Pick your backdrop in this southwest county—city, coast, and countryside are all within easy reach.
Mediaeval cities, woodlands, and beaches await in Hampshire, all within a 2-hour train ride of London. Stroll the historic streets of Winchester, visit the maritime cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, or head to the seaside to swim or kitesurf. Hampshire’s two national parks—New Forest and South Downs—plus the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding National Beauty afford plenty of hiking, biking, and horseback riding—and camping is just as varied. Pitch your tent along the beachfront in summer, enjoy back-to-nature camping in the heart of the forest, or park your campervan or caravan at area family-friendly camping grounds open year-round. With scenery ranging from south coast beaches to the magical New Forest, the best campsites in Hampshire are just as stunning.
The cathedral city of Winchester is Hampshire’s show-stopper, with its striking architecture and lively street markets. Once you’ve had your fill of city life, escape to the 220-square-mile New Forest National Park to explore ancient forest trails, walk through wildflower meadows, and admire the free-roaming New Forest ponies—all set near the majority of the county’s campsites. Along the south Solent coast, shingle beaches, colourful beach huts, and oceanview campsites line the seashores at Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea.
Ferries set sail for the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth, but another favourite for family beach breaks is Hayling Island, just offshore and connected to the mainland by a road bridge. Inland, the lush valleys and hanging woods of the South Downs National Park stretch into neighbouring Sussex. Hike or cycle part of the 101-mile South Downs Way, stop for lunch at a traditional country pub, then check into a quiet rural camping ground.
Just a short train ride from London, North Hampshire serves up a mix of history, heritage, and nature. Discover Britain’s military history in Aldershot, take a boat cruise along the Basingstoke Canal, or follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen in Steventon and Chawton. To the north, the green hills of the North Wessex Downs AONB are a tranquil spot for hiking, camping, or horseback riding.
Towering sea cliffs, rocky coves, and golden sands fringe the Isle of Wight, one of southern England’s most popular summer holiday destinations. Hop on a ferry from Southampton or Portsmouth, enjoy swimming and water sports at one of the many Blue Flag beaches, or explore more than 500 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Island camping is equally fun, with family-friendly holiday parks, eco-lodges, and quirky glampsites.
If planning a family camping holiday, you can’t do much better than Hampshire. The county is chock-full of family-friendly activities that make days out easy to find—and then there’s the joy of camping itself. The sociable nature of campsite life means playmates for your little ones are never far away. Choose a site with a car-free camping meadow so they can enjoy a relative freedom they may not get at home, or pick a family glamping holiday to eliminate the need to pitch a tent with toddlers (or teenagers) in tow. Parents can also look out for sites with play equipment or a petting zoo. If your kids love swimming, head to the south coast campsites for a seaside holiday—or if they’re more into tree-climbing, they might be more at home in the New Forest.
It’s not only kids who fall in love with this part of the world. The unfenced land of the New Forest, shared with free-roaming ponies and herds of deer, is perfect for romantic walks and hikes, while days on the water can mean discovering historic sites, cycling round the countryside, and visiting age-old inns. Bank holiday weekends and school holidays can be busy, particularly in the New Forest, so if you’re after a quiet, adults-only break, try booking a camping holiday outside of these peak times at an adults-only campsite or perhaps just a secluded pitch or solo glamping unit with plenty of privacy. Wherever you choose to explore in Hampshire, what could be more romantic than returning to a yurt or shepherd’s hut warmed by a log burner? Or sitting by the campfire outside your tent under a starry night sky?
You don’t need to look far to find things to do during a Hampshire camping holiday. Wherever you decide to stay in the county, you’re in reach of great attractions—check out these top spots.