Explore Hampshire
/explore-hampshire
South Downs
South Downs. The South Downs National Park is a World Heritage Site covering 570 square miles of southern England. The park contains some of the nation’s most ancient cultural and natural landmarks, including Stonehenge and the flint arrowheads found at "The Devil's Quoit. " Owned by almost 300,000 people who live within the park’s borders, parts of the Landscape were once farmed for centuries before rising sea levels turned them into unnaturally low-lying pastures perfect for grazing sheep.
It’s surprising really that it’s taken so long for the South Downs to be given National Park status, Hampshire Local (hampshirelocal.co.uk). Granted, previous attempts since 2002 had been thwarted by central government insisting upon a flabby ‘Connecting Countryside to Coastal Communities’ name which was roundly despised. From the Wealden Greensand Ridge to the Pevensey Levels, and from Ditchling Beacon to Chanctonbury Ring, the South Down's region of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) contains a diversity of landscapes and habitats including heathland, woodlands and ancient woodland.
The South Downs National Park is home to miles of walking, biking and riding trails. Organise your next family holiday or corporate event with Holiday Lettings, and stay in a seaside retreat with Beachholidays. The beaches in Southsea are short drives away; sailing, rowing and dinghy racing is a water sport staple of the town. Petersfield is the ultimate idyllic village. It has wonderful historic architecture, a vibrant community and an eclectic collection of shops and restaurants.
Cities
The vibrant cultural centres of Portsmouth and Southampton are well known for their bars and night clubs, including the super clubs and restaurants in uber cool Gunwharf Quays. From the hustle and bustle of Southampton to the rural villages of Hampshire is the old world charm of Winchester. The elegant Hampshire Cathedral is famed for its 11th century carvings and Norman architecture, while the city also boasts a lively arts scene with top quality theatres.
With its Gothic Halls, grand period rooms, jewel-encrusted Westminster Abbey Museum, and the grave of Jane Austen at the nearby St Peter’s Church, the historic City of Winchester is famous for its Christ Church Cathedral. Once a bustling royal port town, Portsmouth re-lives its naval past with interactive museums, tours of historic ships and a lively arts scene. It’s situated at the mouth of the River Avon on Hampshire’s southern coast. We have so much to be proud of in Hampshire, from the scenic beauty of the New Forest and South Downs to the city of Southampton, one of the largest conurbations on Britain's south coast.
You'll find that everything you need for a fabulous family day out is here in Hampshire, from traditional seaside fun to major shopping attractions, exciting theatres and cultural traditions to enjoy all year round. Basingstoke is Hampshire’s biggest town and an excellent shopping centre, set in a lovely park. The award winning Museum of the History of Science tells the story of the people who lived and worked in the area. Basingstoke’s biggest claim to fame was being the home of author Jane Austen, who used the scenery and people of Basingstoke as inspiration for her books.
Test Valley
Whether youre celebrating a birthday, anniversary, family gathering or special occasion the Test Valley has plenty to offer. Enjoy the quiet village life and eat out at pubs, restaurants and tea shops. Browse the local antique shops, independent shops and boutiques or take a tour through nearby gardens. Venture further with a day trip to Winchester or go shopping in Southampton. If you prefer staying closer to home there are plenty of great days out near your cottage.
The Test Valley is one of the most beautiful rural areas in Hampshire and perfect for exploring on foot or horseback. Here are our top five walks. In the mystical Test Valley, you can find everything to your desires. The Test Valley is a small region situated in Hampshire, England, halfway between the capital city of London and the New Forest. This area is called the “Test Valley” because this valley was historically used as a water reservoir for various people that resided here.
In this article I will be sharing with you my top five recommendations if you visit the beautiful Test Valley. The Test Valley region is in the south east of England and has much to offer. Visit meadows to spot a butterfly, go fishing or just go for a walk in one of our beautiful parks. Sample mouth-watering fare at a gastro pub, visit la dolce vita style country restaurants or take your pick from more than 100 independent shops.
East Hampshire & South Downs
The Water meadows on the lower reaches of the river Meon are one of the most important habitat for many protected species. The valley has an extraordinary variety of overwintering birds including greylag and pink-footed geese, which use life rafts (2000 in total) which have been put in place by the National Trust to help them survive their trip from Iceland. There can be no doubt that the South Downs National Park is a stunning place to holiday.
