Hampshire is a historic county in South East England known for its diverse landscapes, rich heritage sites, maritime cities, and vibrant cultural and outdoor activities.
Dunley Barn is a converted former cow shed located in the rural village of Pitton near Salisbury, offering a homely and peaceful private retreat with views of rolling countryside and direct access to nature paths.
Figsbury Ring is an ancient earthwork site in Wiltshire featuring Neolithic and Iron Age archaeological remains set within protected grassland on a chalk ridge, managed by the National Trust and open to the public as a significant outdoor historical landmark.
Larch Lodge is a spacious ground-floor family accommodation situated on the edge of The South Downs National Park, surrounded by 100 acres of rolling countryside and offering a private garden terrace with barbecue.
Birdworld is the UK's largest bird park featuring over 180 bird species, including many endangered, with outdoor exhibits such as the themed Terry Pratchett Owl Parliament, free-flying parrot aviary, and penguin colonies. It offers a family-friendly outdoor wildlife experience in Hampshire.
A barn conversion on a farm in Chichester Harbour suitable for families or couples, surrounded by extensive natural fields and close to coastal and countryside attractions.
Medmerry is a coastal nature reserve near Chichester offering extensive trails, panoramic views, and excellent birdwatching including avocets and birds of prey. The reserve is free to enter, dog-friendly on public paths, and features multiple car parks. Toilets and refreshments are available at a nearby visitor centre.
A single-storey converted barn cottage located in a private rural estate in Dunbridge, offering a peaceful countryside retreat with garden space, modern amenities, and proximity to local attractions.
Mottisfont Abbey is a Grade I listed historic estate and former priory in Hampshire, featuring a historic house museum, extensive gardens with a renowned rose collection, riverside walks, and seasonal cultural and children's activities. Operated by the National Trust, it combines meaningful indoor and outdoor experiences with art exhibitions and family-friendly events.
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Halloween trail based on the children’s books, in which families follow the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill as they search for hidden ghosts around Mottisfont. Activities include choosing a bunny name, playing Halloween hoopla and racing broomsticks before a celebration party.
This Grade II listed two-bedroom holiday cottage by the sea offers a bright and airy open-plan living space with waterside views, situated on the waterfront of the Isle of Wight with an enclosed lawned garden and convenient access to local attractions and outdoor activities.
This holiday property is a semi-detached ground floor apartment located on a private road within a 9-acre historic estate, set in a rural and peaceful countryside area near the sea, with a private garden and family-friendly environment.
Osborne House is a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, built as a summer home for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Visitors can explore the grand Italianate architecture, royal apartments, extensive gardens, and enjoy the unique historic setting including a private beach and the Durbar Room with Indian influences. The site offers a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences with historic interiors and landscaped grounds.
This accommodation is a stylish holiday home set in a rural location with private outdoor space and a private hot tub, suitable for up to 4 guests with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering a quiet and scenic setting near countryside walks and coastal beaches.
Knoll Gardens near Wimborne, Dorset is a renowned naturalistic garden featuring innovative planting styles like Dry Meadow, Rain Garden, and Prairie. It hosts diverse wildlife and showcases national plant collections, attracting visitors for its evolving horticultural displays.
Wimborne Minster is a historic market town in Dorset, England, known for its Saxon church, cultural festivals, preserved architecture, and active community events.
This is a charming four-bedroom thatched cottage near the New Forest featuring exposed beams, an oak conservatory, and a wood-burning stove, set in peaceful countryside with scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.
This ground floor wing of a larger property in Hampshire offers a peaceful and cosy escape with scenic views of landscaped gardens and direct access to New Forest National Park, suitable for couples or small families.
A garden flat located on a beautiful square in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, offering comfortable accommodation for up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with access to an enclosed garden and private parking.
The Coach House is a family-oriented cottage in the village of Wootton on the Isle of Wight set within a rural farm environment surrounded by ancient woodland and countryside, suitable for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.
