4 of the Best Things to Do in Hampshire
Hampshire's beautiful countryside, running from England's southern coast up through to Berkshire and Surrey, makes up an attractive tapestry of enchanting postcard scenery. Pretty towns nestled in green valleys and ancient seaside cliffs rise above pristine beaches; this is the land of thatched roofs, iconic stately homes and cheery village greens.
Amongst it all, there's an enticing collection of days out to be had—perfect for history lovers, culture hounds, and families. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best things to do in Hampshire—from exploring historic architecture to getting out in nature.
1. Visit the Real-Life Downton Abbey
Few historical dramas have captured the public imagination in recent years quite like the travails of the Crawley Family in Downton Abbey. While the fictional Downton Abbey is set in Yorkshire, the iconic titular abbey is, in fact, one of Hampshire's most famous stately homes: the elegant Highclere Castle.
Around five miles from Newbury, Highclere Castle is built in the timeless Jacobethan style and is the country seat of the Earl of Carnarvon. As a day out, Highclere Castle offers up a delectable opportunity for fans of Downton Abbey to delve behind the scenes with tailor-made tours of the residence. For others, the Capability Brown designed gardens are a delight to explore with their striped lawns and classically inspired fountains.
2. Discover the World's Wildlife at Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo, just outside Winchester, is one of the best zoos in the UK. It was the first European zoo to place a concrete focus on conservation, and as a result, its wildlife population is incredibly diverse—with some of its inhabitants being among the last of their kind.
Giraffes, snow leopards, gila monsters, otters, white rhinos, and tigers are just some examples of animals you’ll find at Marwell Zoo. Each part of the park provides an informative and eye-opening day for adults and children alike, and five adventure playgrounds provide a break for kids who are looking for a more hands-on experience.
An engaging calendar of interactive events means there’s fun to be had at this marvellous 140-acre wildlife park all year round.
3. Head For the Beach
Hampshire isn't all green valleys and God's own country. The southern regions and shorelines are made up of attractive beaches which curl around the headlands and coves of England's coastline.
Milford on Sea's beach houses with their brightly coloured doors overlook golden sands and a gentle waterline, while Lepe's shingle beach in the New Forest National Park is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for kitesurfing and windsurfing opportunities.
Across the sea, the various islands which speckle the waters also provide a fantastic day out. Hayling Island is the best bet for family-orientated beach days; the island can be easily accessed by the Royal Bridge at Langstone.
4. Wander the Historic Streets of Winchester
Winchester, to put it mildly, is packed full of history and intrigue. Originally a Roman settlement, Winchester has seen and played a part in almost every chapter in England's past, and a day out in this historic city is one of the best things to do in Hampshire today.
The magnificent Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest in Europe—a towering Norman and Gothic monument which is the final resting place for renowned author Jane Austen.
Meanwhile, a walk through the city along the River Itchen is a nostalgic journey through an England of days gone by, with stone bridges crossing over to the cheerful inns which straddle the banks. A pedestrianised centre makes shopping a breeze and a host of independent eateries have their doors open to entertain and satisfy.
Find Your Perfect Hampshire Home With Berkeley Group
With so much to see and do, Hampshire has a lot to offer anyone who wants to escape the endless buzz of city life or who wants to raise a family.
At Berkeley Group, we have an excellent selection of properties in Hampshire available now, with diverse options sure to satisfy all needs.
Find out more about Berkeley Group or get in touch for more information.