Covering nearly 410 square miles and located on the border of Hampshire and West Sussex, this national park has over 180 miles of walking routes which wind their way past pretty villages, rural farms, water meadows and clear streams. With a rich history to discover the stunning High Weald is well worth a visit. After some great days out, East Hampshire and South Downs offer plenty of cosy pubs, great restaurants and wonderful B&Bs to come home to after a long day exploring the area.
For a stretch of 40 miles from Farnham to Winchester the River Meon is the dominant feature in the landscape. The area, which includes Petersfield and Midhurst, is one of tranquil water meadows, rolling chalk streams and a wealth of birdlife. The Meon Valley lies between Petersfield and Winchester in Hampshire, in the south of England. The Meon Valley is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that has views across this beautiful part of Hampshire.
New Forest National Park
The New Forest is an area of ancient woodland covering a large swathe of Hampshire, in the south of England. It is known as one of the best areas for horse riding in the country, as well as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled. It covers an area of almost 6,000 hectares, with a small human population (about 3,400), and around 300 ponies. It's thought to have been used since prehistoric times. It’s also thought that people lived here as far back as 4000 BCE.
This is based on studies by archaeologists at Bournemouth University who have uncovered evidence of neolithic activity (around 4000 BCE) and Bronze Age settlements (1000-700 BCE). They suggest that there were. The New Forest National Park is the largest of nine protected areas in England. Striking out into the forest, you can go cycling, riding or canoeing – or take a peaceful stroll on footpaths that criss-cross the undulating terrain of this picturesque countryside. At dusk, you might even catch sight of flocks of red and fallow deer meandering near the tree line.
To the west of Hampshire, unwind in the historic New Forest, 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. The New Forest National Park is one of the oldest, largest and most beautiful areas of natural beauty in England. The New Forest is an ancient, sprawling landscape that covers an area of over 925 square miles.
North Hampshire
You may have noticed that the home page on NorthHants. gov. uk is looking a little different, but there hasn’t been a major redesign of the site’s look and feel for several years. One of the key aims for this makeover was to make it clearer and more intuitive to use quickly and with mobile internet usage predicted to overtake desktop by 2018, we wanted to make sure people can get where they want to be, when they want to be there.
I came across a blog post over at Jakob’s place, looking for people who were driving an hour or more to get to work. By continuing the discussion on that post, we created this new post. North Hampshire is a great place; it has a lot to do. I’ve been here since 2007 and have always loved it here. While it may be a little quiet at first, it gets busy during festivals, shows, and the summer gets pretty crazy.
This may sound like a strange start to a blog post, but it’s important for two reasons. Firstly, I was born in North Hampshire and want to acknowledge my origins (I will always be proud of my Hampshire roots). Secondly, the name North Hampshire is a strong reminder that there is so much more to SEO than choosing a domain-name you can get registered quickly. [North Hampshire, England] is a township located in the Northwestern part of Hampshire County.
It features one of the highest points in the county, and also includes a lake, a park, and a few historical sites. The settlement was founded in 1753 by American Revolutionary War soldiers, some having served at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Roam over hills and dales by foot, horseback or cycle along a network of country lanes and bridleways taking in the dramatic chalk stream valley of the River Meon. The county town of Winchester is a city with an ancient and fascinating history.
Aldershot
Aldershot has a lot to offer. Since the Victorian times, Aldershot has been associated with military. Today it's not as important as it once was, but remnants remain and it's still a tourist attraction, especially for those interested in the British Army. The town of Aldershot offers a fascinating insight into military history, as well as modern high street shops and a busy nightlife. You should browse this article for details about the town itself or any other surrounding area such as hampshirelocal.co.uk.
Aldershot has the highest density of military museums in Europe with one museum dedicated to each of the following: Royal Green Jackets, Grenadier Guards, The Royal Hampshire Regiment, The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding) The Parachute Regiment, Royal Irish Regiment (36th), Princess Alice’s Royal Regiment, The Connaught Rangers and the Queen’s Royal Hussars. There is also the Army Reserve Centre at Baker Barracks and Fire Station and a major commercial centre in the centre of town including a number of national chain shops.
Aldershot is famous for being the home of the Army Training Regiment, and as such it is steeped in military history. The town was first settled by Saxons in 676AD (yes, around 550 years before William the Conqueror) and was originally called �Ealdredes hoh�. In 771AD, Aldershot fell into the hands of a nobleman named Berhtwulf, who was said to be a warlike man himself. He gave his estate in Aldershot to one of his most feared chieftains as thanks for helping him win a key battle against Wessex.