Brading Marshes is a nature reserve on the Isle of Wight offering outdoor wildlife watching with habitats for rare birds like Marsh Harriers and mammals such as Red Squirrels. Visitors can explore miles of footpaths and enjoy multiple viewing points in a tranquil setting.
A large three-storey beachfront house with stunning views across the Solent, direct beach access, and accommodation for large families or groups on Hayling Island.
Fort Cumberland is a historic pentagonal artillery fort in Southsea, Hampshire, protecting the entrance to Langstone Harbour and the Royal Navy Dockyard. Now managed by English Heritage, it offers pre-booked guided tours of its extensive masonry fortifications and houses a distillery and veterans charities within its casemates.
A stylish luxury two-bedroom first floor apartment in Highcliffe, Christchurch offering a bright open-plan living space with a balcony, situated close to coastal scenery, Highcliffe beach, and the New Forest, providing a comfortable and modern coastal retreat ideal for families and friends.
Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed Gothic mansion on a cliff top in Dorset, offering restored historic interiors with exhibitions and beach access. Visitors can explore the house, enjoy the scenic grounds, and use the on-site cafe and picnic areas.
Christchurch is a historic town on the south coast of Dorset, England, featuring a medieval priory, castle ruins, a picturesque harbour, and vibrant cultural events, making it a popular and accessible tourist destination.
Still Waters is a modern, fully accessible, and adapted property set in a peaceful garden with natural lake views near Hill Head Beach, ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife watching.
Titchfield Abbey is a medieval Premonstratensian abbey in Hampshire with surviving church ruins, a Tudor gatehouse, and historic fishponds. Converted into a Tudor mansion post-Dissolution, it is now a preserved historic site open to the public under English Heritage care.
The Retreat is a luxury lodge in Dorset designed for up to four guests, featuring two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a private garden, plunge pool, and hot tub, providing a tranquil and stylish environment for couples or families seeking relaxation and nature-focused activities.
Willow Cottage is a ground-floor property set amidst rolling countryside close to the South Downs National Park, offering a peaceful family escape with scenic walks, nearby market towns, and rural ambiance.
A ground-floor bungalow set on a working sheep farm in rolling countryside on the edge of the South Downs National Park, ideal for couples or families seeking a peaceful rural retreat with scenic walks and nearby market towns.
Farnham Castle is a historic 12th-century castle in Surrey that served as the residence of the Bishops of Winchester for over 800 years, featuring a preserved shell keep, curtain walls, historic gardens, and a visitors' exhibition detailing its 900-year history. It offers indoor tours of the keep and palace with outdoor exploration of its grounds and gardens.
A peaceful and homely detached bungalow situated on the owner's property near the New Forest National Park, ideal for couples or small families seeking a quiet countryside holiday with nearby local amenities and scenic walks.
This detached former barn cottage is located on a peaceful working farm within South Downs National Park near Winchester, offering a tranquil and scenic base for couples to explore Hampshire's countryside and coastline.
Marwell Zoo in Hampshire is a large wildlife park featuring diverse animal exhibits, including endangered species, accompanied by playgrounds, food outlets and conservation efforts. It offers an outdoor family-friendly experience within the historic Marwell Hall estate.
A newly built luxury lodge located in rural Sussex, offering a peaceful countryside retreat with private hot tub, woodburner, garden terrace, and scenic views, suitable for up to 4 guests with pet allowance and wheelchair accessibility.
Stansted Park is an Edwardian country house set within 1800 acres of landscaped parkland and forest, offering visitors house tours, gardens, a chapel, woodland walks, and various outdoor attractions including a maze and light railway. Facilities include accessible parking, a café, and buggy service, with family-friendly activities and seasonal guided tours.
16 Oct (next Friday)
A talk by Stansted Park’s Collections Coordinator explores the people who owned the estate before the Earls of Bessborough arrived in 1924, and the historical events and stories associated with them. Tickets include a drink on arrival.
This accommodation is a beautifully designed barn conversion in North Hampshire featuring comfortable living spaces and a peaceful, rural setting with shared courtyard and decking.
