Hampshire is a large county, mostly along the south coast. This is sailing country – Southampton (remember Howard’s Way?), and towns looking out across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. It’s also home to parts of the South Downs National Park, and known for its lovely beaches and popular holiday resorts like Southsea and Hayling Island.
The main wildlife watching spot here is the beautiful New Forest (home to wild horses, so take extra care when driving). From otters to red deer and hedgehogs, this beautiful area is home to beautiful creatures! Find more ways to help your local wildlife rescue and animal shelter.
Lymington (Wendy Brown) is one of the nicest towns on the south coast, very affluent and close to the sea. Set in the New Forest National Park, this sailing paradise has narrow streets that go down to the Old Town Quay, and there are plenty of pretty coastal walks nearby, and a ferry to take you to the Isle of Wight in just 40 minutes. It’s also home to the oldest open sea water baths in England. Back in the 1800s, you could visit and enjoy a warm bath with or without a guide (the guide held you up with a rope!)
Winchester (Howard Smith Gallery) is the former capital of England, an affluent town where writer Jane Austen spent the last weeks of her life, after a short illness (she is buried in the cathedral). The lovely surrounding countryside was the inspiration for the beautiful but sad novel Watership Down.
