Hampshire - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Which Hampshire do you want to visit? Perhaps it’s the clotted-cream-and-scone version, where you tour the villages of the New Forest, pausing in quaint tearooms while ponies frolic outside. Maybe it’s the surf and sand one – the swathe of gorgeous coastline includes Hayling Island, the epicentre of windsurfing, so there’s no excuse not to don a wetsuit and get out on the water.

Then there’s urban Hampshire – you’ll find retail therapy at Southampton’s West Quay mall, and there are designer bargains to be had at Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays outlet village. There’s no time to waste – Hampshire’s waiting for you.

Top destinations in Hampshire

Where will you go next?

Fareham
Fareham, on Portsmouth Harbour’s northwestern tip, is a market town with a lively population and offers traditional markets, a modern shopping centre, lots of events and unique attractions. Shopping opportunities here vary widely and you’ll find plenty of eclectic wares...
Southampton
While many see Southampton as a university town or a gateway to the Isle of Wight, this Hampshire hub is also a destination in its own right. It's seen plenty of maritime action over the years, including the departure of...
Winchester
Winchester is an ancient city and former royal capital that travellers fascinated by history won’t want to miss out on,...
Portsmouth
Portsmouth serves as one of England's most important southern ports. Those with an interest in maritime history have come to...
Hook
Hook is a civil parish and large village in northern Hampshire’s Hart District that’s famed as the location of St...
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight lies off England’s south coast, offering pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and a wide range of outdoor...

What to see & do in Hampshire

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Most Picturesque Villages in Hampshire
The most picturesque villages in Hampshire lie within some of the most beautiful national parks in the South of England, and almost all are easily accessible via a short train ride from London or major cities such as Portsmouth and...
10 Best Towns and Resorts on the Isle of Wight
Looking for the best towns and resorts on the Isle of Wight? A good place to start is to grab...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Winchester
For the best places to go shopping in Winchester, look no further than the heart of the town. The busy...
10 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight, a popular island off the south coast of England, offers no shortage of great things to...
10 Best Things to Do in Winchester
Winchester is known as a place where the past and present collide in England. The culturally rich city has meticulously...
10 Best Things to Do in Southampton
Some of the best things to do in Southampton have a strong connection to the sea. This modern city has...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping on the Isle of Wight
The best places to go shopping on the Isle of Wight include vibrant market towns, seaside resorts, and historical villages....
10 Things to Do on the Isle of Wight with Kids
The best things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids include activities and attractions that your whole gang...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Winchester
There’s no shortage of great things to do after dinner in Winchester, with theatres and bars aplenty. It’s ranked one...

Where & what to eat in Hampshire

10 Best Restaurants in Winchester
There are loads of great restaurants in Winchester, spread throughout the historic streets and buildings of this appealing city. Once the ancient capital of England, Winchester has become an affluent and aspirational destination offering a quaint vision of the England...
10 Best Restaurants on the Isle of Wight
Many restaurants on the Isle of Wight serve local seafood because of their close proximity to the sea. The island is a quintessential British holiday destination with miles of sandy beaches, flanked by seafront promenades. However, its culinary scene has...

Where to shop & what to buy in Hampshire

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Winchester
For the best places to go shopping in Winchester, look no further than the heart of the town. The busy town centre offers a well-varied scene. Located in Hampshire, overlooking the English countryside and packed with historical sites, Winchester offers...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping on the Isle of Wight
The best places to go shopping on the Isle of Wight include vibrant market towns, seaside resorts, and historical villages....
5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Southampton
The shopping in Southampton reflects the city’s past as one of England’s main port cities. It’s not just nautical associations,...

Where to go & what to do at night in Hampshire

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Portsmouth
Portsmouth has no shortage of nightlife, with activities for the whole family, laid-back bars and pubs, exciting nightclubs and cultured performing-arts venues to choose from. Much of the excitement is focused around 3 main areas – The Gunwharf Quays, Guildhall...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Winchester
There’s no shortage of great things to do after dinner in Winchester, with theatres and bars aplenty. It’s ranked one...
5 Best Nightlife in Southampton
The nightlife in Southampton includes a lively network of pubs, bars, and clubs for those seeking to extend their day’s...

Useful information

Isle of Wight Travel Essentials
Our Isle of Wight Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in South-East England. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need...
Southampton Travel Essentials
Our Southampton Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Hampshire, England. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s...

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Where to stay in Hampshire

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