Camping in Hampshire - A List of Hampshire Campsites

Campsite List
Campsite Map
About Hampshire
Tourist attractions in Hampshire

More about camping in Hampshire

Hampshire borders with 5 other counties and is only 50 miles from London in the south of England. The county town is Winchester. Winchester's main landmark is the cathedral, one of the largest in England and is the longest Cathedral in Europe. The grave of Jane Austen can be found here. Jane Austen lived in Winchester for a short time before her death. She also lived in Chawton and it was here that she wrote all her 6 novels. A museum is now on the site of her home, and open to the public.

Portsmouth and Southampton have many reminders of when England ruled the waves. Southampton is the largest city in the county, set on the south coast. It is a major port and some of the largest cruise ships in the world dock in Southampton waters. The QE2 mile is a pedestrian route running through the heart of the city, linking parks, shops and the waterfront. It is the most visited part of the city.

Portsmouth is home to the Royal navy. HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and The Mary Rose are all found in the historic dockyard. The Spinnaker Tower is a viewing platform across the water, with the 3rd deck open to the elements.
The New Forest is a protected area of heath land and famous for its ponies which can be seen grazing freely.

Lymington is a port on the Solent. The cobbled streets and world famous regattas make it popular with tourists. Beaulieu is set in the heart of the New Forest. It is home to the National Motor museum, which houses a priceless collection of over 250 vehicles.

The Isle of Wight is the largest island in England, located on the English Channel off the South coast. It is known for its sailing, and has been a much loved holiday destination since Victorian times. Queen Victoria built her summer residence here at Osborne House, which is open to the public.

Things to do in Hampshire

Less than 100 miles from London by road, Hampshire remains relatively little-known. The coast, particularly the Portsmouth area, has a strong naval tradition, while Winchester and Aldershot have strong links with the Army, including the Royal Green Jackets and the Army Medical Services respectively.

There are dozens of glorious stately homes and villas dotted around the countryside, from Rockbourne Roman Villa to Highclere Castle, the film location for the hit TV series Downton Abbey. The county as a whole is steeped in history, and legend has it that Winchester Cathedral is home to King Arthur's Round Table.

If you decide to make the Portsmouth area your base, then a trip up the Spinnaker Tower is a must, especially on a clear day. Take a tour around the historic Dockyard for a glimpse into the area's naval past, from Tudor times to the Battle of Trafalgar. Just over the water in Gosport, the Submarine Museum and Explosion! offer a great day out for the whole family. If you need a break from all that history, then Gunwharf Quays offers shopping, leisure or simply the chance to watch the world go by at one of the harbourside restaurants.

The county has excellent restaurants everywhere, so whether it's Nepalese, Thai, French, Italian, afternoon tea or hearty Hampshire fare you're seeking, you'll find it here.

For those who want to shop and dine in style, Southampton offers modern malls and excellent nightlife; or take a ferry from Portsmouth, Southampton or the New Forest to the Isle of Wight for a day trip to one of England's prettiest islands.

If you need a break from the coast, then head inland to the New Forest. Leave the car behind and hire a bike or venture out on horseback for a totally different view of the countryside. Lyndhurst and Lymington are old-style small towns with quirky and original shops and pubs. Nearby Bealiueu houses the National Motor Museum as well as the Abbey Ruins and a stately home: a great place to spend the day for everyone.

If literature appeals to you, visit Charles Dickens' home in Portsmouth or Jane Austen's final home at Alton, both offering a fascinating glimpse into their life and times. If your idea of fun is to be in with the action, then take a sailing or fishing trip from Portsmouth or Fareham, or play a round of golf or two at Liphook. Shopping, history, sport and leisure: this quiet county has it all.