The Vyne in Hampshire is a historic Tudor mansion with royal connections set within extensive gardens, meadows, and ancient woodlands. Visitors can explore opulent state rooms, enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities, and attend outdoor theatre and cinema events. On-site facilities include a tea-room and a gift shop, with accessibility features and dog-friendly areas.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Families can follow an interactive trail through The Vyne’s gardens, searching for characters from Tom Fletcher’s Who’s In Your Book? series and completing playful challenges.
Ash Lodge is a ground-floor accommodation set in spacious surroundings with a private garden and terrace, located on a working sheep farm at Broadview Farm on the edge of South Downs National Park in Hampshire.
Farnham Castle is a historic site with 900 years of history featuring a Norman Keep, medieval great hall, and Tudor lodging range. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the Castle Keep and exhibition room as well as guided tours of the Bishop’s Palace. The site combines indoor historical exhibits with outdoor grounds and offers free parking and some accessibility provisions. The Castle Keep will be closed for repairs in 2025.
A bespoke wooden lodge near Fishbourne ferry terminal featuring a spacious open-plan living area, one double bedroom, shower room, courtyard garden with seating and barbecue, private parking, and air conditioning suitable for year-round comfort.
This spacious three-bedroom barn conversion on the Isle of Wight offers wheelchair access, countryside charm, and a private courtyard near coastal villages and seaside towns, suitable for families and groups.
St Helens Duver is a sandy spit of land on the Isle of Wight featuring beaches, rock pools, woodlands, and historical sites including a former royal golf course. It offers coastal walks with wildlife spotting opportunities and is dog-friendly with wheelchair accessible paths.
Ryde is a historic seaside town on the Isle of Wight known for its expansive sandy beaches, the fourth longest listed pier in the UK, and a charming town centre with Regency and Victorian architecture. It offers a variety of leisure activities including boating, amusement arcades, parks, and cultural events such as carnivals.
Joyful Cottage is a coastal cottage located near Milford on Sea, offering accommodation with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, suitable for up to 4 guests and welcoming up to 3 pets, featuring a garden with summerhouse and private parking for one car.
Hurst Castle is a historic 16th-century artillery fort located on Hurst Spit in Hampshire, England, built by Henry VIII to protect the Solent. It features extensive 19th-century gun batteries, an active lighthouse, and served military roles through two World Wars. Now managed by English Heritage, the site offers visitors a glimpse into England's coastal defence history amid ongoing conservation efforts due to coastal erosion.
This accommodation is a single-storey barn conversion located within a working stud farm offering a peaceful rural setting with access to woodland, walking paths, and outdoor activities, suitable for families and groups.
New Forest Northern Commons is a vast open landscape in Hampshire featuring walking trails through heathland and ancient woodland pasture, home to rare wildlife and shaped by traditional commoning livestock grazing. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and enjoy a natural, historic environment outdoors.
A converted former farm buildings cottage on the edge of Compton in the South Downs National Park, with a peaceful rural setting and enclosed garden, ideal for romantic and laid-back stays.
Uppark is a Grade I listed 17th-century historic house museum in West Sussex, open to the public as a National Trust property. It features extensive collections from the 18th century, has been carefully restored after a major fire in 1989, and holds historical significance including ties to writer H. G. Wells.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Visitors can explore Stansted House as it was in the late 1920s, seeing archival items and learning about the Bessborough family and life among the servants. The day includes piano performances, drop-in Charleston workshops, a children’s trail, an exhibition about Stansted Theatre and talks.
Seagull Cottage is a charming and quirky converted railway carriage set on the ground floor, offering family and pet-friendly accommodation with scenic views of Pagham Lagoon and direct beach access.
Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve is a significant wetland habitat with trails, a visitor centre, and diverse birdlife including tern colonies. Visitors can enjoy outdoor wildlife watching, accessible paths, and various walking trails, with facilities like a café and picnic areas.
A stylish and spacious ground floor apartment in a peaceful suburban setting near Bournemouth, offering a private south-facing garden and suitable for families or friends exploring the coastal town and surrounding areas.
