Jane Austen in Hampshire

Hampshire is home to Chawton House, a beautiful Georgian house set in over 60 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside. The house was once home to Jane Austen and her family from 1809 to 1817. Today the house is a museum dedicated to one of England's most famous writers and her life in Hampshire. Best of all the historic property is still run by the Austen family. Although Jane Austens novels are often located in the beautiful and romantic English countryside, Hampshire played an important part in Jane Austens life and work.

Born in Steventon on 16 December 1775, her father and brother were both Anglican clergymen who ensured that she had plenty of opportunities for leisure reading when she was young, Hampshire List (hampshire-list.co.uk). Hampshire is not known for its literary culture, but a small village in the county called Steventon played an important part in the life of Jane Austen. Her earliest memories are of visits to Steventon Rectory (pictured above) where her father, Revd. George Austen, served as rector between 1764 and 1816.

Hampshire, the county that Jane Austen called home for much of her life and inspiration for countless characters in her novels. A relatively rural area compared to neighbours Surrey and Sussex, Hampshire had a very different turn of events during an important time in Englands History. Jane Austen lived in Hampshire on and off for the last thirty years of her life, and being a lover of Jane Austen myself I was intrigued by this county.

Glamping in Hampshire

Glamping: it’s the perfect way to enjoy a night under the stars, but how much do you really know about this increasingly popular holiday option? Whether you’re an experienced glampers or just looking for your first overnight experience, why not try glamping in Hampshire? We’ve put together this handy guide to everything you need to know about the beautiful county, including recommended glamping sites and titles of the best places to visit on your trip.

Use this information wisely – there’s so much to discover!. Like the great outdoors but not so keen on all the camping paraphernalia? Hampshire is one of the only counties in England where you can enjoy a weekend of glamping (glamour camping) without having to go far.  Glamorous, luxury and outdoorsy – glamping has something for everyone.  If you’re looking for a unique place to stay and are looking for a break away from your busy life, Hampshire could be the perfect place for you to try glamping.

Glamping in Hampshire has been on our hitlist for a while now. After some research into the best places to go glamping, we decided on Meon Valley Camping. We couldn't have picked a better place if we tried! It was so much fun and you don't have to rough it as you would think, for example staying in your own little caravan (with working lights, heating etc) just without the need for cooking facilities or a bedroom- just bring an airbed!.

Glamping is an exciting way to explore the English countryside. Visiting the county you live in but exploring it in a different way, is a great way of bringing the outside in. Below we've created a guide to the best glamping sites in Hampshire. Glamping is short for glamourous camping. Camping but with a difference! It's glitz and glamour all wrapped up in one. And that sums up Hampshire, too. Check our guide to everything you need to know about glamping in Hampshire below.

Luxury Breaks in Hampshire

If you are looking for luxury vacation homes in the UK, we can help. Our luxury properties are situated in and around some of the prettiest villages in Hampshire. We think they are perfect for families and couples alike, whether you come to visit relatives or friends or treat yourself to a romantic getaway. Hampshire’s got a little bit of everything for everybody – be it a business break, weekend getaway or even longer city breaks.

Hampshire is home to Stonehenge, Lee-on-the-Solent and the New Forest. These places are all very lovely but there are plenty of other gems if you know where to look. Hampshire has the relaxed charm of the Cotswolds but a coastline that is more reminiscent of Devon. From excellent restaurants in Winchester to fun in the forest, there’s something for everyone in Hampshire. Here are ten places to enjoy that luxury break:. Hampshire is a great place for a weekend or short break.

Dog Friendly Hampshire

Most people I know love dogs. And many of us live in cities but miss owning a pet (or at least a nice walk with a dog). So why not consider bringing your pet on holiday with you? Dogs are welcome at many of the Hampshire’s B&Bs and hotels, so it’s worth checking first if you’re travelling with your pooch. If you need some inspiration for days out with Fido - look no further than this list of dog friendly spots across Hampshire.

Hampshire is one of the most picturesque counties in the South of England. From the towns and villages to the rolling hillsides. There are so many options for taking your dog for a walk it’s hard to choose where to go. This blog post is going to provide you with some of my favourite dog friendly days out from when I lived in Hampshire. Visiting Hampshire as a dog owner is a special experience because the county has many pet friendly days out.

From picnics to hiking and beaches, Hampshire can provide hours of fun for you and your pet. The great wealth of opportunities means you don’t need to go far to find somewhere that will welcome your canine friend. It can be hard work trying to find the best holiday cottages that are dog friendly. As a dog lover myself, this was a key factor when deciding on our next trip away. I’m going to share some great ideas I found on a recent Google Maps search for dog friendly Hampshire.

