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Hampshire's Top 10

Hampshire is a unique county of rolling green hills, tranquil 'chocolate-box' villages and ancient forests, combined with the vibrant cities of Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton.

A rich cultural heritage, varied coastline and unspoilt countryside makes Hampshire an ideal short break destination. Bournemouth, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Oxford and Windsor are also within easy reach.

1. Location, location, location!

Hampshire is just an hour from London and its excellent transport links make it an easy destination to reach, whether you are travelling by road, sea or air.

We are also an ideal stopover for travels further afield. There are frequent ferries to the Isle of Wight from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth while Southampton is home port to famous cruise liners such as Queen Victoria. Portsmouth has ferry links with France and Spain and Southampton Airport provides easy access to Europe.

2. Top attractions

Great days out are guaranteed with our beautiful gardens, historic houses, interactive museums and country parks. Go back in time on a nostalgic steam train, get up close and personal at our wildlife parks or take in a show. Big names include Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Marwell Zoological Park, Winchester Cathedral and Paultons Park, to name but a few! www.hampshireattractions.co.uk.

3. Charming countryside

Relax and unwind in unspoilt countryside, a haven for walkers and cyclists. Enjoy our pretty market towns and sleepy villages with thatched cottages as well as the many welcoming pubs serving local food and traditional ales.

The New Forest National Park, with its free grazing deer, ponies and cattle, is a unique landscape of ancient woodland, heather-covered heath, gentle farmland, coastal salt marsh and picturesque villages. Not forgetting the clear chalk streams of the Rivers Test and Itchen, or the rolling South Downs in the east.

4. Literary connections

Follow the route Keats took along the River Itchen as it passes through Winchester, which inspired his ode 'To Autumn'. Visit Jane Austen's former home in Chawton near Alton, or her tomb in Winchester Cathedral. The history surrounding Charles Dickens and Gilbert White also flourishes in Hampshire.

5. City life

Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester are exciting cities to explore, easy to reach and full of hidden surprises. Connoisseurs will love the tempting array of independent shops, boutiques and art galleries in historic Winchester. Enjoy the waterfront experience and shop in style at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, or shop 'til you drop in buzzy West Quay in Southampton, one of the UK's top ten cities for retail.

6. Maritime fun

Explore Hampshire's seagoing heritage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and across the harbour in Gosport, or head for the beach on Hayling Island, the home of windsurfing. You'll find tranquil country parks close to the sea as well as pretty lakes and rivers such as the Hamble where you can enjoy boat trips, kayaking and fishing.

The Hampshire coastline has many attractive harbours, marinas and estuaries, providing ideal locations for watersports. Or the country parks, nature reserves and open spaces of Hampshire's Solent coastline provide a welcome retreat for walkers and nature lovers, with plenty to see and do.

7. Food, glorious food

National award-winning cheeses, fresh trout, tempting chocolate, fresh watercress, beers and wine, quality meat, chutney and jam... Hampshire has an abundance of quality food and drink grown, produced and reared in the county. Visit the what's on page at www.hampshirefare.co.uk for local 'foodie' events all year round or visit one of our famous Farmers' Markets to meet our producers and support local trade.

8. Defence of the Realm

Home to the Royal Navy and British Army, Hampshire has an abundance of military heritage sites including castles, forts, regimental museums, historic houses and country parks. Children will love the gun firings, mock battles and explosive goings on at Royal Armouries Fort Nelson.

9. Outdoor activities

With attractive countryside and miles of beautiful coastline, Hampshire has a wealth of opportunities for watersports, horse-riding, fishing, cycling and walking. Hampshire's biggest country park, the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, has 1,400 acres of open access woodland and downland ready for exploring.

10. Special events

There's always something happening in Hampshire to make your stay extra special. The county's year-long programme includes everything from summer food festivals to themed steam train rides and Christmas markets.