Why Visit Hampshire, UK?

If you’re planning a visit to the UK this year,  you’ll probably want to go somewhere that has history, nature, culture and beaches. And there’s no better example of all these things packed into one county than in Hampshire.  From the bustling shops of Basingstoke in the north to the glorious expanse of the New Forest in the south, there are so many things to do in Hampshire that it’s difficult to know where to start.

Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England, UK by WyrdLight.com

Luckily, I’m here to tell you! As a native Wintonian, I can recommend the city of Winchester as a great starting place.  It used to be the capital of Wessex, so it is full of history and at one time, its elegant cathedral was the most important in the country, seeing the weddings of royalty (such as Mary I) as well as the funerals of great cultural icons (such as Jane Austen). The cathedral is still in perfect condition today, thanks to a repair job by a diver at the start of the 20^th century and is well worth a visit. Winchester also has a number of historical monuments, such as the Buttercross and the obelisk and the Great Hall, containing King Arthur’s Round Table.

Outside Winchester, there are several stretches of beautiful countryside, such as the South Downs, setting of the novel “Watership Down”, and if you head down the M3 past Southampton, you’ll find the New Forest – National Park and former royal hunting ground.  Southampton itself is not to be missed, with extensive shopping opportunities, from the huge West Quays shopping centre to smaller independent shops around the Bargate (once a gate into the city). It’s also home to the famous docks, from which the Titanic set sail, and several points of historical interest, such as the old city wall and the Tudor House.

Seven Sisters, Hampshire Downs, England, UK by Edward Dalmulder

Going east from Southampton, you’ll find its long-time rival Portsmouth, whose dockyards are as historically significant as Southampton’s own. There you can find Nelson’s flagship, the HMS Victory as well as HMS Warrior and Henry VIII’s ship the Mary Rose, which sank and was only raised thirty years ago. The Mary Rose has recently been moved to a new museum, and it’s a fascinating insight into life aboard the Tudor vessel and the story of her loss and restoration. Portsmouth also has a fantastic outlet village at Gunwharf Quays, where you can find designer brands at bargain prices, an aquarium and several museums, including the birthplace of Charles Dickens. And if you’re just looking to relax by the sea, there is a beautiful beach nearby at Southsea, where bands play in the bandstand during the summer months.

So, whether it’s culture, history, nature or beaches  you’re looking for, Hampshire has it all. It has its own airport, just outside Southampton, but is also within easy reach of Heathrow and Gatwick and a short train ride from London Waterloo. Add a trip to Hampshire to your summer itinerary this year!

Tags: england, Hampshire

Category: Travel Tips, United Kingdom