Castlepoint is a large retail park in Bournemouth, Dorset, featuring around 40 shops and multiple dining options within a two-level indoor shopping environment, supported by a spacious car park.
Bournemouth is a vibrant coastal resort town in Dorset, England, famous for its seven-mile sandy beaches, Victorian architecture, lively nightlife, cultural venues, and tourism. It combines historic charm with modern attractions and hosts various festivals and events.
A stylish and homely shepherds hut with an open plan living space, situated in a peaceful countryside setting with scenic views towards Salisbury Cathedral, offering a private hot tub and garden area for a romantic and private retreat.
The Pepperbox is an historic hexagonal folly tower built in 1606 on Pepperbox Hill, Wiltshire. It offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside including Salisbury. The tower is a Grade II listed building and a notable early folly, owned and preserved by the National Trust.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
Explore Mompesson House dressed to reflect the Portman family’s time there and learn about Regency life and the family’s social calendar. Visitors can see a Regency parlour and children’s playroom, take part in activities, and follow a spotter trail around the house.
This semi-detached property on the Isle of Wight offers spacious accommodation for up to six guests with contemporary furnishings, private access to a beach, and scenic views across the Solent, set in a peaceful natural setting with nearby woodland.
Sid's Place is a single-storey accommodation set in a tranquil rural setting near horses and ponies grazing with direct access to Hurn Forest, offering countryside views and a private decking area.
A spacious family holiday home located on a working sheep farm in rural Hampshire, offering ground-floor accommodation with a private garden terrace and access to extensive countryside walking.
Farnham Castle Keep features historic motte and shell keep remains founded in 1138, with a free exhibition about 900 years of castle history. The site offers scenic views over Farnham town and is partially wheelchair accessible with parking and nearby town facilities.
This detached holiday lodge, formerly a coach house and stables, is quietly situated on a private road near the New Forest and close to Portsmouth, Beaulieu, and Southampton, offering views over the garden and a sunny, angular living room.
Westquay is a major shopping centre in Southampton, offering over 130 retail stores including major brands, a wide range of dining options, a cinema, and leisure facilities all within a large indoor complex heated by geothermal energy.
A luxury two-bedroom seaside holiday home on Hayling Island, offering a stylish and homely atmosphere with scenic coastal surroundings and family-friendly features.
Langstone Harbour is a nature reserve with tidal mudflats, saltmarsh, and lagoons supporting diverse waterbirds. It offers outdoor wildlife viewing along coastal paths with no visitor centre, on-site facilities, or entry fees.
Mallard Cottage is an attractive 18th Century Grade II listed cottage located on the edge of Winchester offering a peaceful and romantic stay with scenic views over a landscaped garden and close proximity to historic sites and city amenities.
Winchester City Mill is a restored watermill from 1744 in Winchester, offering historical water-powered flour milling, weekend demonstrations, a café, and wildlife viewing including otters.
Forest Acorn is a luxury first floor apartment in the centre of Brockenhurst village with a forestry-themed exterior and contemporary interior, featuring open plan living space, two bedrooms, and a balcony, located near village amenities and surrounded by woods and heathland.
A bright, modern, homely two-bedroom terrace house in Portsmouth offering flexible sleeping arrangements and a back garden, located conveniently close to shops, bars, restaurants, and local attractions like the Mary Rose Museum and Spinnaker Tower.
Portchester Castle is a historic medieval fortress built within a Roman Saxon Shore fort in Hampshire, England. Visitors can explore both the extensive outdoor castle grounds and inner bailey as well as indoor ruins and exhibits, experiencing rich history from Roman times to the Napoleonic Wars. The site features Norman architecture, royal apartments, and is managed by English Heritage.
Middledown is a former granary barn conversion located in the Hampshire South Downs, combining traditional style with modern comfort in a peaceful rural setting, suitable for families and pet owners.
