Behind the lens

Why not get the creative juices flowing during your stay at Woodlands Retreat B&B by looking through the lens to capture the diverse local landscape on camera?

There’s a wealth of wonderful photo opportunities on the doorstep, just waiting to be discovered – these are just a few of our highlights…

Butser Hill: The perfect vantage point

Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 6 miles

One of the highest points in Hampshire and the second highest point in the South Downs National Park, this chalk hill offers an ideal vantage point for panoramic shots.

The slopes of Butser Hill National Nature Reserve are also home to butterflies and moths including the Duke of Burgundy, Chalkhill Blue and Silver-Spotted Skipper.

Best for: Nature

Cheesefoot Head: At the heart of it all

Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 14 miles

This natural amphitheatre provides stunning panoramic views across the Hampshire Downs, with Butser Hill, the Isle of Wight and even the New Forest all visible from this point.

It is also a popular site for crop circles – offering a rare chance to capture these intriguing patterns on camera.

Best for: Panoramas

Winchester’s architecture: Step back in time

Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 17 miles

The sweeping curves and strong lines of historic architecture offer ample opportunities to experiment with new angles and techniques behind the lens, and the city of Winchester provides no shortage of inspiration.

The world-famous Winchester Cathedral features the longest medieval nave in Europe, and the city is also home to one of the finest surviving medieval halls – the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table.

You can gain a glimpse of it all from atop St Giles’ Hill – with views of the medieval and Georgian buildings, laid out according to the original Saxon street plan.

Best for: Architecture

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Sunset on sea

Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 18 miles

The huge masts of the Victorian HMS Warrior create an imposing image as you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

This is the perfect sunset spot – the once powerful battleship dominating the foreground as gulls flutter across the skyline, a deep orange sun setting in the distance.

Best for: Sunsets

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens: Floral focus

Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 25 miles

The world-renowned Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is spread across 180 acres of idyllic Hampshire countryside – offering picture-perfect views all year round.

Ideal for exploring close-up shots and experimenting with aperture, the gardens feature the ‘Centenary Border’ - one of the longest double borders in the UK – along with one of the largest winter gardens in Europe.

Best for: Macro