Hampshire Tourist Information

Hampshire is an attractive county on the south coast of England. The County has a wide range of landscapes, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Over one third of Hampshire is covered by the New Forest and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Solent and its associated rivers is one of the premier yachting and cruising areas in the world, one of Hampshire's greatest attractions. The Rivers Test and Itchen are renowned for the quality of their fishing and the Basingstoke Canal has been restored to provide leisure facilities. Hampshire Tourist Information is available at many centres throughout the county.

Hampshire Tourist Information can be found in the north of the County in Aldershot, Basingstoke and Fleet. North Hampshire countryside is a delight, with ancient royal hunting grounds of forest and heath land, spectacular down lands, miles of leafy country lanes and a treasury of English villages. This is excellent walking and cycling country, with a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Events occur throughout the year and there are many all weather activities for families.

East Hampshire has perfect walking, cycling and riding country with around 500 miles of footpaths and bridle-ways, the hanging woods (known as hangers), and the chalk down-lands of the South Downs. For shopping opportunities, visit the thriving market towns of Alton and Petersfield both with local Hampshire Tourist Information. Discover a variety of visitor attractions from museums and country parks to steam railways and secret gardens. Enjoy self-guided literary walks tracing the footsteps of famous writers including Jane Austen, Gilbert White and Flora Thompson.

The County town of Winchester, situated on the edge of the South Downs, surrounded by meadows and watercress beds was once England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. Winchester, famed as the start of the Pilgrim's Way, is now a stopping point on many long distance walks. A visit to Winchester is a must, to see the magnificent Cathedral and many historic attractions. You will find Hampshire Tourist Information in the town at the Guildhall, Broadway.

Hampshire Tourist Information is available in the market towns of Andover and Romsey. Both are situated in the Test Valley. The area is characterised by its wonderful countryside, varied landscape and gentle climate, an ideal all year round location for walking, cycling and exploring the history and heritage of Southern England.

In the south of the County the vibrant city of Southampton is a popular leisure and cultural destination. Southampton Maritime Museum tells the story of this important port. Also, Portsmouth has a vast choice of attractions such as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which includes Nelson's Victory and The Mary Rose. Hampshire Tourist Information is available in both cities.

Hayling Island, Havant and Emsworth are on the southern coast of Hampshire, often referred to as the Oyster coast, an unspoilt haven for those in search of tranquillity and relaxation. Discover the fabulous quayside villages of Langstone and Emsworth, with great places to eat and fantastic views of the harbours.

Hayling Island has Blue Flag beaches, and is the place for windsurfing and water-sports. Windsurfing marathons and sailing championships take place in and around Hayling Island throughout the year, and even the inexperienced water-sport enthusiast can feel confident about having a go as, Hayling Island has some very safe waters to practice in. Hampshire Tourist Information is to found at Hayling Island at Central Beachlands, Seafront and in Havant at Park Road South.

In southwest Hampshire you can enjoy an unique experience discovering the New Forest. The landscape is unique and traditions exist unchanged since mediaeval times; ponies and cattle still have the right of way as they freely graze the land. This ancient part of England is not entirely covered by forest, the area offers attractions for everyone. Hampshire Tourist Information can be found in the towns of Lyndhurst the 'Capital' of the Forest area (since William the Conqueror established the area as a royal hunting ground in 1079), and Ringwood the traditional market town of the New Forest.

One of the more famous attractions in Hampshire, in the heart of the New Forest, is Beaulieu – a wonderful combination of the National Motor Museum, 14th century Palace House, and the ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1204. If that isn’t enough, there's also Beaulieu Village and Buckler’s Hard to visit nearby.

Find out more about Hampshire at www.hants.gov.uk