Hampshire: Chalk Hills, Forests and Heritage

Chalk hills and dry valleys shape the South Downs National Park, while the New Forest offers a different landscape of woodland, heathland and river valleys. The cultural attractions are just as varied: Chawton is home to Jane Austen’s last residence, while Winchester brings together cathedral architecture and medieval history. Hampshire is considered a diverse county with urban, coastal and rural areas.

Landscapes and trails

The South Downs National Park covers around 1,600 square kilometres, stretching from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. Its chalk hills and dry valleys run through Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex. The hilltops offer walkers and cyclists far-reaching panoramic views. The park is home to rare species such as nightjars, silver-spotted skippers and adders.

The New Forest covers 566 square kilometres, with extensive woodland and heathland as well as river valleys. Deer, ponies and cattle roam freely across the ancient heaths and through the woods. The national park has more than 140 miles of trails and footpaths. Across the county, Hampshire has 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, extending across two national parks.

Hampshire’s public rights of way include footpaths and bridleways, as well as restricted byways. Byways open to all traffic, which grant the public a right of way, are also included. Restrictions may apply to individual routes, so check the conditions for the route in question when planning your trip.

Coast and activities

The Solent refers to Hampshire’s southern coastal area and includes Portsmouth and Southampton. Beachlands on Hayling Island is considered suitable for paddling and sea swimming. In Calshot, an RYA training centre offers windsurfing courses and experiences for all ability levels. Activities and availability may change; check current options in advance.

In central Southampton, the SeaCity Museum explores the city’s maritime history and its historic connections to the Titanic and the sea. Its interactive displays are suitable for all ages. The museum experience complements Hampshire’s nature and coastal attractions with an urban perspective on the county’s maritime history.

Literature and architecture

Jane Austen’s House in Chawton was the writer’s last home. There, she wrote and revised six of her novels. Visitors can explore the house and cottage garden and take part in hands-on activities. Activities on offer may change.

Winchester Cathedral contains an early Norman crypt. It has the longest nave and the greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Winchester’s Great Hall was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Henry III and is one of England’s most significant surviving medieval halls. The legendary Round Table of King Arthur is displayed on one of the end walls. Free guided tours take place at regular intervals throughout the day, subject to demand. Check the latest tour information before your visit.

Mills and museum visits

Whitchurch Silk Mill is a working museum in a silk mill built in 1815, still weaving in its original building. It is considered the oldest silk mill of its kind in England. Visitors can watch the looms and waterwheel in operation and view changing exhibitions; visitor offerings may change.

The Milestones Museum in Basingstoke displays more than 40 carefully restored historic vehicles, including the only surviving Portsmouth tram. The collection also includes more than 40,000 objects and offers insight into how people in Basingstoke and the surrounding area used to live, work, shop and travel. Costumed performers and demonstrations bring Hampshire’s past to life at the museum. The items currently on display may change.

When choosing a base, you can focus on the experiences you want to shape your trip: trails and landscapes, literature and architecture, or maritime history.

More destinations

Explore more destinations: Barton on Sea, Whitsbury, Micheldever, Litchfield, Cheriton, Abbotts Ann, Rockbourne, Penton Mewsey, Sarisbury Green, Hamble-Le-Rice, Hartley Wintney, Froxfield, Fleet, North Waltham, Damerham, Steep, Micheldever Station, East Tisted, Houghton, Breamore, Lee-On-The-Solent, Fordingbridge, Littleton, Rowlands Castle, Gosport, Fareham, Emsworth, Eastleigh, Clanfield, Cadnam, Swanmore, Sutton Scotney, Stockbridge, South Hayling, Shedfield, Rotherwick, Romsey, Ringwood, Plaitford, New Milton, Milford On Sea, Lyndhurst, Liphook, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Horndean, Hook, Heckfield, Havant, Farnborough, Burley, Brockenhurst, Crondall, Whitehill, Twyford, Sherfield On Loddon, Overton, West Wellow, Wickham, Fair Oak, Alresford, Wolverton, Monk Sherborne, Titchfield, Beaulieu, Basingstoke, Andover, Aldershot, Yateley, Eversley, Hound, Totton, Stroud, Lower Froyle, Alton, Tadley, Botley, Hythe, St Mary Bourne, Kingsclere, Thruxton, Petersfield, Netley Marsh, Nursling, Bransgore, Oakley, Exton, Waterlooville, East Meon, Buriton, Hedge End, Winchester, Kilmeston, Sherfield English, Herriard, Bartley, Bordon, Martin, Boldre, Bishop's Waltham, Liss, Hambledon, Sandleheath, Hordle, Hayling Island, Ellingham

For the broader travel overview: South East England.