With buzzing cities, a sweeping shoreline and serene countryside, there are many nice issues to do in Hampshire.
I’m simply again from a beautiful few days exploring the English county of Hampshire. Are you aware what, it’s a county I’ve been to a number of occasions earlier than, however solely to the identical spots! So, if somebody requested me what Hampshire is like, I’d discuss concerning the New Forest and Portsmouth!
Lastly, it was time to seek out out extra about this massive county within the south of England. There’s an enormous number of issues to do in Hampshire, making it an incredible year-round vacation spot. Summers may be spent out on the water across the coast, whereas locations just like the New Forest are perfect for frosty winter walks and cosy pub meals.
Metropolis lovers will take pleasure in journeys to Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester. Every is stuffed with points of interest, outlets and nice locations to eat. Alongside the shoreline of the Solent you’ll be able to take pleasure in water sports activities, boat journeys and seashore time. Plus, there’s countless spectacular countryside to discover together with the South Downs, New Forest and the North Wessex Downs.
From gin excursions and fairly hikes to prime points of interest, our go to included just a little little bit of all the pieces! Should you’re searching for concepts for staycations, listed here are a number of of my favorite issues to do in Hampshire.
12 Wonderful Issues To Do In Hampshire
Find out about gin (and drink some too!) on the Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Do you know Hampshire is the house of luxurious gin model Bombay Sapphire? Once we heard you would tour the distillery (positioned near Whitchurch) we couldn’t wait! The Discovery Expertise tour was a wonderful manner of studying not solely concerning the gin manufacturing course of, but in addition to realize a higher understanding of what makes this a part of northern Hampshire distinctive.
The gin model is positioned within the previous Laverstoke Mill, proper on the banks of the River Check. In addition to a number of fairly purple brick buildings, there’s a cute row of employee’s cottages which you stroll round through the tour, seeing totally different levels of the manufacturing course of as you go.
Probably the most spectacular half? The gorgeous glasshouses designed by Thomas Heatherwick. They’re designed to appear to be gin is pouring out of the warehouse (if solely!) Inside you’ll be able to see the crops that make up the mix of 10 botanicals that give Bombay Sapphire its distinctive flavour.
After studying concerning the historical past of the buildings and the way the model distils its gin, we had been taken to the Mill Bar to take pleasure in one in every of 11 signature cocktails. I’d suggest The Laverstoke, which is a tasty spritz with flavours of elderflower and mint. We additionally loved a cocktail masterclass the place we acquired to shake up a number of of our personal! A visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Hampshire.
Should you’d like to listen to extra about this tour, learn the definitive guide to the Bombay Sapphire Tour on the Nice British Bucket Listing.
Take pleasure in scrumptious Asian fusion delicacies in stylish environment at The Palm Brasserie
Should you’re searching for someplace to line the abdomen earlier than or after your journey to Bombay Sapphire, I’d suggest reserving a desk at The Palm Brasserie. Positioned in Deane, only a 7-minute drive from the distillery, this can be a stylish, trendy restaurant serving high quality meals.
The interiors are pretty, with trendy glass pendant lights suspended over vibrant cubicles, and sensible marble and gold tables. The restaurant additionally has glass doorways alongside one fringe of the primary eating space, permitting mild to stream by means of into the eating space.
When you’ll discover loads of classics on the menu, there are Asian influences too, which I liked! For instance, the ocean bass roulade is served with pickled seaweed and a wasabi mayo. In the meantime, the rooster burger has katsu flavours and is served with a Siracha relish.
I ordered the Thai rooster supreme which was completely divine. Tender charred and marinated rooster breast got here with an indulgent Thai sauce which had hits of ginger, chilli and spice. I’m getting hungry simply fascinated with it once more!
Calm down with an in a single day keep at The Watership Down Inn
Certainly one of my greatest suggestions when you’re visiting Bombay Sapphire, is to not drive! You’ll wish to take pleasure in a number of gins whilst you’re there, so take into consideration reserving a taxi from wherever you’re staying.
The Watership Down Inn can be my advice. It’s positioned half a mile away so you would even stroll there and stagger again! That is a fully charming pub, relationship again to the 1800s, with an exquisite outdoors space and cosy bar and restaurant. It additionally has seven bedrooms, together with 4 backyard rooms. It’s acquired a casual vibe, and you’ll even deliver your canine!
Our backyard room was very snug with a big en-suite toilet. We heard nice issues concerning the meals at this pub however couldn’t squeeze a meal on this time. That didn’t cease us from perusing the menu although, which options starters comparable to a whipped goats cheese tart with textures of beetroot, walnut and parmesan, and mains together with confit pork stomach with a smoked bacon and apple emulsion. It’s positively someplace that takes gastronomy severely, so arrive hungry!
