Holiday homes & rentals in Hampshire

A holiday cottage in Hampshire is the perfect way to explore this southern English county. Being a coastal region it has a great affinity with the nautical and there are several museums dedicated to this. Southampton and Portsmouth both offer a cosmopolitan vibe, while the many smaller towns and villages are great for those seeking something a little more peaceful. From the natural beauty of the New Forest, to a day trip to the Isle of Wight or historical Winchester, there is much to explore in stunning Hampshire.

Getting to your Hampshire holiday cottage

Hampshire is a large county but it is likely that you will arrive in one of the two major cities; Southampton or Portsmouth. Both cities can be reached by regular train connections to London, at least once an hour to each destination. From here you can connect to several smaller towns and villages in Hampshire to reach your holiday letting. The M23 and M7 are two of the major roads which serve Hampshire.

Weather in Hampshire: enjoy the summer sun in Hampshire

Hampshire boasts some of the best weather in the United Kingdom. Its location on the south coast of England means that the temperatures are often warmer than elsewhere. Summer brings temperatures of around 25°C and the county experiences 12 hours of sunshine daily. Winters are cool but rarely below freezing and snowfall is unlikely but not unheard of.

What to see and do in Hampshire: sights and attractions in Hampshire

Southampton and Portsmouth are great locations for a holiday in Hampshire. Southampton is the biggest city in the county and boasts many of the region's sights and attractions. Bargate, a medieval gatehouse in the centre of the town, is an archaeological delight and houses a museum. Those with an interest in aviation should be sure to check out the Solent Museum; featuring exhibits all about the history of aviation. Southampton has strong nautical connections, it was even the location from which the Titanic set sail. Those interested in this significant part of history should visit the Sea City Museum, which tells the story of the Titanic along with local seafaring history.

Portsmouth is another city with plenty to see when you book a holiday letting in Hampshire. The dockyard is the most notable attraction here, and it's easy to see why. The port is home to the historic and celebrated HSM Victory, the vessel captained by Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The Spinnaker Tower is another highlight. Standing 170 meters tall, the tower offers panoramic views over the city. Portsmouth is also the birthplace of Charles Dickens and there is a museum located close to the harbour, honouring his life and work. Other attractions include Southsea Castle and the St Thomas' and St John's cathedrals.

Winchester is a great destination for a holiday cottage in Hampshire. Winchester Cathedral, a Norman construction, is the primary attraction here. Winchester City Mill is a restored mill which is open to the public and with low admission prices, it's a cheap way to spend a morning or afternoon. Guided tours are also available at Winchester College, which is purported to be the oldest school in the country.

Excursions in and around Hampshire

If you're a fan of the great outdoors, then the South Downs are on your doorstep. England's newest national park boasts cliff-side walks and several countryside hikes for all skill levels.

The New Forest is another natural beauty of the county, perfect for dog walking, hiking, horse riding and cycling. There is also an open-top bus which runs through the forest and is the perfect way to see the wild and varied topography of this stunning national park.

The most popular day trip is a visit to the Isle of Wight. There are several boats a day from either Southampton or Portsmouth, and the quickest trip is by high-speed boat and takes a little over ten minutes.

Visit Hampshire: Naval history and modern fun

Hawk Conservancy in Andover

Set within acres of countryside and created to protect birds of prey, the Hawk Conservancy gives visitors the opportunity to meet live owls, watch flying displays, and more.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

This historic dockyard brings to life the story of the Royal Navy, from the past up to the present. Located in a working naval base, the dockyard boasts a museum and old ships.

Paultons Park in Romsey

Dinosaur theme park Lost Kingdom and Peppa Pig World are just some of the attractions at Paulton’s Park. Set within New Forest, the park makes for the perfect family day out.

HMS Warrior 1860 in Portsmouth

Resting in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, Britain’s first armoured warship is an attraction and museum. Once, this iron-hulled hulk was at the forefront of naval design, and it continues to inspire.

Ringwood Brewery

The Ringwood Brewery creates high-quality craft ales, and is open for tours.

Frequently Asked Questions