With its miles of stunning coastline Hampshire is the ideal destination for people after a bit of sun, sea and sand. Hampshire is a hit with families thanks to the huge number of child friendly attractions in its cities, although there are also quiet country villages perfect for a romantic break and places close to popular walking routes; and since the Isle of Wight is just off the coast of Hampshire and is packed with exciting things to do it’s definitely worth considering as your holiday destination.
The HMS Victory at the Historic Dockyard
1. Portsmouth
Portsmouth certainly checks all of the boxes when it comes to fun filled days out. Home to the oldest dry dock still in use, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has some of England’s most iconic ships on display – HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the remains of the Mary Rose. Apart from exploring Portsmouth’s naval roots you can also go shopping at the Gunwharf Quays shopping centre and travel to the top of the 170-metre high Spinnaker Tower.
Medieval walls in Southampton
2. Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire and contains some of the oldest medieval walls in England. Southampton’s history is covered in its many museums, such as The God’s House Tower House of Archaeology, The Maritime Museum, Tudor House & Garden and Westgate Hall. For another view of Southampton spend a night on the town and enjoy the city’s array of clubs, pubs and bars.
Winchester Cathedral
3. Winchester
Another historic Hampshire city is Winchester, once called Wessex during Anglo-Saxon times. You can tour the medieval Winchester Cathedral and Cathedral Close, as well as the city’s castles – Winchester Castle and Wolvesey Castle.
Festival Place shopping centre in Basingstoke
4. Basingstoke
In Basingstoke you’ll find shops galore in Festival Place and The Malls, two of the city’s shopping centres. There are designer shops, high-end jewellery shops, busy markets and loads of independent shops. Attractions in Basingstoke include the Willis Museum and numerous pubs and clubs.
Fareham town centre
5. Fareham
Fareham’s central location between Southampton and Portsmouth makes it a popular holiday spot, and you’ll find things to do in the town and nearby. You can go shopping on the High Street, where you can admire the attractive Georgian architecture; dine out at one of Fareham’s restaurants or go clubbing.
Alton
6. Alton
Alton, famous for its connections with Georgian novelist Jane Austen, is an unassuming town in East Hampshire and contains a number of B&Bs and holiday cottages. Despite its quiet country fee, you’ll find a good collection of shops in the town centre, as well as lots of pubs with locally brewed real ale and beer on tap.
One of the walking routes in Brockenhurst
7. Brockenhurst
Walkers will love staying in Brockenhurst as it’s actually located in the New Forest National Park and so there are loads of walks for you to go on. To explore the countryside in a different way take a trip on the Lymington Branch Line, a heritage railway that runs from Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier.
Sandown Bay beach in Shanklin
8. Shanklin
For a seaside holiday head to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, where you can relax in the sun on Sandown Bay beach. You can also walk parts of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path for amazing sea-views or book a table at one of the fine restaurants in the resort.
Ventnor Beach
9. Ventnor
Ventnor is another popular seaside location, and apart from the family-friendly Ventnor Beach you’ll also find many antiques shops in the town centre and the beautiful Ventnor Botanic Garden.
Farnborough Airshow
10. Farnborough
The famed Farnborough Airshow, held every other year, has helped to put this little town on the map and aviation enthusiasts flock to it. There are flying displays and exhibitions at the airshow, although you can also go shopping in the town centre and visit the gothic-styled St Michael’s Abbey.
Photo credits: Peter Beaven, Malcolm Grant, Pam Brophy, ‘scillystuff, Colin Babb, Andrew Michaels, Peter Facey, Christine Matthews, Chris Downer and ‘DIUSGOVUK’
