South Downs
The South Downs National Park covers a stretch of chalk hills from Winchester in Hampshire through West Sussex and East Sussex to the picturesque coastal resort of Beachy Head. It is at its best when experienced as a series of day walks, rather than racing about too much. Fewer than 12 miles separate the endpoints of the walk we describe below, yet they experience distinct environments. The route we’ve devised allows you to enjoy them all.
One of the most popular places to visit in the south east are the South Downs – a chalk range of hills which run along the coast from Winchester to Eastbourne, Hampshire List (hampshire-list.co.uk). Nestled within this 47 mile long national park is an eclectic mix of seaside towns and pretty villages, all with their own distinct character. These range from Brighton’s busy & vibrant atmosphere, to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. The South Downs National Park stretches over 375 square miles, from Winchester in the west, east to Eastbourne on the coast.
Famous for its rolling landscape, illustrated by artists such as Constable and Gainsborough, this protected area is home to wildlife ranging from butterflies and badgers to dormice and piping shrikes. Regarded as among the most beautiful landscapes in southern England, the South Downs National Park boasts coastline, chalk hills, charming villages and beautiful forests. Walking and Hiking in Hampshire takes you through the National Parks and major destinations. It is divided into a number of walks each with a simple map.
Cities
There is plenty to see and do in the historic city of Winchester, an important trading centre in Medieval times. The medieval castle (now a prison), which is surrounded by high walls and towers, has fascinating exhibits on the Civil War and Gunpowder Plot. Visitors can also see a vast collection of arms and armoury from around the world, a Victorian courtroom where public hangings took place and an exhibition on Jane Austen, who wrote ‘Pride and Prejudice’ while living here.
The historic City of Winchester, boasts some of Great Britains finest heritage as well as a host of vibrant cafes, pubs and restaurants. The stunning South Downs is home to the cathedral city of Chichester, which features theatre, shopping and dining in the pedestrianised High Street. This beautiful city also offers excellent parks and gardens including the renowned Lavender Gardens. West of Southampton is the port city of Portsmouth and nearby the bustling cathedral city of Winchester, with a wealth of history and culture on offer for all.
The charming riverside town of Basingstoke is also just 20 miles west of Southampton - famous as the home to Basingstoke Town FC and the birthplace of C S Lewis. Sitting at the heart of the county, Winchester is famed for Winchester Cathedral one of the largest cathedrals in England and a distinctive feature of the historic city. The cathedral houses an important collection of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts and stained glass windows. Past the coast, visitors to the county of Hampshire can expect a refreshing change in the quiet county town of Winchester, its graceful cathedral and charming medieval buildings set amidst lush greenery.
Test Valley
Founded in AD43 by Emperor Lucius Septimus Severus, the area was a safe corner of the Roman Empire. This peaceful backwater is the setting for Jane Austens novel Mansfield Park. Experience the idyllic scenery on foot, cycle or horseback and enjoy the best pubs and restaurants in Hampshire. Search: Test Valley cottages. Simply choose your walk, print off your map and get planning. Small car ferries run from Lymington to the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney.
East Hampshire & South Downs
If you visit Aldershot, you should head a little out of town to visit the Meon Valley with its wonderful views. You can easily get to the area in less than an hour from London and there are many good reasons to visit. Part of the South Downs National Park and within easy reach of Alexandria,Bordon and Liphook, East Hampshire Area is New Forest close enough to be a perfect escape from hectic city life.
New Forest National Park
The New Forest National Park is located in Hampshire, a county in England. Slightly larger than the State of Rhode Island, the size of the park itself is roughly 60 miles north to south and 22 miles east to west. The park was established in 2005 and became a national park in 2013 under the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Prior to this, it was a government-regulated game reserve. The New Forest was once ancient forest and has been inhabited since around 2,000 BC.
If you’re looking for a woodland wonderland, this one’s for you. The New Forest National Park is one of the most popular attractions in southern England, famous for its picturesque scenery and its ponies. It’s also a great place to discover the nation’s rich motoring history, with classic cars sharing the tracks with traditional carts pulled by horses. New Forest National Park. To the west of Hampshire, discover the historic New Forest National Park, with its miles of ancient woodland, traditional pubs and famous ponies.
The New Forest has popular attractions too, such as the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and the impressive Exbury Gardens. If you’re planning a trip to the south east, you’d be mad not to visit beautiful New Forest National Park. The gateway town of Lymington sits at the west of Hampshire, just off the motorway and is such an amazing place to base yourself and get into the park. Beautiful Country. The villages are lovely and clean, the pubs quaint and welcoming.
North Hampshire
North Hampshire is a wonderful area to live. I was born here, hence why I came back 14 years ago and have never looked back. Having been involved in the 1st North Hampshire Scout Group for most of my life means that I know the area well and I wanted to share with you some of the reasons why North Hampshire is an area not only to live, but an area where people choose to come and visit.
Those that live in North Hampshire have a lot to be proud of. A beautiful forest on one side and a quiet beach on the other are great places to escape and relax. But it’s not just the beauty that has helped to make this town. It is also the history. If you want to take a tour of this amazing part of Massachusetts you can easily do it from Hampton Beach. This is a big one.
The one that will be full of growing pains, but you won’t regret it. North Hampshire is a wonderful community in which to live and raise your family. I have two boys, (ages 1 and 3), and raising them here has been a dream come true. There are too many things to list about NH that I love, but here's just a few things:. The fresh air, the stunning views will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dream.
Aldershot
Aldershot is a town in Hampshire located on the southern edge of the North Wessex Downs area. Its character reveals both its historic background as a military town, but also a modern high street that offers a wide range of shops and restaurants. The town has grown into a busy commuter settlement with an excellent interchange between the private and public sector. Aldershot, often referred to as the "Gateway to the South Downs", is a small town in the home counties with a population of about 70,000 people.
Despite its size Aldershot has a distinct identity and thousands of tourists are drawn to the town each year. Aldershot is a military town in the borough of Rushmoor and part of Hampshire. It is located to the north-west of Southampton. Established in 1854, this allows a glimpse into military history and why it is unique compared to any other town in Britain. Aldershot is a town in the county of Hampshire surrounding by hundreds of military camps.
Aldershot is a modern town, yet still retains it's original charm. For more information on the history of Aldershott, visit The Aldershot Military Museum. Aldershot is truly a fascinating place, one that everyone with an interest in military history should visit at some point. It offers so much to see and do that it is irresistible to anyone who has an interest in the military. It might be a bustling holiday hot spot, but there is a hidden gem to be discovered in the area of East Hampshire and South Downs.
Andover
The town also has a fascinating history, being the location of Saxon Andover settlement. It was the main Anglo-Saxon urban centre for Hampshire up until the 10th century. A few remains still survive today, including St John's church and parts of the 'Roman'Andover road in New Close. Many of the original features are still in place. The town square and market crosses were first mentioned in 1263. The long narrow layout is a remnant from the medieval times, when Andover was an important road and river crossing on the old London to Bristol route.
Basingstoke
Basingstoke is an exciting place to be, not just because of the examples that have already been mentioned but also because of the wide variety of events on offer. Where else could you find a plethora of different festivals from festivals promoting dance, culture, food, family fun and all set in a stunning Open Air Theatre? If you want an alternative sort of summer festival experience then Basingstoke is the place for you. Basingstoke has a wide variety of places to visit.
Whether you're planning a family day out or a trip as a couple, Basingstoke has plenty on offer for shoppers, families and those looking for nightlife. Whether you want to tour the stores at the indoor malls, go to a show in town or just enjoy some time outdoors, there is something for everyone. There are over 250,000 people living in Basingstoke and the surrounding area. World-famous faces have been spotted about town too - apparently Helen Mirren is a Basingstoke girl!.
Basingstoke is a thriving town approximately 34 miles from London. Basingstoke's population is just over 90,000 and is one of the fastest growing conurbations in the UK. Visitors come from far and wide to sample Basingstoke’s unique combination of urban attractions, rural tranquillity, and scope for comfortable self-catering holidays. The town is steeped in history and there are many great things to do and see when visiting Andover. It is served by regular bus services, which run from outside her Majesty’s Prison, Whippingham, in Parkhurst on the Isle of Wight.
Emsworth
Emsworth is an independent village within the urban area of Chichester on the coast of Southern England. The local council derives its income from fishing, arable farming and tourism. Emsworth is a market town which has a small port for pleasure craft and trade vessels. Many of these trade vessels are used for fishing, which is still a significant industry in Emsworth. Emsworth is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Emmeswaru and was spelt as Emevesuuer in 1086.
The present spelling of the name 'Emsworth'was settled in 1825. Because of its position from the sea, fishermen used to use Emsworth as a port when the conditions were not good enough for fishing. Emsworth, a village in the county of Hampshire, England is situated on the south coast of England on Chichester Harbour. It is approximately 46 miles (74 km) southwest of central London and one mile (1. 6 km) east of the city of Chichester at its closest point.
In the 19th century, local resident Thomas Hardy used Emsworth as the setting for his novel Under the Greenwood Tree. The first Rotary Club was founded in Emsworth on the bank of Rotary Pond in 1905, and today Emsworth is twinned with Le Vésinet in France. Emsworth is a picturesque old fishing village nestling on the north end of Chichester harbour, with narrow streets, Georgian houses, walled gardens and a mill pond. The former had 1,822 pupils in 2014, while the latter has around 730.
Farnborough
New for 2016, the Farnborough International Airshow will include a new international benchmark event called The Air Partner Global Summit. Talking to Paul James, Air Partner's Director of Marketing, about the creation of this new event was interesting. He said that it was borne out of conversations the company had with clients who clearly valued existing relationships but would like to see more joined up initiatives around key issues. Farnborough has had a long and historic aviation history.
The town borders the south east of Aldershot and lies on the north bank of the River Blackwater, which here is tidal. The system of canals created by Capability Brown in the 18th century was designed to allow barges to navigate between London and Portsmouth; these canals converge on Farnborough from all direction, including one from Botley, a few miles west of Southampton. Farnborough has been a staging post since Roman times and the Birmingham to London road - now the A30 - passed through it.
In Saxon days, however, it was a small village centred around a wayside cross. The first chapter of its history dates from 1066 when William, Duke of Normandy, made it his base in England after his victory at Hastings. Many of the larger companies have their own stands but for smaller businesses it can be difficult to get noticed. One way to get your brand and company noticed is by purchasing an ad space on the local attraction - Farnborough Airfield.
Hayling Island
If you’re looking for a holiday destination where family fun meets adventure, look no further than Hayling Island. Here, the leisure activities and sporting facilities are as varied as the beaches. You can go sailing or surfing, play golf or tennis, try your hand at beach volleyball or even learn how to kite surf. Needless to say, there are loads of fantastic eateries in Hayling Island for when you want to refuel after all that.
Those who enjoy the pleasures of a traditional seaside resort with the added bonus of a wide range of sporting and leisure facilities could do much worse than visit Hayling Island. Set in the county of Hampshire, near to the historic dockyards at Portsmouth and Chichester, Hayling Island is an ideal destination for young or old ; businessman or tourist, there's something for everyone. Known as the 'Island of 63 beaches', Hayling Island offers a shorter alternative to the more famous and crowded South Coast.
Some of these beaches are bordered by shingle foreshore, others by flat sandy seafronts. There are also large expanses of sand exposed at low tide on the long curving finger of land running up to Langstone Point. Hayling Island is set amidst the spectacular scenery of the Solent and is easily reached at the western end of Portsmouth Harbour. This beautiful island is situated just ¼ mile from Gosport and offers a wonderful holiday for all the family.
Hayling Island is the largest man-made island in the UK and offers something for everyone with its sandy beaches, shingle shoreline, unique nature reserve, historic attractions and a host of water based activities. Hayling Island is a true British gem. This unique island has something for everyone; from its breathtaking views to the variety of activities and attractions on offer. 2017 will mark the 60th year that Farnborough town will play host to the airshow.
Petersfield
Petersfield is an ancient coaching town and has twice weekly markets that take place in the historic square. Home to a wealth of shops, restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues, it is also an excellent location in which to rent holiday accommodation such as cottages and villas for short breaks in Hampshire. Petersfield offers a diverse range of things to do and places to visit as well as a host of things to see and do.
Petersfield is nestled within the South Downs National Park and is only half an hour from Portsmouth and Brighton. Nestled between the North and South Downs, Petersfield has a wealth of history along with stunning scenery, art galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants. Petersfield is an ancient, market town located within the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, England. The town is situated eleven miles from Portsmouth, nine miles from Winchester and 54 miles from Central London.
Alton
The small market town of Alton sits quietly but proudly on the banks of the River Wey in the South East of England. It still retains its charm and character having plenty of historic buildings to visit as well as some lovely modern shopping arcades and developments. The charming riverside between the High Street and the railway station, provides an excellent location for a stroll or two, with its quirky independent shops including my personal favourite 'The Liquid Lounge', world famous delights from Sweetmans ice cream parlour and buses to take you overhead to an even better fish eatery - The Waterloo Inn.
Alton is situated close to the Hampshire and Dorset borders, in the south east of England. It is a well-preserved former market town, standing at the confluence of two rivers. Alton is built on a series of hills south of the River Wey, and makes up part of the area known as the ‘Alton Triangle’ which also encompasses nearby villages including Park Gate, Townhill and Southwood. The town centre is listed as a Conservation Area with numerous historical monuments and buildings including period houses, terraces, cottages, shops and public buildings.
Alton is a town and civil parish in the county of Hampshire, England. It is situated on rich loamy soils on the southern bank of the River Wey, where it is joined by its tributary, the River Cole. Alton is the largest town in the borough of East Hampshire which, with a population of around 117,000, also covers Petersfield, Bordon and part of Farnham; it is one of only three towns within Hampshire to be recognised as a borough.
