10 Places To Visit in Hampshire That You’ll Love in 2024

Home to a real world game of thrones, Winchester Cathedral was once the centre of Anglo-Saxon and Normal royal power. William the Conqueror, Mary Tudor and Prince Philip of Spain all based themselves at Winchester, which boasts impressive architecture, priceless treasures and works of art. Head below ground to find the early Norman crypt or climb the Cathedral Tower for stunning views across Winchester.

Relive the golden age of steam at this heritage railway which heads through the impressive Hampshire countryside and overlooks the South Downs National Park. Four heritage railway stations are waiting to be explored and Harry Potter fans can tread the famous King Cross footbridge at Ropley. Special events, from Wizard Week to Steam Illuminations, are held throughout the year making this one of the best places to visit in Hampshire.

Bring grandparents and grandchildren together for a day remembering/discovering the years gone by. History comes alive in immersive, life-sized recreations of life from Victorian times through to the 30s and 40s. Youngsters can stop by the 1940s-style sweet shop while over-18s can enjoy a pint at The Baverstock Arms. There are plenty of special events throughout the year but don’t miss their famous indoor Christmas Market.

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, the Queen Elizabeth Country Park holds over 2,000 acres of downland and woodland to explore and enjoy. Not far from Old Thorns, Butser Hill car park is a stunning spot to watch the sunset over the South Downs National Park. A viewpoint that boasts panoramic vistas over the Hampshire border.

Follow in literary legend Jane Austen’s footsteps at her house in the village of Chawton near Alton. Discover an inspiring Hampshire cottage where Austen wrote and revised her six beloved novels, seeing up close her writing table, letters and first-edition novels. Next door is Chawton House, home of Jane’s older brother Edward, where visitors can wander the grounds and find further early Austen works in the extensive library.

There’s only one place to experience Peppa Pig World and that’s in Hampshire. Families with young toddlers keen to meet Peppa and George will have five acres of fully-themed fun to explore. But that’s not the only place at Paultons Theme Park; journey back to the land of the dinosaurs at Lost Kingdom, discover the savannah in Little Africa and get an adrenaline rush at Tornado Springs. One of the best places to visit in Hampshire for a fun family day out.

Few cities have more naval history than Portsmouth. Step on board Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior, take a peek through Cold War submarine HMS Alliance’s working periscope and study the relics of Tudor ship, The Mary Rose. There are various museums covering all aspects of seafaring life across the city and special events during the year to match - from a Sea Shanty Night to an 1860s Christmas on the HMS Warrior.

Following the old routes and droveways along chalk escarpments and ridges, the South Downs Way National Trail is the best place to visit in Hampshire for long-distance cycling. With 100 miles of trail to explore, the undulating route between Eastbourne and Winchester takes around 3 days in total. However, it’s also possible to explore in sections for day trips and short breaks.

To the south of Hampshire, the New Forest, famous for its iconic ponies and roaming cattle, is well worth a visit. If you’re there during Autumn, you’ll also get to experience one of Britain’s ancient annual traditions. Pannage is the Commoners right to free their domestic pigs to roam the woodlands. The pigs scour the forest eating up acorns and other nuts that are poisonous to ponies and cattle. Over 600 pigs will released into the forest making for a unique sight.

Our very own hotel golf course means that you don’t have to go far for a relaxing weekend. Set among the woodlands and moorlands of the Hampshire countryside, the Old Thorns golf course offers a new enjoyable challenge on every hole. Beginning and experienced golfers alike can find a thrilling game with the comforts of Old Thorns not far away.

Easily accessible from London and the South, Old Thorns Hotel and Resort offers a relaxing escape for everyone. Whether it’s a weekend away with friends, an overnight golf break or a relaxing spa getaway, Old Thorns has a bedroom, self-catering apartment or eco pod waiting for you. To explore the best places to visit in Hampshire, book your stay at Old Thorns.