Winchester Cathedral
When exploring Hampshire, Portsmouth is the ideal place to start. Still a bustling port, the city has a proud naval heritage. In its Historic Dockyard you can see the remains of Henry VIII’s favourite ship, Mary Rose, which capsized in 1545 and was recovered in 1982. You can also visit Nelson’s quarters on HMS Victory, the ship on which he was killed at Trafalgar and which is now restored to its former glory, and see the ironclad HMS Warrior 1860, worth a visit if only for its built-in washing machines (a naval first).
Along the waterfront you can ascend 558 feet up the iconic Spinnaker Tower for an unbeatable view of the harbour. The tower dominates the recently renovated Gunwharf Quays, now a premier shopping destination with over 95 designer shopping outlets, an art gallery, cinema, casino, nightclubs and restaurants, some with alfresco dining. Yet despite the glitz, this area offers some of the best bargains in town.
Further east, Southampton has been an important port since Roman times. The Mayflower stopped here on its way to America and the Titanic set off for its maiden voyage from these docks. Today, Southampton’s charm lies in its exciting shopping opportunities, varied leisure facilities and superb art and heritage attractions.
Once part of the city’s defences, the excellent Museum of Archaeology in God’s House Tower is now home to one of the most fascinating collections in England. The Tudor House is now a museum of domestic life while the Wool House has been converted into a maritime museum which tells the story of, and displays relics from, the ill-fated Titanic.
Close by, Solent Sky illustrates the history of aviation in the area and tells the story of the legendary Spitfire designed in Southampton. You may then be tempted to round off your day with a guided walk of the Norman city walls by the Southampton Tourist Guides.
The New Forest is perhaps the jewel in Hampshire’s crown. At 145 square miles, this vast expanse of heath and woodland is the largest area of unenclosed land in southern Britain. Despite its name, the “new” forest, is in fact a primeval oak wood which was once William the Conqueror’s hunting ground, although it is England’s newest National Park. Today New Forest ponies and 1,500 fallow deer continue to roam free.
Clear rivers and shady groves provide a peaceful haven for walking, cycling and horseriding, and the forest is dotted with quaint villages where you can pop into one of the pubs and enjoy a pint of locally brewed cider or beer. In the heart of the New Forest there is also Beaulieu Palace House, home of the Montagu family, Beaulieu Abbey and the world famous national Motor Museum.
Winchester is another of Hampshire’s highlights. In the centre of this compact and picturesque city stands a statue of King Alfred the Great. Back when Hampshire was part of the ancient kingdom of Wessex, Winchester once shared with London the honours of joint capital of England.
William the Conqueror built one of his first English castles here; the Great Hall, erected in 1235, is the only surviving part. It is now home to the 13th-century Round Table, said to have been shaped by King Arthur so no knight could claim precedence.
Today the city’s history is evident in many of its principal buildings, including Winchester College, England’s oldest fee-paying school. Winchester Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark, has its origins in the 7th century, when a church was first built on the site.
All architectural styles are represented, from the 11th-century Romanesque transept to the Perpendicular-style nave. Look out for the grave of novelist Jane Austen, contemporary sculptor Anthony Gormley’s bronze in the crypt, as well as the precious 12th-century Winchester Bible is displayed in the library.
So whether your interests lie in seeing the sights, exploring historic cities or taking leisurely strolls through one of England’s largest heathlands, Hampshire guarantees a break rich in variety and interest.
You can enjoy the delights of Hampshire on short breaks at a variety of Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels.