths, but also through its habitats.
Literature, architectural history and museums
In Winchester, architectural history meets a familiar literary association. Winchester Cathedral has an Early Norman crypt; it also has the longest nave and the greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. The city’s Great Hall was built in the 13th century under King Henry III and is one of England’s most significant surviving medieval great halls. The legendary Round Table of King Arthur is displayed on one of its end walls. Free guided tours take place regularly throughout the day, subject to demand. Check the current visitor arrangements and tour information before your visit.
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton was the writer’s final home; she wrote and revised six of her novels there. Visitors can explore the house and cottage garden, and take part in hands-on activities. Visitor offerings may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your trip.
Another kind of living history awaits you in Whitchurch: Whitchurch Silk Mill is both a museum and a silk mill built in 1815, still weaving in its original building. It is considered the oldest silk mill of its kind in England. Visitors can watch the looms and waterwheel in operation and see changing exhibitions. As exhibitions and visitor offerings may change, check in advance what is currently on display.
The Milestones Museum in Basingstoke brings everyday history to life through more than 40,000 objects relating to how people lived, worked, shopped and travelled in Basingstoke and the surrounding area. Costumed interpreters and demonstrations add to the experience. The collection also includes more than 40 carefully restored historic vehicles, including the only surviving Portsmouth tram. At the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, by contrast, the focus is on automotive history and its vehicles: among its more than 300 vehicles and objects are Formula 1 cars and vehicles driven by land-speed record holders. Individual exhibits may change.
The SeaCity Museum in the centre of Southampton also focuses on a clearly defined subject: it presents the city’s maritime history and its historic connections to the Titanic and the sea in an interactive experience for all ages. Those interested in railway history can visit the historic Watercress Line in Alresford, where train journeys bring the golden age of steam railways to life. Check the operating days and timetables in advance.
Water sports and local wines
For water sports, Calshot has an RYA training centre offering windsurfing courses and experiences for all ability levels. Courses and availability may change; check the current offering before making plans. Beachlands on Hayling Island is suitable for paddling and sea swimming. Check current conditions before visiting.
Hampshire’s vineyards use the traditional method of winemaking and the classic Champagne grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Vineyard tours and tastings are available only by booking in advance directly with the vineyard. This is important to bear in mind when planning a visit: book directly with the vineyard rather than assuming you can turn up without a reservation.
This lets you shape your search around your own interests, without having to turn the county’s many attractions into a fixed touring itinerary.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Winchester, Swanmore, Sutton Scotney, Stockbridge, South Hayling, Shedfield, Rotherwick, Romsey, Ringwood, Plaitford, New Milton, Milford On Sea, Lyndhurst, Liphook, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Horndean, Hook, Heckfield, Havant, Hartley Wintney, Froxfield, Fleet, Farnborough, Fareham, Emsworth, Eastleigh, Clanfield, Cadnam, Burley, Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Basingstoke, Andover, Aldershot, Yateley, Eversley, Hound, Totton, Stroud, Lower Froyle, Alton, Tadley, Botley, Hythe, St Mary Bourne, Kingsclere, Thruxton, Petersfield, Netley Marsh, Nursling, Bransgore, Oakley, Exton, Waterlooville, North Waltham, Littleton, Rowlands Castle, Gosport, Lee-On-The-Solent, Fordingbridge, Bartley, Bordon, Martin, Boldre, Bishop's Waltham, Liss, Crondall, Whitehill, Twyford, Sherfield On Loddon, Overton, West Wellow, Wickham, Fair Oak, Alresford, Wolverton, Hayling Island, Monk Sherborne, Titchfield, Hambledon, Buriton, Ellingham, Hamble-Le-Rice, Sandleheath, Hordle, East Meon, Hedge End, Damerham, Steep, Micheldever Station, East Tisted, Houghton, Breamore, Kilmeston, Sherfield English, Herriard, Barton on Sea, Whitsbury, Micheldever, Litchfield, Cheriton, Abbotts Ann, Rockbourne, Penton Mewsey, Sarisbury Green.
For the broader travel overview: South East England.
