Top Things to do in Hampshire
Top Hotels in Hampshire
Countries
The 6 Best National Parks in Hampshire, England
Discover the best top things to do in Hampshire, United Kingdom including New Forest National Park, New Forest National Park, South Downs Way, Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre, Avon Heath Country Park, Castle Bottom.
Restaurants in Hampshire
1. New Forest National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,810 reviews
The New Forest National Park is truly unique. It’s a ‘world capital’ for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals– one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. These animals may appear wild, but they are owned by people called commoners. One of the last places in southern England to offer a sense of wildness and tranquillity, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike. Indeed William the Conqueror, who set aside the ‘New Forest’ for hunting more than 900 years ago, would probably recognise much of it today.
Reviewed By Allwyna - Geneva, Switzerland
An amazing place nestled in Southern England .. Some of the closer town which boost of scenic boutique hotels are Lyndhurst, Burley and Romsey... The entire forest is absolutely scenic, stunning and lush.. you could easily see grazing Horse, cattle and deers.. Surely a perfect get away from London as it’s just a 2 hours drive and offers you a perfect relaxing moment to create memories to cherish. Plenty of places to visit if you intend to relax, rejuvenate, organize a team or family gathering, wedding plans or just want to hike by yourself to spent a me time secluded from the rest of the world.., I spent my 2 nights at White Buck Burley (separate review uploaded).. Their are many great restaurant options around town but surely recommend to drive down as having a car or bike is important... Enjoy and live your life...
2. New Forest National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 950charlesf - Newtown, United Kingdom
Beautiful part of the world, plenty of opportunities to explore, even with busy traffic, the ponies are an ever present bonus.
3. South Downs Way
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By Highway272 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Hard to believe when you're walking this path that you are in one of the most densely populated parts of England. The rolling downlands are relaxing, at times breathtaking - the views of the the high weald and north Downs, the sea to the south. The path goes through three counties, Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, comes ever closer to the sea until the the South Downs way becomes a coastal path from Cuckmere Haven onwards. Start at Winchester finish at Eastbourne. This way you are more likely to to have the wind on your back as well as saving the best till last. With a few exceptions it's easy walking, very few steep gradients and for long stretches softly undulating. The first few miles from Winchester pleasant enough but things don't really get going until the Meon valley, and the view from Beacon Hill is spectacular. The classic Downland structure is not evident until entering West Sussex and Harting down. From here you are aware of being on the edge of the escarpment pretty much as far as Alfriston. Much of the West Sussex section is forested, some of it rather sterile conifer plantation which also removes the views. In my opinion the East Sussex section is the most varied, beautiful and rewarding with the Seven Sisters the jewel in The crown. There are also villages on the route such as Exton, Amberley and Alfriston, beautiful villages in themselves but also offering refreshment. Between Butser hill, the highest point on the Downs, and Amberley there is nowhere are on the path to get refreshments; the same is also true from Amberley to Devil's Dyke so there are large stretches of the West Sussex path where you either need to to bring your own provisions or come down off the path. By contrast the East Sussex section has many great stop off points for coffee and and lunch. At Alfriston the the South Downs way splits into two, the northern section as far as Jevington is very rewarding but the final part to Eastbourne is fairly dismal. The southern route is thus highly recommended although the Seven Sistersisters can be the most demanding part of the whole walk. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. The following are the points where the path can be picked up using public transport: Meon valley, South Harting, Cocking, Amberley (train station) Bramber, Devil's Dyke and Ditchling beacon at weekends, Southease (train station) Alfriston and Cuckmere Haven Highlights: Meon valley Butser hill Harting down Amberley Chanctonbury ring Devil's Dyke Ditchling beacon Firle beacon Alfriston Cuckmere valley Seven sisters.
4. Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 603 reviews
Liberty's Centre is located near Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest. It is home to a large collection of birds of prey, including eagles, owls and Vultures. We also house a number of reptiles and other creepy crawlies, such as snakes, lizards and spiders in our indoor reptile house. Enjoy a visit that will prove to be fun, exciting and educational for all ages. Observe the birds flying free and the reptiles up close and personal, during various spectacular displays held throughout the day. Facilities include: -> Flying field -> Indoor flying theatre -> Reptile House -> Cafe -> Large outdoor sandpit -> Gift shop -> Party room -> Education room -> Baby changing facilities -> Wild bird rehabilitation facilities
Reviewed By darrylh524 - Poole, United Kingdom
My wife and i visited foday and was amazed by the number of different species of birds and reptiles. Cost £12 per adult may apear steep but definitely worth it, including the bird fly show at 2.30pm. Definitely eill be returning...
5. Avon Heath Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 142 reviews
Avon Heath Country Park is Dorset's largest country park, accessible to families and people with a wide range of abilities and interests.Come and explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife!
Reviewed By Shazzer-R2015
Great place to start the day! Used to regularly walk our dogs here finishing with coffee and cake in the cafe, now we visit for breakfast! Current government guidelines are followed carefully. Good service and good food!