Alton is situated in Hampshire. The town has a long history of commerce and trade. Located at the intersection of two major Roman roads (Ermin Street and Hunts Road), it was a valuable trading hub for many years after the Romans left Britain. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book and remained a thriving market town until the 18th century, when the growth of nearby towns such as Winchester led to Alton's decline. The market town of Alton is found in the county of Hampshire, England.
It is situated in the east and in the historic region known as South Downs. The town’s history dates back to Saxon times and it was an important settlement then. It covers a total area of approximately 38 kilometers. Alton is one of the largest market towns in Hampshire, as well as an important centre for the surrounding villages. The importance of Alton to the wider region was evident in 1916 when it became the home of HMS Daedalus, a naval air station which operated during both world wars.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge is a small market town in England nestled close to the River Test. The town is bordered by the Adderbury and Long Compton parishes to the north and east, the Coleshill parish and Southam parishes to the west, and St John's parish including Burbage and Royal Wootton Bassett to the south. This village was originally named Great Stockbridge - now part of Burbage - and it has given its name to both the modern village at its western end, as well as a wider stockbroker belt extending in both directions from this point.
The area is about 100 miles from London via road. Stockbridge is a very pretty village with some lovely golden stone cottages. It has a market square which changes with the seasons and has many independent shops selling clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts and lots more. The Church of St. James the Great is an historic building dating back to around 1450. It contains the only ancient structure in the town, an archway dividing the chancel from the nave that is said to date from Saxon times.
It was once a much larger Norman church but was partially damaged by cannon balls during the English Civil War. Downstream of Stockbridge is an area known as "The Riffle" which has the only footbridge across The Test and is a great place to fish. There are a number of islands in The Test which can provide shelter for trout. Stockbridge is a place that’s famous for a number of historical events that have happened in England, including the River Test flowing though the middle of it.
Stockbridge is a beautiful village in Hampshire, England. Stockbridge was established in the Saxon period and today is still rich in history. A long established market town with a wealth of outstanding attractions and places of interest. Petersfield lies within the South Downs National Park and is on the southern edge of the Hampshire chalk uplands. It is a great way for companies from around the world to show off their latest designs and technologies in the field of aviation.
Whitchurch
Whitchurch is a small town on the bank of River Test in Hampshire, within the boundaries of Southampton. It is situated 5 miles north-west of Basingstoke and 26 miles east of the center of Southampton. The town was known as Wiccæræcceastre (Old English: south fortress) in the late 9th century when it was given to King Alfred by his brother-in-law Æthelred, whose wife Ealhswith was from there. The village developed around Whitchurch House and Old Manor Farm, two large manor houses that are still present today.
These were once surrounded by fine grounds and were full of rich plantations and grazing enclosures. If you were to hitch-hike from Whitchurch you would eventually end up in one of the most exciting and sought after places in the whole country. A quiet little town with a population of around 10,000. The county town of Hampshire and it’s buildings have been continuing to be recognised by the national trust as being worthy of protection and therefore there are hardly any notable changes that allow for disturbance to the countryside outside of these protected boundaries.
Whitchurch is a small town in Hampshire, England, situated on the River Test and surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside. It is also the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is just west of junction 9 of the M3 motorway and lies between Andover and Romsey on the A303 trunk road. Whitchurch is a beautiful small town in Hampshire, England that is surrounded by rolling countryside, as well as the River Test.
Hamble Le Rice
One of the smaller communities on the Solent, Hamble-le-Rice is one of the most quintessentially British villages you could imagine. From its unassuming name to its relatively unassuming appearance, it's as English as you can get. It's this classic Englishness that has made it such a popular venue for filming locations. TV series'such as Poirot, Sea devils and The Onedin Line have all been shot in Hamble-le-Rice over the years. And it's easy to see why when you visit: there are so many beautiful spots to choose from!.
The village of Hamble is situated just off the coast of Southampton. It’s a short distance from the town, so it’s great for anyone who loves to explore. In Hamble, you can find watery playgrounds, picturesque harbours and glorious country lanes, plus a host of stunning restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy your meal alfresco. Hamble on the Solent; a haven for all lovers of yacht racing and food, people who love the outdoors and those who crave the hustle of city life.
Hamble has something for everyone, but what makes it so special?. The hamlet of Hamble-le-Rice has much to offer, including a great mix of both old and new. From the welcoming pier by the sea to the historic pub in the village centre, there’s something for everyone. It is known as the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is an area considered to be of national significance. Whitchurch is a small town in Hampshire, England.