Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Hampshire. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Hampshire’s most popular rural destinations including Silchester, Fordingbridge, Ringwood, and Alton, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Hampshire is a county of remarkable variety, with ancient woodland, rolling countryside, historic cities, and a stunning coastline. At its heart lies the New Forest National Park, one of the largest remaining areas of unenclosed pasture, heathland and forest in England. Shaped for over a thousand years by the tradition of commoning, the New Forest allows domesticated animals to roam freely. A network of walking and cycling trails criss-crosses the park, leading to landmarks such as Bolton’s Bench, a yew-capped hillock with spectacular views, and the iron-clad Rufus Stone, which marks the spot where King William II was fatally wounded by an arrow.
The park is also a haven for wildlife. Look out for woodland and heathland birds such as crossbills, Dartford warblers, and goshawks, along with reptiles including the adder, Britain’s only venomous snake. Mammals such as rabbits, foxes, squirrels and badgers are common, and five species of deer call the forest home. The New Forest is synonymous with its native ponies, as well as donkeys, pigs and cattle, all of which can be seen grazing freely, sometimes even wandering through towns and villages.
There is no shortage of attractions to explore in Hampshire. Highlights include the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, home to one of the finest collections of vehicles and motoring memorabilia in the world, and the nearby Palace House, a striking Gothic country house with lavish interiors, a restored Victorian kitchen, and beautiful gardens. Literary enthusiasts can visit Jane Austen’s House, which displays treasured items including furniture, paintings, personal letters, and first editions of her novels. Highclere Castle, famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey, offers access to its grand state rooms as well as the Egyptian Exhibition, celebrating the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Families will enjoy a visit to Paulton’s Park, which boasts over 70 rides and attractions, including the ever-popular Peppa Pig World, while the 140-acre Marwell Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, from giraffes, tigers, and rhinos to meerkats, penguins, and lemurs. Grown-ups may prefer a trip to the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, where visitors can discover the ten botanicals that give the gin its distinctive flavour, housed in iconic glasshouses, before enjoying a complimentary cocktail in the Mill Bar.
Hampshire’s rich maritime heritage is best explored at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where 500 years of naval history come to life. Must-sees include the remains of the hull of the Mary Rose alongside rescued Tudor artefacts, a chance to step aboard HMS Victory and follow in the footsteps of Nelson, and HMS Warrior, Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship from the Victorian era.
Nearby Hayling Island is known for its wide sandy and shingle beaches, traditional seaside attractions including an amusement park and railway, and an abundance of walking and cycling routes. The island is also the birthplace of windsurfing, and on a breezy summer’s day hundreds of windsurfers can be seen launching from the seafront. Alternatively, head to Calshot Beach, a mile-long shingle spit extending into the mouth of Southampton Water. From here, visitors can watch ships coming and going from one of Britain’s largest ports, and enjoy the excellent outdoor and watersports centre offering activities such as kitesurfing, sailing, indoor skiing, and climbing.
No visit to Hampshire would be complete without seeing Winchester, once England’s ancient capital. Explore the magnificent Gothic cathedral and climb the tower to view the bells and the vast wooden beams supporting the roof. Visit the Great Hall, one of the finest surviving 13th-century aisled halls, where King Arthur’s Round Table is displayed. Then wander the city’s medieval streets, lined with timber-framed buildings, a historic Jewish quarter, lively markets, and a wealth of independent shops, traditional pubs and eateries.
For a relaxing countryside escape with opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching, watersports, and many cultural attractions, choose a farm holiday in Hampshire for your next break.
