Keyhaven

Hampshire is located on the Southern coast of England, and it is the home of famous writers such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens and birthplace of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and British Army. The county town is Winchester, the former capital of the United Kingdom.

Hampshire is an overall stunning travel experience. You have plenty of places to visit and events to attend. Quality restaurants and pubs, where you can eat and drink, wait for you. Also, there are excellent accommodation facilities in which you will be more than spoiled: hotels, B&Bs, campsites and cottages. When it comes to choosing a place to stay, know that Hampshire has a selection of hotels that covers everything from chic and luxurious to traditional and cozy. Some of the luxury hotels have been rewarded with five stars by the AA Hospitality Awards. The Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, the Four Seasons and Leiston House are examples of outstanding hospitality. These are perfect for special occasions and romantic getaways. Boutique hotels (Best Western Forest Lodge, The White Horse, Stanwell House) are more intimate and offer a personalized service. They are perfect if you want to get away from the feel of chain hotels. You can also choose a country or a Spa hotel, for their modern comfort, rural side and a taste for the old world charm.

As England is known for its great food, Hampshire is no exception. Take your pick: traditional British cuisine or international delicacies from India, Italy, Japan or China. Here is a selection of the best places you dine: Restaurant 27, Lakeside Café and Bar, Quay FIFTEEN, Kohinoor of Kerala. You can also try Everest Cuisine, The Cartwheel Inn, Bay of Bengal, TerraVina Restaurant or Lovitaly. Hampshire is well known when you speak of shopping on the Eastern coast of England. The biggest shopping centers are Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke. You will find everything from expensive shops to small retailers, souvenirs stores and local markets. The markets will display fresh supplies of fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood. The markets have food, antiques and books.

Hampshire is great for a day out, whether you choose to spend it visiting the main attractions or admire the stunning scenery and coastline. The Hawk Conservancy is an award winning centre, preoccupied with the conservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey; you can see all sort of wild birds, from the Pygmy Owl to the Steller’s Sea Eagles. The city of Southampton is the famous place where the Titanic set off on its first and only journey before the tragic end occurred. The “Titanic Trail” is a way to explore some of the key locations of the past.

The coastline is popular among nature lovers and beach wanderers. You will find the best beaches in the county at Hayling Island. You can go for a round of windsurfing if you are feeling adventurous or just read a book, enjoy the sun or play some volleyball. Hampshire has a long list of museums, some of them plain old buildings, others opened on some historical ships: The Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Don’t forget about Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, HMS Alliance Submarine, National Motor Museum, Royal Marines Museum and D-Day Museum. For a chance to connect with nature, take a bike and explore the beautiful areas of New Forest, Forest Leisure, Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. Don’t miss Furzey Gardens, Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, New Forest Wildlife Park, Hinton Ampner Garden or Riverside Park. Don’t have a bike or don’t know how to ride one? A simple walk will be just fine.

We saved the best for the end. You know that England has a history of haunted places. Here are a few tips if you are feeling brave: Vernham Dean village, Bramshill House, Angel Inn.