Hampshire may be best known for its natural beauty, but it's also home to a number of brilliant museums, a collection of impressive historic sites, a fantastic array of local pubs and restaurants, and some seriously lovely country houses. From its rolling hills and unspoilt coastline to its bustling market towns and pretty villages, the county offers some of southern England’s loveliest countryside, and its proximity to London makes it an easy pick for a mini-break. Accordingly the standard of this county’s hospitality is consistently high (there are a good number of luxury properties here), and some of our picks for the best places to stay in Hampshire will really impress you! We have discovered great pubs-with-rooms, spa hotels, romantic hotels, country house hotels, and our top tips for the best hotels in the New Forest.
Portsmouth is a good choice if you want to be close to the coast. This is the Royal Navy’s base, and its historic harbour has an incredible collection of ships and museums — including the Mary Rose and Nelson’s Victory. It’s also just across the Solent from the Isle of Wight, and neighbours with the lushly peaceful New Forest. Southampton is another coastal city. It has also got its own Roman ruins, the remains of a defensive wall dating from the Middle Ages, and a collection of art galleries and museums, many with a maritime flavour. Winchester is a beautiful cathedral city with an impressive collection of Elizabethan and Regency architecture and an atmospheric, 11th century abbey, which holds England’s oldest bible, and is the burial place of Jane Austen.
If you’re hoping for some outdoor adventuring, then head towards the New Forest. Lymington is on the Lymington River, with a yachting marina and great access to walking routes and trail rides. Picturesque Beaulieu and Brockenhurst are two other excellent New Forest picks, perfect for walkers, and well known for their populations of wild ponies, donkeys, cows and deer. Beaulieu is also known for its motor museum, and museum of its time as a Special Operations Executive base in WW2. Fans of Downton Abbey should make sure that they head to Highclere Castle, between Newbury and Andover — this is where they filmed the series.
There's so much to see and do in this charming county that it's a popular year round destination. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Hampshire, we recommend you do your research and book well ahead!
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Hampshire
On the edge of the New Forest and close to the sea, Chewton Glen offers five-star luxury to couples and families. Its wow-factor treehouse accommodation is the star of the show, along with the fantastic staff that always go the extra mile. Imitable service, gourmet dining and The Beehive, kids club.
Hampshire
Scintillating luxury hotel in a superbly redesigned Georgian house in the heart of the New Forest. Wonderfully comfortable beds in large rooms all with unique features including free standing baths, fireplaces or four posters. A sublime restaurant curated by a celebrity chef. Countryside perfection.
Winchester (Hampshire)
A chic family friendly B&B/self-catering hybrid in the centre of town. Three individually styled duplex suites offer luxurious accommodation all with their own sitting room downstairs and smart ensuite bathroom. A shared fully equipped kitchen, plus sit out terrace. It's great value too!
Portsmouth (Portsmouth)
A stylish boutique hotel well positioned near Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. Individually styled rooms feature simple modern furniture, contemporary art, and bright pops of colour. Outdoors is a seasonal restaurant complete with a wood-fired oven. A conveniently placed & well-priced city crashpad.
Hampshire (Sway)
Set within 5 acres of grounds, The Manor At Sway is located in Hampshire's New Forest. This Edwardian property offers smart rooms in natural hues. Tuck into British classics in the restaurant. A relaxing country retreat that's ideal for weekend breaks.
Lymington (Hampshire)
Enjoy a memorable stay at this characterful "home away from home" B&B. Each of the five rooms are filled with artwork and antique pieces; richly coloured fabrics and furnishings. There is also a separate apartment to rent. Enjoy a hearty full English breakfast - fuel for the days outdoor pursuits!
Winchester (Hampshire)
Quirky prison-themed B&B that’s both stylish and comfortable with 10 ‘cells’ and nearby sister wine bar, The Black Boy. City bolt hole for couples who want something a bit different or solo travellers after solitary confinement! Children are welcome.
Winchester (Winchester)
The Westgate is located in Winchester, just a 20 minute drive from Southampton Airport. This pub with rooms offers boutique, unfussy accommodation decorated using plenty of neutral tones. Each room also comes with a coffee table and a flat screen TV. Truly excellent cuisine. An intimate city stay!
