The great outdoors
Stunning scenery, winding footpaths and perfect picnic spots.
The lush green fields of Hampshire and the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park offer ample opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors. Here are just a few of our favourites…
From the Cathedral City of Winchester to the chalky cliffs of Sussex, the South Downs Way offers 100 miles of breathtaking views, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the landscape.
The eleven-mile journey from Winchester City to Beacon Hill national Nature reserve offers a flavour of the trail. Beginning at the heart of the ancient city, with the Great Hall of Winchester Castle, the legendary Round Table and the Old City Mill among the sights, this section of the trail also includes spectacular panoramic views from Cheesefoot Head.
From a short stroll to a longer ramble, the 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) has something for everyone, and always proves popular with families.
Set within the South Downs National Park, QECP also includes the Butser Hill National Nature Reserve.
There are over 20 miles of trails, all of which are clearly marked throughout, and include the short woodland trail (1.9 miles), long woodland trail (5 miles) and downland trail (1.7 miles).
A new long-distance route which links villages and towns in East Hampshire through some beautiful countryside, the Shipwrights Way stretches from Alice Holt Forest near Farnham, across the South Downs and all the way to the coast at Portsmouth.
As much as possible, the route is off-road, using rights of way and permissive paths.
Along the route, there are a series of striking sculptures, each of which play their part in telling the story of the local area – including a Hampshire Down sheep at QECP and a deer and brown trout by the River Rother.
With train stations dotted along the route, the Shipwrights Way can be explored in stages and is perfect for families.