Selborne Common is a protected biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Hampshire, featuring ancient beechwood, diverse wildlife including rare butterflies and birds, wildflowers, and historic field systems. It offers outdoor exploration within a nationally managed nature reserve accessible via public footpaths.
A five-bedroom sea view townhouse located opposite the green and overlooking the beach, playground, and public slipway in a coastal village setting, suitable for families, pets, and groups up to ten guests, with light and airy accommodation and enclosed garden.
Selsey is a historic seaside town in West Sussex known for its fishing heritage, coastal landscape, and cultural activities including arts and sports, offering visitors a charming and walkable town center with beach access.
A light and airy barn conversion situated in the rural village of Martin near Salisbury, offering a peaceful and homely holiday retreat with scenic countryside surroundings and nature immersion.
A rural retreat for two located in the South Downs National Park near the village of Compton, featuring open plan living, a wood burner, an enclosed lawned garden, and private parking; close to Chichester cathedral and scenic boat tours with countryside views.
Harting Down is a large area of ancient chalk downland featuring scenic hilltop views, diverse wildlife, and historical remnants including an Iron Age hill fort and Napoleonic war telegraph station. It offers extensive outdoor walking trails through a pristine natural landscape managed by the National Trust.
This detached stable conversion is set in a quiet rural location in the countryside near Whitchurch, offering views across surrounding fields and an enclosed garden with patio, ideal for a small family or couple seeking a peaceful country retreat with outdoor activities and pet-friendly amenities.
A peaceful ground-floor accommodation in the South Downs National Park offering an open plan living space with a garden and private parking, suitable for up to three guests including pets and featuring countryside surroundings with nearby walking and cycling opportunities.
The accommodation is a spacious barn conversion near South Downs National Park, suitable for families or multigenerational groups, offering peaceful countryside views in the village of Bishop’s Waltham.
Bishop's Waltham Palace is a ruined medieval bishop's palace in Hampshire, England, known for its historical importance and royal connections. The moated ruins are open to the public and host local events, offering visitors an outdoor historical experience.
This countryside cottage in the Southdowns National Park offers vaulted ceilings, beams, an open fire, an enclosed garden, and accommodation suitable for six guests including three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Sunbury Cottage is a dog-friendly bungalow in the Hampshire village of Clanfield, located near the South Down National Park and ideal for walkers and cyclists, with a quiet private lane setting close to local amenities and countryside attractions.
A renovated and charming barn conversion semi-detached set in a peaceful rural location near Salisbury, close to Stonehenge and the New Forest, offering a cosy and homely atmosphere with open-plan living and countryside surroundings.
Winterbourne Downs is a RSPB nature reserve in Wiltshire preserving and restoring rare chalk grassland habitats. Visitors can enjoy marked nature trails, wildlife viewing screens, and panoramic views while spotting rare birds like Stone-curlews. The site offers wheelchair accessible paths and picnic areas but no indoor facilities or food services.
This stylish home is located in Christchurch near beaches and waterways, offering a private and convenient base with scenic surroundings and access to outdoor activities.
Solsken is a semi-detached ground floor annexe on the south coast with a homely and laid-back atmosphere, featuring an enclosed garden patio and close proximity to the beach and local amenities.
Christchurch Castle in Dorset is a historic Norman motte and bailey castle featuring ruins of a stone keep and the Constable's House, a rare Norman domestic dwelling. The site offers outdoor exploration of the castle grounds and gardens, as well as indoor experience of the preserved Constable's House, managed by English Heritage.
A spacious one-bedroom apartment on the first floor in Ryde near local amenities and the beach, featuring open plan living, a zip and link super kingsize bed, bathroom with accessibility fixtures, shared outdoor sitting area, and private off-road parking for one car.
Bembridge Windmill is a Grade I listed historic tower mill on the Isle of Wight, built around 1700 and operated by the National Trust. Visitors can explore this four-storey mill with original machinery, open to the public seasonally from March to November.
The Old Tack Room is a peaceful countryside retreat located in the village of Tilshead on Salisbury Plain, with scenic surroundings and easy access to historic Wiltshire landmarks including Stonehenge and Avebury.