One other wonderful thing about The Watership Down Inn is that it’s positioned on The Mill Path – a wonderful round strolling route round Whitchurch, the previous mills and the River Check. Yow will discover out extra about this stroll here.
Take within the views from the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth
After a day exploring the northern aspect of Hampshire, it’s time to share a number of highlights from the south coast.
At 170m, the architectural marvel that’s Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower is designed to sway barely so as to face up to excessive winds. To succeed in the viewing platform you hop within the high-speed inside raise which takes simply 30 seconds, travelling at a whopping 4 metres per second.
It’s an unbelievable second whenever you first step out of the raise and see the panoramic view stretching across the construction. From the primary viewing deck you’ll be 100m up, with views of the town of Portsmouth, the Solent and the Isle of Wight throughout. There are interactive screens and markers across the deck so you’ll be able to determine key landmarks. I loved watching the ferries and boats coming and going from the port too. A visit up the Spinnaker Tower is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Hampshire and an effective way to get your bearings too.
For a special day you would e book brunch or excessive tea at The Clouds – the restaurant on the ground above the viewing deck. Or when you’re feeling courageous, you would abseil down the tower. That is the proper exercise for adventurous sorts who like to dwell life to the complete!
Benefit from the allure and character of Outdated Portsmouth
I’ve been to Portsmouth a number of occasions earlier than, and one in every of my favorite spots is The Level in Outdated Portsmouth. Strolling the cobbled streets, trying on the fairly homes and quaint previous pubs feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle round Gunwharf Quays. In addition to stopping to take some photographs trying again in direction of the Spinnaker Tower, I’d suggest stopping by The Nonetheless and West or The Spice Island Inn for a drink with a view.
After that, wander across the nook to the Hotwalls Studios, a row of artwork galleries and inventive studios constructed into the arches. The largely disused buildings had been reworked right into a vibrant new artistic quarter for the town again in 2014. Most of them are open at weekends, however even on the weekday we visited there have been a number of shops open. I assumed it was pretty to see the artists at work, and catch a glimpse of the artistic course of first hand.
Certainly one of my favorite discoveries was artist Louise Braithwaite who paints enjoyable and vibrant scenes from acquainted spots comparable to Brighton and London. I used to be so taken along with her work I picked up a giant stack of greetings playing cards to take residence as a memento.
Calm down on Southsea Seaside
Should you proceed on across the coast from Outdated Portsmouth, you’ll ultimately attain Southsea. When the climate is ok you’ll see Southsea’s broad seashore dotted with households, swimmers and paddle boarders.
Positively wander alongside South Parade Pier whilst you’re there. It’s a conventional pier with amusements, an ice cream retailer, a restaurant and a few rides in direction of the tip. The unique was constructed again in 1875, however with an attention-grabbing historical past (involving 3 fires, use within the D-Day landings and some old school magnificence pageants!) the one you see right this moment is a more moderen incarnation.
We purchased ice lotions from the shop on the entrance, took ‘holiday snaps’ within the cut-out boards and wandered to the tip trying on the water beneath the wood slats!
Should you get hungry, I’d suggest stopping for brunch or lunch at Southsea Beach Café. This lovely spot proper on the seashore has a diversified menu that includes all the pieces from fish and chips to buddha bowls and desserts. There’s an actual buzz to this seashore spot too! Once we visited on a weekday lunchtime it was virtually utterly full, with a mixture of younger {couples} and households all having fun with nice meals by the seaside.
Store for treasures in Southsea
Southsea is a city with a fiercely impartial spirit… in the easiest way potential! For chain shops, go to Portsmouth, for one-offs, go to Southsea! I’d suggest heading to Albert Street and Elm Grove to mooch across the native shops and foodie spots.
Pigeon Books is likely one of the latest additions – an impartial e book retailer that gave the impression to be thriving after we popped in. Plus, there’s comedian e book retailer Room 237, skate store Bored of Southsea and Head of Curios – a retailer stuffed with extraordinary treasures.
For food and drinks, try Gin & Olive. This impartial restaurant has a menu that includes over 100 gins, sharing boards, small plates and steaks. Alternatively, cease by The Southsea Deli to choose up a variety of things from small producers throughout Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset and Somerset.
