Amazing Attractions in Hampshire
20th February 2024 | 5 minute read
Hampshire is truly the county that has it ALL! From stunning countryside to award-winning beaches to designer shopping outlets to AMAZING attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy when they visit our historic county just a short drive from London. Stay at Old Thorns Hotel for the perfect base to explore the local area before recharging in our hotel equipped with restaurants, bars, spa and a golf course.
Read on to find out some of our team's favourite attractions in the local area.
Please note: we are in no way affiliated with any of these attractions and visiting these is done so at your own accord.
If you are looking for a bit of retail therapy, visiting the designer outlet Gunwharf should definitely be on your list! Located on the waterfront in Portsmouth with incredible stores, plenty of restaurants, bars and activities, this is a great way to spend a day out when you stay at Old Thorns. You can even take a trip to the top of the iconic Spinnaker Tower which offers incredible views over the solent.
Car: 35 mins
Train: Liphook - Portsmouth Harbour 49 mins
Are you a fan of Pride & Prejudice and the magic of Jane Austen? You'll find the home of Jane Austen in the beautiful village of Chawton, just a 20 minute drive away from Old Thorns. Explore the home in which she wrote, revised and published some of her most well-known novels including Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice & Emma. As well as stepping back into the 1800s inside the house, this quaint village also offers beautiful walks and cosy pubs.
Car: 20 mins
Fancy a gin tipple? Explore where the legendary gin Bombay Sapphire is made and distilled and learn all about its origins and history. Learn how to make delicious gin cocktails and the fascinating processes plus everything that happens behind the scenes!
Car / taxi: 55 mins
Did you know the home of the Royal Navy is in Portsmouth, just a 35-minute drive from our Hampshire hotel? Take a visit and explore Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you'll find HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and The Mary Rose Museum, where the recovered remains of Henry VIII's dramatically sunken ship have been restored. You can also go on a harbour tour and get up close to the modern Royal Navy aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates.
Car: 35 mins
We are so lucky that our hotel is located on the doorstep of the South Downs National Park. Just by walking 5 minutes outside of the hotel, you'll be in the South Downs! Stretching across 3 counties, with over 3,300km of footpaths, bridleways and byways, there is so much to explore in this area of outstanding natural beauty and we'd suggest a visit during your stay at Old Thorns! Whether you are looking for the perfect picnic spot, great views, short strolls in the countryside or epic hikes, you'll find what you are looking for here! Nearby, you'll find Queen Elizabeth Country Park, with bikes for hire, trails for everyone, BBQ areas and a great viewpoint from the top of Butser Hill.
Car to QECP: 14 mins
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.
Stay with us for a few days for the perfect Hampshire staycation. Enjoy a day of exploring the amazing attractions in Hampshire and the local area, then return to Old Thorns for delicious dining, a dip in the pool, pampering spa treatment or even a couple of cocktails in the Atrium Cocktail Bar! The perfect hotel for your Hampshire getaway, or why not try our self catering apartments offering a great view over the golf course.
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