Aldershot is a town in the county of Hampshire. It lies on heathland known as the North Survey. The town is often referred to as "the home of the British Army". Aldershot has a rich military heritage with connections dating back to the time of Alfred the Great. It is twinned with Sulechów in Poland, Meudon in France and Bad Elster in Germany. It is also famous for its deer park (a large enclosed space where deer are kept) which is just across from it and attracts many tourists each year.
Aldershot, the home of the British Army since 1854, offers an intriguing insight into military history. It's Britain's only Royal Borough with military connections dating back many centuries. Tourist attractions include the Aldershot Military Museum, Wellington Barracks and The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Museum. Aldershot is the home to The Tank Museum, where you can find out more about military history, including the story of the tank itself (sorry "armoured fighting vehicle" if you work for a tank manufacturer).
Andover
An abbey was established in the town in 1182 under the patronage of the Bishop of Salisbury. The first mention of Andover as a trading centre can be found recorded in 1248. Thirteen years later, Henry III confirmed the right to hold a market between Saint Andrew's Day and 25 January, a Thursday. In 1262, a market charter was granted by King Henry III and this has allowed markets to be held continuously more or less ever since.
The name Andover derives from the Old English "Denu Evre" meaning the valley of horses, and some archaeological evidence has been found which suggests human occupation close to 2,500 years ago. The earliest written record of Andover dates from 714, when King Ine of Wessex ordered that a minster (minster) should be built there, after St Ethelbert’s body had been carried there. Borough of Andover. The market town of Andover is located in Hampshire and sits on the River Test.
The Borough of Andover, as the name suggests, takes in a much larger area of the Test Valley and part of the West Hampshire district. Today Andover has a population of around 17,000. It is situated on the edge of the North Hampshire Downs in Hampshire, 10 miles north west of Winchester, and is close to the border of Dorset. I knew Andover from my childhood as a place to go for shopping and it is because of this that I was attracted to record and share some of its history.
Basingstoke
Basingstoke is a large town, with a population of approximately 253,000. It is situated in the south-western part of Hampshire. Basingstoke lies between the River Loddon and River Bourne which merge to form the River Anton. The name Basingstoke means 'stoke'or 'stockade'on the 'Basing'(as in "on the rising ground by the river"). This stony river crossing gave rise to a boom in market gardening under alluvial soils that made ideal growing conditions.
Basingstoke shares borders with the parishes of Bramley, Overton, Crookham Village, Hartley Wintney and Tadley. Its boundaries touch those of Rooksdown. Basingstoke, a town located in Hampshire, is well known for its castle which is situated on the banks of the River Loddon. The town has many charming Georgian buildings and has many open public spaces a few of these include Basing Park and Basing View which offer panoramic views across Hampshire. Within walking distance of Basingstoke railway station and bus depot are various shops as well as cafes and restaurants that serve delicious food.
Basingstoke is a city in southern Hampshire. To the east is the industrial corridor between Basingstoke and Reading, to the west are Salisbury Plain and Stockbridge. Being close to the M3 and M4 motorways, Basingstoke has excellent transport links to London as well as other parts of the south of England. It also has excellent links by both car and train to Oxford, Bristol, Plymouth, Southampton and Portsmouth. Basingstoke is a city in Hampshire. It is part of Hampshire County and considered one of the most affluent cities in the UK.
Basingstoke has excellent transport links to London and other large towns such as Reading and Southampton, so it is suitable for commuters. Basingstoke is a town in Hampshire which sits just 33 miles outside of London. The town has a fabulous range of shops, restaurants and bars for all tastes, with excellent transport links to London and beyond. The imposing flint walls, cobbled streets, twisting alleyways and beautiful cathedral make a visit to this historic city a must.
Emsworth
The fish we catch here come from nearby, from Bridgemary to Cosham, but no one is going to mistake us for a fishing village. Once upon a time tourists were taken on shrimping trips in rowboats, but that was way back in the mid-1930s. Fishing still goes on here today, of course, but only as a secondary job and not as the mainstay of the community. Emsworth’s heritage is more important these days than fishing and shrimping; it’s something that helps make the town distinctive.
Emsworth is steeped in history. Plautius, the Roman general, landed at Chichester (then known as Novus Portus) in AD 43 and went on to subdue much of the country. By AD 47 he was given the title Britannicus for his efforts in securing Britain for Rome. A chain was stretched across the entrance to the harbour to prevent interference by pirates, and Emsworth’s earliest residents earned their living from the sea. Emsworth has been used in several television programmes including Agatha Raisin, Midsomer Murders and Miss Marple.
