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We know that that Hampshire is one of the greatest Counties in the UK, but now Lonely Planet have also recognised some of Hampshire’s gems within its latest book “Ultimate UK Travelist”. There are no fewer than 12 recommendations within the top 500 list. There are also mentions from celebrities within the book who name their favourite spots, some of which are in Hampshire too.
Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
Beaulieu has something for everyone, not just those crazy about cars! The museum has all manner of cars from classic to modern day supercars, there’s also the stunning Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and Gardens. Often over looked is the Secret Army exhibition which shares the history of when Beaulieu was a training establishment for Special Agents during the Second World War. Beaulieu has a packed events schedule throughout the year, headline events being the Supercar Weekend, Autojumbles and fireworks displays.
Discover - Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
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Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Hampshire is mecca for gin lovers, being the home of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. The distillery is set in beautiful surroundings of a former paper mill, which produced bank notes for countries around the world. Visitors can’t miss the crystal-clear River Test which runs through the distillery and iconic botanical glasshouses designed by the renowned Architect and Designer, Thomas Heatherwick. Take a self-guided tour and learn about the gin making process or really treat yourself with the one of the masterclass experiences.
Discover - Bombay Sapphire Distillery
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Gilbert White’s House and Oates Collection
One of Hampshire’s hidden gems, a museum which celebrates three pioneers Gilbert White, Frank Oates and Captain Lawrence Oates. The museum located in the attractive village of Selborne (East Hampshire). Gilbert White was the first naturalist. Gilbert is best described as the original David Attenborough and is known for his many natural discoveries. Frank Oates, an explorer in the 1800’s who ventured to Africa and Central America, whilst Captain Lawrence Oates was part of the Captain Scott’s expedition to be the first people to reach the South Pole. Lawrence Oates made famous the line “I am just going outside and may be some time”. 2020 will be a major year of celebration as the museum will mark the tercentenary of Gilbert White’s birth.
Discover – Gilbert White and Oates Collection
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Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle is the setting for the hit TV series Downton Abbey. September 2019 will mark the launch of the Downton Abbey Movie. Visitors can tour the house and see where the iconic programme was made. But that’s not all that Highclere Castle has to offer, the grounds and gardens are stunning and were designed by “Capability Brown”. Lesser known is the Egyptian exhibition at Highclere Castle, in dedication to the 5th Earl Carnarvon who was part of the expedition that would discover Tutankhamun. What’s more you can even stay on the estate within The Grotto Lodge or The London Lodge.
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Jane Austen’s House Museum
For the majority of Jane Austen’s life, the quaint village of Chawton was the world renowned writers home. The village has barely changed which aids visitors imagination to what it was like all those years ago. Jane Austen's House Museum is a must visit and this year the museum is celebrating its 70th year of being open to the public. Visitors can explore all parts of her home and the look at original pieces including the iconic writing table where Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were written.
Discover – Jane Austen’s House Museum
Keats, Ode to Autumn Walk
When the poet John Keats stayed in Winchester he walked the same route every day, this gorgeous route around the city inspired him to write the poem “Ode to Autumn”. The route takes in the many of the highlights of Winchester including the King Alfred statue, Winchester Cathedral, the cute back streets of Winchester where you will see Winchester College and Wolvsey Castle, the natural beauty of the water meadows and the Hospital of St Cross. If you venture a little off the route you will find the panoramic viewpoint of St Catherine’s Hill. 2019 will mark the 200th anniversary of the iconic poem.
Cycling in the New Forest
There’s over 100 miles of cycling tracks which offer safe off-road routes for all. The New Forest is great for cyclists who want to potter between the many villages scattered throughout the forest or take in the beautiful heathland and the local wildlife including donkeys, deer and iconic New Forest ponies. Head to the Cycling in Hampshire website to find inspiration for established routes or download the cycling map to create your own cycling adventure in the New Forest.
Discover - New Forest Cycle Routes
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
A world-class attraction with so much history! Walk aboard HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and even see the spot where Horatio Nelson was shot. Guests can take a water taxi across the harbour to Gosport to visit the two other museums which are part of the Historic Dockyard, The Submarine Museum and Explosion! Museum, both amazing attractions. At The Submarine Museum immerse by speaking with personnel who have served upon the HMS Alliance submarine. Explosion is dedicated to the bombs, missiles and other exploding articles, set within Priddy’s Hard, where the Navy’s artillery was once kept. An insiders tip: if you purchase the full ticket, visitors can return as many times as you wish within the following 12 months for free!
