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.
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