The harbour attracts a variety of vessels with the village dockside being especially busy during the summer months. It also has extensive open spaces and woodland parks. Emsworth, located in the far east of Hampshire, 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. Emsworth, a charming and pretty village in the far east of Hampshire, is famous for its historic Harbour, Georgian houses, narrow streets and a picturesque red brick water mill.
Farnborough
Farnborough also has a long history of being the place where trade deals have been made and partnerships created. This is where the global aerospace and defence industry does much of its business. Much of the business that has been done has helped develop the area, whether it was aircraft development, airliner manufacturing or military equipment. Farnborough now acts as a service industry to support these defence companies and their military contracts around the world.
But this is only part of what makes Farnborough such a great place to live. Farnborough will also be hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games on July 23 and July 30, 2018. But for many people who live in our constituency, Farnborough town centre is an important area for shopping, eating out or having a drink or two. It is home to a number of popular independent shops, thriving restaurants and bars.
There are several new developments in and around the town centre which are delivering more choice for residents and businesses. The Farnborough International Airshow 2013 at Farnborough Airfield is an extravaganza of aircraft, air traffic controllers, defence firms, aircraft designers and enthusiasts. One of the world’s largest airshows, every two years the show attracts thousands of visitors who wet their appetite for the aviation industry as well as hordes of company exhibitors who want to show their wares to a worldwide audience.
Farnborough has been a busy market town for hundreds of years and was one of the largest and wealthiest in Hampshire. It is also believed that Benedictine monks built a chapel here around AD 971. Settlers flocked to the area attracted by flint, gravel and clay which was immensely useful for making bricks, building homes and crafts. The Farnborough Airshow is the world's largest and longest running event of its kind. Since its inception in the 1950s, it has held on an annual basis.
Hayling Island
In the last 30 years Hayling Island has undergone a remarkable transformation from a run down, old-fashioned pleasure resort to a year-round sports and leisure complex. Kingfishers has been playing a major role in this renaissance by providing new facilities and opportunities for all ages to enjoy. The complex now boasts several indoor swimming pools, an outdoor heated pool, two grass tennis courts, two grass indoor bowling greens, an outdoor bowls green, playgrounds, adventure play areas and a multi-million pound sports centre.
My favourite place of all time is Hayling Island. I have been going to the beach here since I was two years old and over the years, I’ve enjoyed watching it grow and develop. From being a small group of holiday chalets surrounded by sand dunes, to becoming one of the largest family resort destinations in the UK, the resort has changed a lot. One thing that remains constant is how great it is to visit this special place.
A summer holiday on Hayling Island is a great choice for families. The island is just off the south coast of England near Chichester and Portsmouth. It has 20 miles of unspoilt coastline with sandy beaches, plenty of 19th-century attractions set in gardens, and lots to do in the surrounding countryside. This year's show was held in July and featured a range of aviation-related exhibitions from commercial airlines to giant aviation companies such as Airbus and Boeing.
Petersfield
The ancient market town of Petersfield lies within the South Downs National Park and has twice-weekly markets and a vibrant music and art scene. It also has great air quality, good value property, three sushi restaurants, one microbrewery and some lovely walks. It scored 3rd in Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey behind Zurich and Vienna but ahead of Prague, Paris and Dublin. Here are a few more very good reasons to set up home here.
Petersfield is an ancient market town, noted for being the early home of James Wilson, one of the signatories to the American Declaration of Independence. Located within the South Downs National Park, Petersfield lies on the River Rother by, what has been described as "the loveliest village green in England. " Petersfield has twice-weekly markets, a vibrant music and art scene and attracts hundreds to its annual Food Festival. Known as the gateway to the South Downs, Petersfield lies within easy reach of Portsmouth and Southampton.
It is a market town at the heart of rural Hampshire where you can enjoy independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants on 2 weekly markets. There are so many things to do in Petersfield: you could visit the local art galleries or head out for an adventure on your bike, taking in stunning views along the way. If you’ve never heard of Petersfield then you’re missing out! You can find it within the southern most part of Hampshire, in the beautiful rolling South Downs.
Alton
For Sale By Private Treaty: Alton, Hampshire. A very nice semi-detached three bedroom house in the centre of the town. The property is being sold with NO ONWARD CHAIN and comes with no repairs to make. Lovely red brick walls and a light coloured roof give it the traditional feel of an English country cottage but inside is more spacious than you would expect from the exterior. It has a large kitchen/dining room and a lounge on the first floor with wooden floors, fresh white paintwork and new curtains.