Discover – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
South Downs National Park
Hampshire is spoilt to have two National Parks, of which one is the South Downs, stretching from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne 100 miles away in the East. Made up of undulating terrain and pretty hamlets many that have great pubs. The South Downs Way is an iconic route that spans the whole length of the National Park, it is challenging whether you try and tackle all or part of the route on foot or by mountain bike, but you will be rewarded with beautiful countryside and spectacular panoramic views from Cheesefoot Hill, Beacon Hill, Old Winchester Hill and Butser Hill at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.
Discover - South Downs National Park
Vineyards in Hampshire
Hampshire's vinyards are fast becoming known for making award-winning sparkling wine, often beating established Champagne Houses in tasting competitions. Blessed with a similar climate and geology to the Champagne region enabling to produce exquisite Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. The vineyards are predominantly located in the south of Hampshire along the chalk-lines of the county. Wine lovers can visit a selection of the vineyards and learn about the wine making process and most importantly taste the sparkling wines!
Discover – Hampshire’s Vineyards and Tours
The Watercress Line
The Watercress Line also known as the Mid-Hants Railway, is a heritage stream train service that runs through the Hampshire Countryside, starting in the market town of Alresford (near Winchester) to Alton in the north of the county. Named the Watercress Line due to transporting watercress from Alresford to London from 1865 to 1930's . The line Holds numerous special services throughout the year, such as the RAT (real ale train), dining service and family favourite Thomas the Tank Engine to name but a few.
Discover – The Watercress Line
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral dominates the city, the beautiful cathedral is steeped in history, the resting place of Jane Austen and also having the longest nave in Europe. The exhibition Kings and Scribes - Birth of a Nation, launched in July 2019, opening up a large section of the Cathedral which was not previously seen before. The Cathedral holds an excellent series of events, including the tower tour which offers a unique view point of the Cathedrals grounds and city centre, booking is essential as tickets sell out quickly. Often quoted as the one of the best Christmas Market’s in Europe, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and ice rink is not to be missed.
Discover – Winchester Cathedral
See where the Hampshire attractions ranked in the Lonely Planet’s Ultimate UK Travellist. The book is out now and can be purchased from the Lonely Planet online shop.
Looking for further inspiration
Discover – Things to Do in Hampshire
Related
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery based at Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire, just 15 miles from Winchester and 10 miles from Basingstoke. The Distillery is in a conservation area with over 1000 years of history. The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique.
Located in Selborne, a stunning corner of the South Downs National Park, Gilbert White’s 17th century home is now a museum open to visitors. Museum highlights include, the original manuscript of ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, White’s 18th century floral embroidered bed covers and White’s taxidermy hawfinch.
Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle also hosts a unique display of Egyptian antiquities and is the location of the hugely popular ITV series, Downton Abbey.
Jane Austen’s House in the picturesque Hampshire village of Chawton is one of the most important literary sites in the world. It was in this inspiring cottage that Jane Austen’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her globally beloved novels.
ollow the daily route Keats took during his stay in Winchester. Starting at Winchester Tourist Information Centre, enjoy a self-guided walk in the poet's footsteps from the city to St Cross, passing through the landscape which inspired his famous ode 'To Autumn'.
The South Downs way is situated in Hampshire’s second National Park the South Downs. The route begins in Winchester and stretches 100 miles to Eastbourne. Along the route are unspoilt views of countryside, small hamlet villages and the English channel. The South Downs Way is a hilly but rewarding route for walkers and mountain bikers. Lonely Planet has even included the South Downs Way in it’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures book.
Located in the heart of the Test Valley in Hampshire, just outside the beautiful town of Stockbridge and just 30 minutes from the historic cathedral cities of Salisbury and Winchester, the Cottonworth vineyards are just part of the home of the Liddell family who have been farming there for four generations.
The award winning vineyard in the South Downs National Park, Hambledon is open for tours throughout the year.
Founded in 2008 by Owner and Chairman Simon Robinson, Hattingley Valley is a family-owned English wine producer located on the edge of the picturesque South Downs in rural Hampshire.
Raimes English Sparkling is a family boutique vineyard producing award winning sparkling wines on their farm near the town of Alresford. Augusta and Robert are the fifth generation of the family to farm here and planted 10 acres to classic champagne varieties in 2011. The chalk terroir of the South Downs National Park is perfect for growing grapes.
Wickham Estate is a wedding and private functions venue holding a range of special celebrations from weddings to birthday parties and corporate functions. The site is available for exclusive hire only.
Experience the golden age of steam on the Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'! Whether you are taking a trip down memory lane or making new ones, sit back, relax and travel through the heart of quintessential English countryside by steam train, looking towards stunning views of the South Downs National Park.
Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, one of Southern England's most historic buildings, Winchester Cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art.