Hampshire is a fantastic holiday destination if you have a dog. The county has everything from beautiful coastlines, stunning countryside walks, and historic cities to enjoy. Here's our list of some dog friendly days out in Hampshire with your four-legged friend:. Hampshire is a lovely county in the south of England, full of great places to explore whether by car, motorbike, cycle or foot.   If you are wondering where to take your dog whilst you are enjoying something here, I’ve got some ideas….

Camping and Campsites in Hampshire

Hampshire has plenty of natural beauty, all-embracing to those who love the outdoor life. Think chalk streams running through leafy woods, rolling downland and cliff top paths. And hot, hot sun – count on it! In Hampshire camping is a way of life. Whatever your style or price range and whatever time of year you decide to visit you can’t beat the great outdoors in the beautiful county of Hampshire. The camp sites in Hampshire attract an interesting range of visitors.

City slickers want a bit of green between them and the next meetings. Hampshire is full of projects, some born out of necessity such as those using reclaimed building materials, and others with a passion for growing their own veg or promoting bee-keeping. These are eco-friendly campsites, and more besides. Hampshire is a thing of beauty; with the New Forest, woodlands and the South Downs all within easy reach. It’s a big slice of green four miles from toe to top, and includes our most famous sites: Stonehenge, Old Sarum and The Pitt-Rivers Museum.

There are campsites and campsites, so we’ve hunted out the best spots across the county for everyone: newbies to old hands. Hampshire is a great place to go camping. Camping can provide a break from the routine of work or simply from home life. It will help you reconnect with nature and with each other. Hampshire's campsites are diverse, ranging from campsites in the New Forest set in its ancient woodland to beautiful spots on the Solent coastline.

There’s nothing better than the great outdoors - that feeling of freedom and peace which comes with being out in our fabulous natural world.   To make the most out of outdoor adventure, most people prefer to camp. Many people today are looking to get away from it all. Camping holidays offer a fantastic way to do just that. Hampshire offers some of the most beautiful scenery in England. There are idyllic villages, wonderful views and natural beauty.

National Parks in Hampshire

The South Downs National Park crosses the county from east to west and is dotted with a huge range of open spaces, quiet lanes and charming villages. Alongside offering beautiful walking country, the park serves as an important wildlife haven for many species. In fact, some of Hampshire's rarest flowers are exclusive to this location. The South Downs National Park was the first national park to be created in England, in April 2011. This is a relatively new park, but it already has nearly 800 sites of special scientific interest.

The New Forest National Park – on the other hand – has been there since 2005 and has an estimated population of 1,300-1,700 deer. Within these National Parks there are several areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) which offer a haven for nature-lovers and those looking for unique outdoor activities. From rolling hills to sandy beaches, Hampshire's stunning scenery opens up an array of activities you can enjoy in the great outdoors. The South Downs National Park covers an area of 1,100km² and is centred around a series of chalk hills that stretch from Eastbourne to Winchester.

The region’s rolling hills, open heathland and gentle valleys create a perfect landscape for walking and enjoying the great outdoors. True to form, there is a range of majestic landscapes to be found here, including the spectacular chalk hills of the South Downs National Park. The South Downs and the New Forest National Parks are wonderful areas to visit, offering a variety of different outdoor activities. Hampshire has played an important part in Jane Austin’s life as she lived at Chawton on the edge of Hampshire.

Walking & Hiking in Hampshire

Walking and hiking represent a wide spectrum of interests and pursuits in Hampshire. There are many sites to admire from the viewpoints on the South Downs way, or along the Test Way between Winchester and Southampton. For others there is the opportunity to travel back in time while exploring the prehistoric pathways throughout our landscape. And for everyone there is the chance to get ‘away from it all’ while walking through quiet woodlands, along riverside paths, coastlines or simply through the rolling fields of Hampshire.

Walking in Hampshire is a great way to explore the county, whether you’re a keen walker or just out for a short stroll. Walkers can pick from a range of routes across countryside and woodland, coastal paths and steep hills, through villages, towns and cities. For longer walks there are also many circular routes to explore, taking in local sights and attractions. Walking and hiking in Hampshire is a great challenge - the county is a picture of contrasts.

From the wooded landscape of the New Forest, to the White Horse in Wiltshire to the South Downs with its isolated farms, chalky hills, undulating chalk streams and breathtaking views across to the Isle of Wight. Walking and Hiking in Hampshire is ideal all year round, with something for all ages and abilities. There are miles of riverside paths, sheltered cliff top trails, gentle woodland strolls, miles of old railway lines to walk along or cycle on, open heathland, woodland and the New Forest.