Two bedrooms are located on the ground floor both with new carpets. The bathroom is modern, fully tiled with a shower over the bath added to increase its appeal. There is off-road parking for several vehicles. Riversleigh has plenty to offer in terms of history and natural treasures. The Heritage Centre, located within St. Mary's Parish Church, provides fascinating information about the town's history and its famous residents such as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Local well-researched exhibits provide an insight into Alton's past and the heritage of the town and surrounding area for visitors and local residents alike. The centre puts on a variety of events throughout the year including guided walks of Alton Town Centre, one of which is called 'The Trail of the Flood', during which visitors are taken on a journey through Alton's interesting past. Alton has a thriving market town centre with many shops, cafes and public houses.
A wide variety of retailers can be found in and around the town centre including supermarkets (Tesco), eateries (Nando’s), clothing (River Island), banks (Natwest) and opticians (Specsavers). The town centre is well served by bus links to surrounding villages within the area such as Farnham, Hindhead, Haslemere and Liphook. Alton is quite a large town with a population of 27,000 and sprawls out along the banks of the River Alton. The thriving market town has many fine shops, arcades, pubs and tea rooms to explore.
The Alton Towers theme park is just outside the town and there is also plenty to see at the nearby National Trust property at Shugborough Hall. Alton, a market town in Hampshire, is located on the River Alre and offers both a historic feel as well as modern shops and arcades. Regular Tuesday markets and other markets and fairs throughout the year make it a popular tourist destination. It’s a bustling yet quaint market town which has had people flocking to it for more than 900 years.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge is a genteel town whose reputation can be dated back to its golden age – the Victorian/Edwardian era. Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Hampshire, Stockbridge was then a haven for successful businessmen in London who wanted somewhere quiet to escape. It was here that they constructed large detached villas, many with prominent towers and spires, and elegant cottages with elaborate chimneys. In addition, Stockbridge became popular with the rich and famous for its prestigious shopping, golf course and leisure pursuits.
Stockbridge is a town in Hampshire, England that is known for its riverside scenery and fishing. The River Test flows under Stockbridge high street and you can catch a glimpse of trout there, if you are lucky. Founded in 1882, the Houghton Club is the oldest fishing club in England and is based in the town. The River Test meanders along Stockbridge and is one of the best trout fishing rivers in England. This region has a long military history with camps dating back over 3000 years.
Whitchurch
Whitchurch is a great place to set up your business. The town offers easy access to motorway routes and Southampton and Bournemouth airports. Whitchurch has its own station close by which is situated on the London Waterloo to Southampton mainline making it easy for visitors to travel around. The newly built Kestrel Park is due for completion this year, bringing with it a new business park developing 1500 high-spec jobs. A new mobile phone network (EE) has also chosen Whitchurch to be one of their first locations in the UK.
Whitchurch lies north-northeast of Andover on the River Test. The town is bordered on its northern side by the Downs and on its southern by the floodplains of the river of which it takes its name. The economy of the town is built around farming and tourism, with an emphasis on organic food and local produce. The new £1. 7 million Whitchurch Bridge was built in 2001 and crosses the river Test into the centre of town.
The bridge and its facilities have brought a great deal of development to the area directly opposite the Main Street and alongside Whitchurch Harbour. Whitchurch is the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. First recorded in 860, Whitchurch was granted its Royal Charter by King Henry III in 1228. The remains of these can be seen at Vespasian's Camp near Salisbury. The River Test is named after one of the tributaries which meet at Bizzells Mill.
Hamble Le Rice
Since the fifteenth century, passing boats have been making their way up Southampton Water to dock at Hamble. Straddling the mouth of the River Hamble, this working and residential harbor is host to over fifty moored yachts; some are privately owned while others are for charter and offer cruises to tourists. Culture flows through the port like a tidal river, with both fishing and pleasure boats staying for a few days or a few months before taking off again.
With something for everyone there is much to see and do in Hamble village with its many restaurants serving local fresh seafood, bars, pubs and cozy boutique hotels. Place a pin in your map. or use your mouse to drag the map around. and start exploring. Hamble le R…e…. i…s a picturesque village, but unlike many other quaint villages, it has a special marine heritage. We…l. c. o.
m…e. If you’re looking for a charming East Sussex village to visit, look no further than Hamble. Featuring the River Hamble and the Solent, this Kent-facing village is brimming with things to do and see. For many, the name Hamble conjures up images of marinas, yachts and St Elmo’s fire. But for lovers of sailing and boating, it is much more than that. It’s paradise on earth. In August 2014, I took a trip around England with my family.
