Hampshire 2012

2012 is a year of inspiration and celebration in Hampshire with a year-long programme of exciting events planned for visitors and residents. The following information is designed for both those wishing to use Hampshire as a convenient base when visiting the Games during the summer, and for visitors looking for days out ideas in 2012.

The images in the tab above were taken to encapsulate the spirit of the Cultural Olympiad, Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and help raise the profile of Hampshire's young talent. All the images feature up-and-coming athletes, dancers and a musician from Hampshire, set against a backdrop of some of Hampshire's iconic sites including the Spinnaker Tower and the Great Hall. Click on each photo to find out more.

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Events and Special Offers

For a taster of the fabulous events taking place throughout the year, from the Olympic torch relay to the opening of the brand new Mary Rose museum in Portsmouth, watch our video and visit our 2012 key events page.

As part of the 2012 celebrations, Visit England are running a campaign to encourage us all to holiday at home. Use the search box above to find 20.12% off accommodation and attractions in Hampshire and other great offers.

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 Transport

Hampshire is an ideal base for visiting the London 2012 Olympic Games due to its proximity to London, Weymouth/Portland and Eton Dorney, its excellent transport links and range of quality accommodation.

There is a frequent train service by South East Trains and Cross Country to London Waterloo from Hampshire, taking just over an hour from Winchester and 35 minutes from Farnborough.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel between London Waterloo and St.Pancras International Station, from where you can take a new high-speed rail service called the ‘Javelin’ to Stratford International in just seven minutes. The Olympic Park is located a few hundred metres walk from Stratford International.

There is easy access to Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions via the M3 motorway, Bournemouth Airport and train. And Eton Dorney near Windsor for the Olympic rowing competitions is a quick 30 minute train ride west of London.

Winchester, in the centre of Hampshire, is 70 miles from Weymouth, 50 miles to Eton Dorney and 75 miles from the Olympic Park.

Find out more information on getting to the Games and travelling in Hampshire.

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Accommodation

Hampshire boasts a wide range of quality assured accommodation in the north of the county close to London but without the London price tag, including Basingstoke and Farnborough with fast transport links to the city.

The New Forest also offers a good choice of guest houses, hotels and self-catering for visitors to the sailing competitions in nearby Weymouth.

Look out for accommodation providers that have signed up to the UK Fair Pricing & Practice Charter, demonstrating their commitment to fair pricing throughout 2012.

Visit Hampshire now offers online booking for many hotels in the county, partnering with sites such as Expedia and Late Rooms. Here are some suggestions for convenient places to stay in Hampshire in 2012:

Accommodation in the Aldershot and Farnborough area
Accommodation in the Basingstoke area
Accommodation in the Winchester area
Accommodation in the New Forest area
Accommodation in the Test Valley area

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Things to do

Hampshire is more than just a convenient base for visiting the Olympic Games, it also provides visitors with plenty of leisure opportunities pre or post the Games. Hampshire is a vibrant, diverse county with hundreds of quality attractions, unspoilt countryside, a rich cultural heritage and relaxing coastline.

Whether you are looking for a romantic short break in a country house hotel or a fun-packed family holiday, Hampshire has something to suit all tastes and budgets. From military history to stately homes, beaches to glorious gardens, Hampshire is just waiting to be discovered.

If you’re feeling inspired by the Games and want to take advantage of Hampshire’s fabulous sports and facilities and outdoor space in a more leisurely manor, here are some ideas for days out in the county:

• There are three high wire Go Ape courses in and around Hampshire, providing a thrilling three hour experience high in the tree tops

• Our outdoor activities section covers walking, cycling, horse riding, water sports and other leisure opportunities in the Hampshire countryside and by the coast.

• Head to the Solent for gentle strolls by the waters’ edge, take a boat trip, enjoy the wildlife or simply sit and watch the yachts go by.

• Calshot Activities Centre near Southampton offers a wide range of sporting opportunities including sailing, windsurfing, climbing, snowboarding and indoor cycling.

• Our country parks offer miles of woodland to explore, including Staunton Country Park near Havant with optional bike hire and Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield, with fabulous views from the top of Butser Hill.

For more ideas explore our things to do section, packed full of days out ideas, or see our 2012 events page for information about special events taking place in the county, which will be kept updated throughout the year.

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Group Travel

If you are a group organiser, coach or tour operator and looking to bring a group to Hampshire in 2012, take a look at our four thematic guides or contact Tourism South East who produce an annual group travel guide for the region, packed full of information to help you plan a successful and exciting tour.

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Destinations 2012

For information about local Olympic hopefuls, special events, volunteering opportunities, training camps and schools, see Hampshire’s local authorities’ websites for details:

Hampshire County Council
New Forest
Portsmouth
Southampton
Winchester
Fareham
Basingstoke
Test Valley
Havant
East Hampshire

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