A history fan’s guide to Hampshire

Hampshire is a county that’s brimming with history, with ruins and remnants that can still be seen today. With everything from prehistoric forts to World War Two infrastructure, our countryside is a fantastic place to learn about the stories that shaped our communities. We’re sharing some of our favourite spots to step back in time and imagine the landscapes and stories of the past.

Danebury Iron Hillfort Local Nature Reserve

📍 Near Stockbridge

Thought to have been built around 2,500 years ago, Danebury, historians believe it was occupied for 500 years and is one of the most studied Iron Age hill forts in Europe. Looking around the site, you’ll be able to see the ring of ramparts and once hidden gate.

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Odiham Castle

📍 Odiham

Constructed between 1207 and 1214, the castle is believed to have been built by King John as a stopping place between his strongholds in Winchester and Windsor. Once a royal residence, the castle fell into disrepair, and was already considered a ruin by 1603.

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Silchester Roman Town

📍 Near Tadley

Take a wander around one of the best-preserved Roman towns in the country. The site has been continuously occupied since the Iron Age, so you’ll be able to see millennia of history. Keep your eyes peeled for remnants from the Iron Age, Romans, Normans, and medieval times.

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Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Local Nature Reserve

📍 Lymington

Now a haven for overwintering birds, the marshes here were once an integral part of the salt industry, with records of their use dating back to 1086. You’ll be able to spot the saline lagoons, known as salterns, where seawater was trapped and evaporated, leaving salt behind to be harvested.

Discover more about Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Local Nature Reserve and plan your visit