The sights and sounds in Hampshire is something that’s better experienced than imagined.
This beautiful area with idyllic chocolate box villages, rolling green hills and ancient forests conveniently hide the fact that Hampshire is home to the Army as well as the Royal Navy and has played a significant role in securing England’s territory.
Hampshire is about an hour’s drive from London and thanks to the excellent transport system; it’s a destination that can be reached easily.
You can get there by rail, bus or air to enjoy the ageless treasures of the Test Valley, North Hampshire, and East Hampshire.
So, if you’re looking for the best recreational spots in Hampshire where to relax, vacation, and to enjoy the rich cultural heritage as well as the beautiful countryside, here are the places to visit:
The historic dockyard of Portsmouth – If you are captivated with England’s naval history, then there is no better place to visit than Portsmouth.
During the time of the Romans, a military harbour was established in Portsmouth, and there is a myriad of ancient stories emanating from that dock.
For instance, it is said that Lord Nelson met his untimely end aboard his flagship known as the HMS Victory. This incident happened at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The Rose Museum is also close by, and a visit to this arts centre will expose you to the Tudor warship that supposedly sank in the Solent in the 16th century before it was found in 1982, raised, and restored.
The public finally had the chance to see the warship together with its artefacts a few years ago.
You can also take a tour on a boat along the harbour to see where many great ships of different sizes which belong to the navy are docked.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park – The Queen’s park is the largest park in Hampshire, and you can have access to 
not only the woodland but the down-land with its miles and miles of footpaths and tracks for hikers and cyclists.
One can easily access the South Downs National Park. This also, is another enticing attraction for a lovely evening of barbecues and picnic.
Old Winchester Hill – This national natural reserve with its fantastic view is a favourite picnic and recreational spot for many across the Hampshire South Downs.
From the Old Winchester Hill, you will be overlooking the Isle of Wight and the City of Portsmouth in the far distance. It is a beautiful vintage location where one can see almost everywhere around the countryside around Hampshire.
Hinton Ampner – This location had, at one time, suffered a tragedy where it got completely burnt down. But it has since, been rebuilt and now showcases avenues of sculpted topiary along with manicured lawns.
