A summer staycation
Coronavirus may have put paid to many holiday plans this year, but it doesn’t stop us enjoying the sights and sounds of the beautiful South Downs.
Businesses, venues and country parks are adapting and evolving to ensure visitors can still enjoy much of what the local area has to offer while following social distancing guidelines.
Here are just a few of our suggestions for experiencing the local area on a socially-distanced staycation…
Riding routes
Hampshire is home to some fantastic cycling and equestrian routes that the whole family can enjoy, offering glimpses of the history and heritage of the local area along the way…
Shipwrights Way: This 50-mile long distance path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders connects East Hampshire’s towns and villages to the picturesque countryside around them. This largely off-road route, which runs from Alice Holt Forest, down through the South Downs and all the way to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, is divided into 12 sections, meaning you can enjoy all or part of the journey during a visit to Hampshire.
Meon Valley Trail: Running for 10 miles along a disused railway line, this route provides a safe and flat surface, making it ideal for a family adventure. Open to walkers, cyclists and equestrians, this recreational trail delivers striking views of the Hampshire countryside.
Wildlife wanders
A staycation presents the perfect opportunity to get closer to nature, and there’s certainly no shortage of wildlife in and around the South Downs.
A visit to Butser Hill National Nature Reserve offers the chance to glimpse an array of butterflies, moths and, during the summer months, listen out for the Skylarks singing.
If you’re a keen birder or walker, venture to Farlington Marshes - a haven for many different species of bird all year round, set against the backdrop of striking harbour views.
Before visiting any local nature reserves or countryside sites, it’s advisable to check whether parking and other facilities are currently available in light of the current coronavirus situation.
Woodland walks
The garden and park at Hinton Ampner, a beautiful National Trust estate near Alresford, have been reopened to the public, subject to advanced booking only at the time of writing.
There are a range of different walking routes around the estate, taking in the nature, fields and woodland surrounding the main mansion and offering picturesque views of the rolling Hampshire countryside.
Dining differently
While local cafes, pubs and restaurants are working on ways of re-opening while adhering to social distancing guidelines, that shouldn’t stop you from experiencing some of the fantastic fare on offer from local producers.
Many local eateries are offering take-away and delivery services - here are just a few suggestions from Hampshire Fare.
Virtual visits
If you’re eagerly-awaiting the reopening of some of Hampshire’s most popular attractions over the coming weeks, these virtual tours and videos offer a sneak preview of what’s in store…
Marwell Zoo - Keep an eye out for some of the zoo’s most popular characters, from giraffes to penguins, with these video webcams
The Watercress Line - Experience the heritage railway from the comfort of your sofa!
D-Day Story - Gain an insight into some of the personal stories behind this incredible event through virtual tours of Portsmouth’s D-Day Story museum.