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Hampshire Holiday Cottages
For a range of Hampshire cottage properties and self catering accommodation, see the rental companies featured below. Their selection includes barn conversions, modern holiday apartments and seafront cottags, which can be found throughout the county.
Cottages 4 You - More than
50 Hampshire holiday cottages and other types of self catering accommodation. Their selection includes the usual barn conversions and rural holiday properties although there are also modern apartments. Visit the sites for news of the latest discounts.
Holiday Rentals - Around
50 Hampshire cottages and holiday accommodation including luxury flats, seafront cottages and even heritage properties. Booking rates for 7 day breaks range between £180 and £1500 depending on season.
Independent Cottages - 30+ cottages in Hampshire from £250 (p/w). They're situated near locations such as the New Forest, Winkton and Fordingbridge. Some of their holiday cottages are graded for quality and pets are allowed for a wide selection.
Cottages Direct - 26 Hampshire self catering properties that are available for around £210 for low-season, seven day breaks. Their cottages, some of which are thatched, can accommodate up to 6 people. Pets are also allowed in certain cases.
Hampshire
Hampshire is the most diverse of the southern counties and lies on England's South Coast. Its landscape is made up of rolling hills, ancient woodlands and majestic, sweeping beaches. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region due to its location and collection of seaside resorts.
The New Forest is one of Hampshire's most unspoilt areas and dates back to William the Conqueror, who in 1079, established the region as a deer hunting reserve. It survives today as a unique example of a medieval landscape, consisting of dense forestry, heathland and unfenced pasture land. The South Downs, that runs from East Hampshire to form with the Sussex Downs, is another area of untouched beauty, featuring rolling chalk downs, deep valleys and panoramic views of the neighbouring Sussex Weald.
The waters around Hampshire known as
The Solent Approaches, have carved out some wonderful beaches around the coastline. These are located around Hayling Island, Calshot and Liepe and are blue flag award winners. They are popular for a range of watersports such as windsurfing and sailing.
Hampshire is also graced by famous towns like
Winchester with its majestic cathedral and the maritime city of Portsmouth, which is the historic home of the British Navy. See our guide below for further information regarding Hampshire's most popular visitor attractions and places of interest.
Hampshire visitor attractions
This section provides more details of the best visitor attractions in Hampshire, with additional information about popular restaurants and pubs in the county. Admission times and ticket prices have been included as well as a selection of links where possible.
Outdoor activities
The
South Downs Way is popular for horse-riding, cycling and walking, with its selection of bridleways and footpaths. It runs for almost 100 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne and takes in some of Hampshire's finest scenery. Water-sports enthusiasts should visit Hayling Island, which offers an array of activities such as windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing - there are a number of centres that hire out equipment such as
Shore Watersports and Zero Gravity. Manor Country Park in Southampton is also worth seeing and features a working farm which is home to a selection of animals. Various activities take place throughout the week such as milking and farmyard walks. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm.
Food and drink
The 18th century
Plough Inn, situated in Andover, features a traditional interior of flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and log-fires. It includes a pub garden which is suitable for children and serves a collection of local ales such as Otter.
The Swan Inn, Hungerford is another fine country pub, popular with passing ramblers and cyclists. This 17th century Inn includes an enclosed, terraced garden and a children's play area, so families are welcome. The usual tipples are served including a selection of guest ales - there's also an award-winning menu.
The acclaimed,
Black Rat in Winchester specialises in contemporary British food and has been converted from an old pub. The interior consists of oak beams, exposed brick walls and an inglenook fireplace. Ingredients are sourced from local suppliers and the atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious. Main courses start at around £16.
Fat Olives in Emsworth is also worth a mention and is set in an old fisherman's cottage. The food is a mix of British and Mediterranean and is presented through a vibrant but straightforward menu.
History and Culture
Winchester Cathedral dates back to the 7th century and is one of Hampshire's most important historical sites. It is one of the largest in the United Kingdom and features the longest nave in all of Europe. It is the resting place of
Jane Austen and other luminaries such as Izaak Walton. Other features include a collection of well-preserved Pre-Raphaelite, stained glass windows. Visitor opening times are 9am to 5pm (these may vary according to services) and admission is £6 for adults, with children allowed in free.
Portsmouth is also home to a number of historical attractions such as the Portsmouth Fortifications and the
Historic Dockyard. The later exhibits a variety of ships such as the Mary Rose and HMS Victory - it is also home to the Royal Naval Museum
