Beauty Spots in Hampshire

Coastline beauty spots

Hampshire’s glorious coastline is home to quaint towns, colourful beach huts and scenic nature walks to discover. Here are our top picks for an adventure by the sea.

Barton-on-Sea

Next door to New Milton, Barton-on-Sea is a charming cliff-top village offering breathtaking views of the Solent coastline. If the weather allows, enjoy a swim in the sea and admire the Isle of Wight from another perspective. You can also test your skills at golf or spend a day fossil-haunting. 

Barton-on-Sea boasts various walking trails, one of the best being the beginning of the Solent Way – a 60-mile footpath linking Milford-on-Sea with Emsworth Harbour.

Hayling Island

Boasting miles of unspoilt coastline, Hayling Island is hard to beat if you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach. It was awarded a European Blue Flag thanks to the cleanliness and safety of its beaches and became a major holiday resort from the 1930s onwards. Here you can also try different water sports, the most popular windsurfing. 

If you want to learn about the history of the island, you can explore the World War II Heritage Trail and trace back its military past. 

Stokes Bay

Found next door to the quaint village of Alverstoke, Stokes Bay offers unrivalled views of the Isle of Wight. This shingle beach provides opportunities for paddling, canoeing and surfing while also being ideal for dog owners. Bring your furry friend along and get ready for a fun-filled day!

Countryside beauty spots

If you prefer an atmospheric walk through Hampshire’s spectacular countryside, you won’t be disappointed. Below we’ve shortlisted our top hinterland trails and nature reserves not to be missed.

The New Forest

The New Forest is one of England’s largest remaining forests, covering about 71 acres. It borders Hampshire to the south-west and Wiltshire to the south-east and was once the royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. 

It became a national park in 2005 and today welcomes thousands of visitors. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the heathland, and keep your eyes peeled for the deer!

You can find the most popular walking trails here. 

Stockbridge Downs

Famous for being an important site of archaeology and nature conservation, Stockbridge Downs is managed by the National Trust. Take the History Walk and learn about the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and Bronze Age burial mounds. 

Climb the rolling hills and watch out for butterflies; there are over 40 species here!

Be sure to download the full map here before heading off.

Ancells Farm 

Known for its rich variety of fauna and flora, Ancells Farm is also a site of scientific interest. The nature reserve comes alive in spring and summer, with dragonflies, damselflies, lizards, and blossoming orchids filling the landscape. Bring your four-legged friend along on a lead for some added fun!