Calm down in tranquil countryside at The Farley Hangar
One of many issues I like about travelling in England is staying in distinctive and quirky lodging. From safari tents to shepherd’s huts, there are such a lot of cool locations to remain. Set within the Hampshire countryside not removed from Winchester, is The Farley Hangar. Resembling a Nissen hut on the skin, this quirky property is positioned proper subsequent to a personal airfield, therefore the title hangar!
Wow is that this a spectacular place to remain! I liked strolling by means of the doorways and seeing the gorgeous curvature of the ceiling, cosy interiors and cleverly fitted facilities. There’s a full toilet with scorching water, kitchenette, TV and even WiFi. Probably the greatest components? The countryside views from the skin deck. Looking on the expanse of fields introduced a beautiful feeling of escapism, as if any troubles might merely float away.
Whereas it’d be straightforward to self-cater your keep at The Farley Hangar, you would additionally e book in a deal with whilst you’re there. Native connoisseur eating firm McCrimmon and Reid ship ‘cook at home’ packages to the door. We loved an unbelievable 3-course feast that includes king prawn kebabs with lemongrass and candy chilli jam, adopted by herb crusted cod with a mussel and saffron chowder, completed with a coconut panna cotta.
I assumed it was an distinctive meal and will simply have been served in one in every of England’s prime eating places. How good it was to take a seat out on the deck at our little residence for the evening too, having fun with the views with a tasty meal. This expertise at The Farley Hangar was a spotlight of my time within the county, and I’d say it’s among the best issues to do in Hampshire!
Find out about Hampshire’s wine scene at Black Chalk
I’m an enormous fan of English glowing wine and whereas we didn’t have time this journey, I’d like to return to this a part of Hampshire and e book onto a wine tour at Black Chalk. This household enterprise has solely been operating a number of years, however the wines have already began selecting up quite a few awards. The vineyard is positioned on the banks of the River Check within the rolling Hampshire chalk lands, so it seems like a stunning place to go to whether or not you’re a wino or not.
Discover the New Forest
I’ve visited the New Forest a number of occasions earlier than and I’d actually say it’s one in every of my favorite locations in England. It’s simply gorgeous! Horses, donkeys and long-horned cows roam freely, there are miles and miles of beautiful trails, plus it’s an incredible place for strolling and cycling.
On this journey I headed to Brockenhurst, then took a drive alongside Rhinefield Decorative Drive. That is a kind of roads the place you’re feeling such as you’re in your very personal automobile business. It’s a flat street with grazing land on both aspect of the street, with numerous animals dotted round (and infrequently within the street too!)
After a leisurely drive, I set out on foot on the Ober Water Trail. This path has two choices – a purple path (1.5 mile) and yellow path (1 mile). It passes by means of fairly areas of forest, follows the Ober Water stream, crosses over bridges and takes you out onto areas of grassland. You must also see loads of wildlife too. It’s a stunning route and doesn’t take too lengthy, so you’ll be able to go to another spots within the New Forest too.
Take pleasure in lunch within the backyard at Rosie Lea Home
Should you’re craving a chunk to eat, whether or not that’s a cuppa and a candy deal with, or a heartier lunch or dinner to refuel pre or submit hike, cease by Rosie Lea House. The speciality right here is meals cooked within the restaurant’s out of doors firepit. Count on smoky brisket, spiced cauliflower, flame fired mussels and extra!
There are lighter choices at lunchtime too. We loved tasty ciabattas adopted by an infinite slab of moist espresso cake. My favorite half about this restaurant is the large backyard space. Not solely is it actually fairly, with a terrace, patio and garden, there’s additionally loads of house so you’ll be able to take pleasure in your meal in a peaceable setting.
Go paddle boarding with New Forest Paddle Sport Co
Should you take pleasure in getting out on the water, I’d suggest reserving a session with The New Forest Paddle Sport Co who’re based mostly down in Keyhaven Quay, near Lymington. We went on a day paddle boarding journey to Hurst Fort, which is unquestionably one of many issues to do in Hampshire. Moderately than venturing out on The Solent (which may be treacherous with wind and tides to fret about) this space in Keyhaven is extra sheltered and simpler to SUP on.
There’s a spit main out from Keyhaven to Hurst Fort. At one level we hopped onto the seashore and over the opposite aspect to see the Needles! The Isle of Wight is so shut, it’s superb to see totally different views of it as you discover Hampshire.
The paddle boarding journey was very enjoyable, with calm water and a procession of small little dinghies and yachts passing by, practising their navigation.
I hope this information to a few of the finest issues to do in Hampshire has given you inspiration in your subsequent UK staycation.
A giant because of Visit Hampshire for inviting us to discover this stunning a part of England. As all the time, all ideas and opinions are my very own.
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