Destinations / England /
Hampshire
- Hampshire could be called the birthplace of England. With a beautiful landscape encompassing seaside resorts, chalk downs, open pasture and deep woodland, not to mention the birthplace of the armed forces, a huge contribution to culture, industry and the home of the original nation's capital, you'll find a distillation of all that is English in the Hampshire landscape.
- Holiday cottages in Hampshire offer an equal amount of variety in things to see, do and places to stay. Explore the region's influence on English culture and industry through the history of Austen, Dickens and Brunel - three of Hampshire's most famous former residents. Alternatively, appreciate the land itself by stretching your legs in the New Forest, or enjoying that typical British pastime: a holiday beside the seaside.
Looking for a particular destination?
If your ideal destination is not listed below, simply find it on the map to the right and click on the nearest green pin.
- Salisbury Plain is one of the biggest draws for people on a holiday cottage break in Wiltshire. With its expansive green plateaux and wide-open skyline, the plain has attracted visitors for thousands of years -the most notable example of this is the incredible Stonehenge monument. Visitors are welcome to observe this feat of natural engineering and decide what it was for...a holiday cottage for early man perhaps?
- Salisbury Cathedral itself is no less impressive. With the tallest spire and largest cloister in the UK, not to mention the world's oldest clock and one of only four copies of the original Magna Carta, the cathedral is a huge draw for visitors seeking a taste of history on their holiday cottage break. As well as guided tours of the tower and the chance to explore the cathedral at your own pace, there is a refectory restaurant for refreshment before you continue your adventure.
- If you'd rather be beside the seaside on your holiday cottage break then a visit to Portsmouth and its historic dockyard is a must. As well as experiencing the fresh sea air, visitors can board a number of historic ships to see what life at sea was like all those years ago. If you'd rather explore maritime history from dry land then the dockyard also features a number of museums and activity centres. For more recent displays of architectural wizardry, visit the incredible Spinaker tower, a 170 metre tall visitor attraction overlooking the harbour and the Solent shipping route.
- Click here for more info with GoLocal Gems>>
- Things We Love Most About…Hampshire
- ‘The landscape! Beautiful, varied and a pleasure to explore.’
- ‘The heritage! Discover architectural and industrial wonders galore.’
- ‘The culture! Dickens, Austen and a packed schedule of events.’
- ‘The food! Fine dining and great local produce.’
- 5 Favourite…Literary Locations in Hampshire
- The Curtis Museum, Alton - Follow the museum's Jane Austen Trail.
- Jane Austen House and Museum, Chawton - Visit Austen's former home.
- Steventon Church - Visit the small village church where Austen worshipped.
- Winchester Cathedral - Austen's resting place.
- Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum - Look round Dicken's former home in Portsmouth.
-
England Guides
-
Country Guides