Hampshire

A historic county in southern England, offering a leisurely cultural journey through the ancient capital of Winchester, the New Forest, and Jane Austen's House.

Hampshire is located on the southern coast of England. Its county town, Winchester, was once the ancient capital of England and features Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall housing King Arthur's Round Table, and the Hospital of St Cross. Literature and film buffs can visit Jane Austen's House in Chawton and Highclere Castle, the filming location for Downton Abbey. The New Forest National Park offers open woodlands, with Lyndhurst, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive ideal for walking and cycling, alongside Beaulieu and Buckler's Hard. Families can enjoy Paultons Park. Spring to autumn is the best time to visit. Gateways include Southampton Airport, with Winchester easily accessible by train from London.

Destinations

• New Forest
• Winchester
• Portsmouth

Itineraries

• Hampshire to Dorset South Coast – Head west along the south coast: historic capital, naval dockyard, Isle of Wight, New Forest, and the Jurassic Coast.