A cosy, stylishly furnished annexe located on the edge of a Wiltshire village offering a peaceful retreat with rural surroundings and nearby walking routes.
White Barrow is a large Neolithic long barrow on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, notable as the first ancient monument purchased by the National Trust and a protected archaeological site dating back to 3500-4000 BC.
A spacious cottage in South Downs National Park with vaulted beamed ceilings, wheelchair accessible features, and accommodation for up to 8 guests with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including pet allowance and private parking.
A peaceful ground floor apartment suitable for families located near the coast with easy access to local walks, golf, and nearby shops in a residential area.
New Milton is a historic market town in Hampshire with a rich heritage, cultural venues, nearby coastal cliffs and walking paths, and accessible transport options including a railway station and bus services.
A ground-floor barn conversion holiday accommodation in a peaceful rural village near the New Forest National Park, set in a conservation area with shared orchard gardens and peaceful countryside surroundings.
A wheelchair friendly ground-floor adapted lodge near Chichester Watersports Lake, suitable for a couple or small family, offering access to watersports and local attractions.
This barn conversion is a stylish and comfortable ground-floor cottage set within a rural courtyard surrounded by natural fields and wildlife, offering a peaceful base near Chichester Harbour and the South Downs National Park.
Goodwood House is a historic stately home in West Sussex featuring an impressive collection of art and historic artifacts. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the house and exhibitions, along with a luxury afternoon tea experience in the ballroom. The venue offers good wheelchair accessibility and enriches visitors with a deep sense of aristocratic heritage.
Orchard Cottage is a characterful single-storey luxury cottage in Over Wallop offering a peaceful and elegant retreat surrounded by picturesque countryside and village charm.
A stylish ground-floor holiday home in East Dorset offering a private retreat with garden seating, private parking, and proximity to coastal and countryside attractions including Christchurch and the New Forest.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a Victorian villa in Bournemouth featuring historic art collections, galleries, and a Japanese treasures room, alongside a small garden and a cafe with sea views. The venue offers tours, live music, and is mostly wheelchair accessible with facilities for children.
A 17th-century restored, stylish holiday home set within a large parkland estate with 8 individually designed ensuite kingsize bedrooms, suitable for groups and families.
St Giles House is a historic family home in Dorset with over 400 years of history, restored after a period of disrepair. Visitors can arrange group tours of the house, which features accessibility accommodations and hosts events throughout the year.
Lovington Barn is a luxury oak framed barn conversion set in the Hampshire countryside in the village of Ovington, offering spacious bedroom suites and open plan living with countryside views.
The Grange is a historic 19th-century Greek Revival country house and English landscape park in Hampshire, England, known for its architectural significance, extensive gardens, and as a venue for opera and cultural events. Visitors can explore its gardens, exterior monument, and attend performances in the converted orangery theatre.
5–18 Oct (another 9 days)
Hinton Ampner: Unseen is an exhibition revealing rarely displayed objects, hidden areas and stories from the historic house. Visitors can explore furniture, the China Store and the conservation work involved in caring for the collections.
A luxury shepherds hut with countryside views towards Salisbury Cathedral set in a rural, tranquil location offering a cosy and private retreat experience.
Pepperbox Hill is a natural outdoor site featuring an early 17th century brick folly and important chalk downland habitat supporting rare orchids, butterflies, and diverse flora. Visitors can explore the natural landscape and enjoy views from the historic folly.
16–20 Oct, 23–27 Oct…
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to follow the Crone through an interactive folklore adventure at Mompesson House, completing magical challenges to help close a rift between the human and spirit worlds.
A two-bedroom chalet located at Selsey Country Club in a quiet seaside village setting, with access to outdoor recreational amenities including a heated outdoor pool, sports courts, and a play area, plus an on-site restaurant and entertainment.
A luxury ground-floor apartment in a family-run Edwardian house set within 8 acres of private land in the New Forest National Park, close to the beach and ideal for peaceful, nature-filled stays with outdoor access and private parking.