Hampshire has an impressive number of open spaces, magnificent country houses and stunning beaches to explore.

Hampshire has a diverse landscape, blending city, coast, and countryside seamlessly. With two stunning National Parks — New Forest to the west and South Downs to the east — enjoy over 2,100 square kilometres of natural beauty.

Experience the best of both worlds: close enough to London to feel its energy, yet far enough away to embrace Hampshire's unique lifestyle. Whether its the vibrant city vibes of Southampton or Portsmouth, the historic charm of Winchester, the cosy atmosphere of market towns, or the tranquillity of villages and rural living, Hampshire offers it all. It makes for the perfect location to live, work and enjoy.

Where to live in Hampshire

Hampshire certainly isn’t all about quaint, traditional places to live that come with big price tags. There’s a lot of new development that means more affordable opportunities in garden style communities, and quality edge of town housing schemes.

  • Welborne is a 21st century Garden Village between the South Downs National Park and the coast
  • Whitehill and Bordon are being transformed from what was a garrison town to Hampshire’s Green Town
  • Wellesley is a new and exciting neighbourhood for Aldershot

These are all providing quality homes, employment opportunities and education vital to support the growth of the county.

There’s a great combination of urban hustle and bustle with a slower pace of life if and when you want it. It’s not hard to find quiet, big skies, fresh air and to simply lose yourself in the landscape.

Things to see and do

The county sees some of the most iconic and exciting events every year.

Every September, Mayflower Park is the host of the Southampton International Boat Show. Britain’s biggest and best festival of boating which showcases a plethora of beautifully designed boats and products from over 600 global marine brands.

Every August one of the longest-running regular regattas in the world, Cowes Week returns to the Solent, attracting over 100,000 spectators.

Upcoming events in Hampshire can be found on Visit Hampshire What's on page. For events run by Hampshire County Council visit our Events page.

Taste of Hampshire

Hampshire produces award-winning locally sourced food and drink. Every summer Hampshire stages the month-long Hampshire Food Festival; and is home to celebrity chefs including James Martin and Angela Hartnett.

Hampshire is arguably the sparkling wine region of the UK, being home to leading vineyards such as Hattingley Valley and Hambledon Vineyard.

Read more about food and drink in Hampshire.

Sports and activities

Sports fans are spoilt in Hampshire with the range of sporting facilities on offer. The Utilita Bowl is the home of Hampshire Cricket and a regular venue for international fixtures. Football fans get to choose from two premier league teams, Southampton FC (Premier League) and Portsmouth FC (League One).

For those passionate about watersports, Hampshire’s coastline is famous for sailing for all abilities. There is an abundance of marina’s dotted along the coastline including:

See Visit Hampshire Activities and Sports page for more information.