Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes you want an answer right away. While we love to hear from you, and we’re happy to answer any of your questions, we’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions, so you can get your answer sooner than later.

Here are some of the most popular questions we are asked:

What's the telephone number for the tourist board?

Hampshire does not have a tourist board. Our friendly tourist information centre staff are waiting to take your call and help give advice on places to visit and book accommodation.

Do you have any money-off vouchers for attractions?

Yes, please see our Special Offers page for more details.

How can I advertise my business on Visit Hampshire?

Please see our Advertising page for details.

Can I submit my event on Visit Hampshire?

Please see our Submit an event page to add your details of your event. 

Where can I stay near Peppa Pig World?

We've detailed information about a variety of places to stay, to suit all budgets, near to Peppa Pig World. 

Is Hampshire a good place for a holiday?

Hampshire makes an excellent place for a holiday. With excellent transport links, three cities, two national parks and a coastline, you won’t be short of things to do. We recommend checking out our things to do pages to give you a feel for our county. 

What is the prettiest village in Hampshire?

We have lots of pretty villages here in Hampshire. Find out more about Hampshire’s villages.  

What is the best seaside town in Hampshire?

Depending on what you are looking for, we have some amazing seaside towns. If you are looking for the seaside with the buzz of a city then head to Portsmouth and Southsea, where you’ll find Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and a lot more. 

Just down the road, Hayling Island is also a very popular seaside town with its arcades, fairground rides and pebbly beach. 

Lymington is a traditional English seaside town in the New Forest with a historic centre with cobbled lanes. Watch the boats bobbing in the harbour and even try a dip in the Lymington Sea Baths. You’ll also find plenty of places to pick up a bite to eat. 

If you are looking for more peaceful seaside town, then explore Emsworth, which overlooks Chichester Harbour. 

Has Hampshire got a beach?

Yes, there are several beaches along Hampshire’s coastline. View more information about Hampshire’s beaches. 

What is the main town in Hampshire?

Hampshire’s major hubs are its three cities; Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester. Each city has its own university. 

Find out more about Hampshire’s towns and cities. 

What events will be happening while I’m in Hampshire?

Take a look at our what’s on pages for details of what’s coming up over the coming months in Hampshire. Do check back regularly, as events are added frequently. 

Can you provide me with a list of hotels, dining, and activities in Hampshire?

Please take a look at our dedicated website pages for hotels, places to eat and activities in Hampshire.

What are some popular foods in Hampshire?

Local food is very much part of the menu here in Hampshire. We take pride in our fine cuisine and you’ll find many local producers. 

Along the coast, look out for seafood specialities plus your traditional fish and chips. 

Hampshire is home to several vineyards, many of which offer tours. 

Where can I find the best restaurants in Hampshire?

Depending on what you are looking for, there are some excellent restaurants throughout Hampshire. 

Take a look at our fine dining page for more information on where these restaurants can be found in Hampshire. 

Are there any famous food festivals in Hampshire?

We have several food festivals that take place regularly in Hampshire. Popular choices include:

Hampshire Food Festival (hopefully returning in 2025)
Lymington Seafood Festival
Foodies Festival, Winchester

What traditional dishes are unique to Hampshire?

Speciality foods include watercress and chalk stream trout. Look out for dishes featuring these on the menus at some of Hampshire’s restaurants and pubs. 

Can you recommend any food markets in Hampshire?

If it’s food you are after then we’d highly recommend checking out the Hampshire Farmers’ Markets which tend to occur once a month in the following locations: Winchester, Petersfield, Alton, Emsworth, Southsea, Ringwood and Romsey. 

What are the top attractions in Hampshire?

We have many different attractions in Hampshire, from theme parks to zoos, gardens to heritage railways. See our attractions page for more information. 

Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park is one of Hampshire’s biggest attractions and voted the UK’s number one theme park on Tripadvisor. It draws visitors from across the country and internationally. 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a significant attraction and offers plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages. Highlights include The Mary Rose, HMS Victory and the Submarine Museum.

If you love animals, then be sure to pay a visit to Marwell Zoo, just outside Winchester and anyone with a passion for anything automotive should head to Beaulieu with its National Motor Museum. 

Gin lovers should definitely add Bombay Sapphire Distillery to their agenda. Take a tour and discover more about this iconic gin brand. 

What historical sites can I visit in Hampshire?

You will find lots of history in our three cities; Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth. Whether it’s the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Southampton’s Tudor House or the Great Hall in Winchester. 

Hampshire is also home to several historic houses, notably Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey) as well as a couple of castles. 

Are there any famous landmarks in Hampshire?

The Spinnaker Tower is one of Hampshire’s biggest landmarks, standing at 170 metres, it dominates the skyline over Portsmouth and can be seen from several miles away. 

Winchester Cathedral has one of the longest naves in Europe.  

Where can I find information about Hampshire’s cultural events?

Take a look at our events listings for more information on what’s happening, including Hampshire’s cultural events. You’ll also find lots of information about our festivals. 

What are some family-friendly activities in Hampshire?

Visiting Peppa Pig World, exploring the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and taking on some of the high ropes challenges at our Go Ape Centres are some of the family-friendly activities you can do in Hampshire. You’ll find plenty of inspiration on our family-friendly activities page. 

Whether you are looking for rainy day ideas, family-friendly walking or cycling routes or beaches to visit, you won’t be short of ideas. 

How do I get to Isle of Wight from Hampshire?

There are several ways to get to the Isle of Wight from Hampshire for a day trip. Ferries can be caught from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth. 

There is a hovercraft service from Portsmouth to Ryde (takes approximately 10 minutes). 

You can find out more about ferries in our transport pages. 

Can you suggest any outdoor activities in Hampshire?

Hampshire is perfect for lots of outdoor activities and activities.

Our two national parks, The South Downs and The New Forest, lend themselves perfectly for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. You will also find several outdoor activities centres in the New Forest and along the Hampshire coastline offering activities such as high ropes, kayaking, sailing and much more. 

Take a look at the various outdoor activities on offer in Hampshire.

Can I book a tour of stately homes in Hampshire? 

Tickets can be, and should be, booked in advance for a visit to Highclere Castle (the filming location for Downton Abbey). Bookings can be made on the Highclere Castle website. 

For National Trust homes such as Mottisfont Abbey, bookings in advance are not usually required unless for a special events. We recommend checking the stately homes’ websites in advance of your visit to avoid any disappointment.