Hampshire (Hampshire)
A characterful inn set in the pretty town of Stockbridge. Rooms are traditional with a contemporary sheen, the walls are white washed, soft tartan fabrics and chic modern lights stand well beside antique furniture. The food is much the same, classic with a modern twist.
Hampshire (Overton )
A boutique country inn located in the pretty village of Overton. Rustic chic rooms are beautifully styled with antique furniture, quilted bedspreads and soft hues. The bathrooms are contemporary and spacious. Exemplary pub fare is served in the restaurant. An easy weekend escape from London.
Winchester (Winchester)
A former Bishop's home turned elegant hotel set in the heart of medieval Winchester. Spacious rooms span across the old house & a newer wing. All are simply styled and feature high ceilings, sash windows & heavy drapes. Delicious classic British cuisine is served in the restaurant. A charming stay.
Hampshire
A charming traditional inn with elevated pub grub & well-designed cabins in the garden. Cosy cabins offer modern bathrooms, sink-into beds, & sliding glass doors leading onto terraces. With award-winning cuisine, a good selection of ales, & scenic walking country, this is ideal for a country breaks.
Hampshire (Alton)
The Anchor Inn is a traditional pub located in prime shooting and fishing country. Full of character with books, pictures, nostalgic bric a brac and WW1 poet themed rooms. Featuring eccentricities such as wooden galleries & quaint private balconies each room is unique. A wonderful country escape.
Hampshire (Hampshire)
A luxurious inn with the garden backing onto the New Forest. Spacious rooms are elegantly styled with softly patterned fabrics, wooden floors, simple furniture and contemporary bathrooms. Hearty pub fare is served in the restaurant alongside a choice selection of ales. Ideal for rural weekends away.
Hampshire (Hampshire)
A charming Georgian inn on the northern edge of the New Forest. Individually designed bedrooms offer a comfy oasis after a day's exploring. There's a buzzy bar and the AA rosette restaurant champions locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for outdoorsy types or those wanting a quiet country escape.
Brockenhurst (BROCKENHURST)
A chic B&B in the heart of the New Forest. Bright, spacious rooms are contemporary in style with the white on white palette only being interrupted by the odd well placed cushion or designer chair. The bathrooms are fabulous too, the best of which have roll top baths.
Hampshire (Alresford)
The Woolpack Inn is a classic, traditional pub with beautifully designed rooms in a tiny rural hamlet. Seven elegant, rustic-chic rooms with exposed stone and brick walls. Great food with daily specials and outdoor wood-fired oven for casual pizzas. A real family friendly country find.
Hampshire
Good value, family friendly country house hotel just outside Basingstoke. Great location for exploring the Winchester area. Traditional bedrooms equipped with all mod cons. Good venue for business activities and weddings.
Hampshire (Burley)
Burley Manor enjoys a serene location in the midst of Hampshire's New Forest. This historic property boasts smart boutique rooms - complete with colourful furnishings and plenty of wooden influences. Mediterranean cuisine served up. An idyllic couples country getaway.
Hampshire (Marchwood)
A charming pub on the outskirts of the New Forest. An atmospheric bar and restaurant is everything one imagines of a country inn - roaring fires, good ales and hearty food. Upstairs a handful of rooms are chicly styled with parquet flooring, cast iron beds and crisp white linen.
Hampshire (Stockbridge)
A delightful fishing inn and refuge for country sports enthusiasts in the beautiful Test Valley. Characterful rooms with warming hues, traditional paintings and tartan fabrics. Wonderful seasonal cuisine on the ever changing menu. Situated in a quaint village, it's the ideal country escape.
Lymington (Hampshire)
The Mayflower is a smart pub with rooms close to Lymington's marina. Six individually designed rooms, all with a cool nautical theme & one with private balcony. Dinners (AA Rosette standard) feature delicious locally sourced, seasonal fare. A great base for exploring the coast or New Forest.
Hampshire (Hursley)
The King's Head is a Georgian coaching inn in historic Hursley. Eight country-chic rooms with antique furnishings, original fireplaces and oodles of charm. Award winning British cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients and a traditional skittles alley. A wonderful country escape.
Hampshire (Baughurst)
Right on the border of Hampshire and Berkshire, the 'Welli' is a charming restaurant with rooms. Built on the basis of locally inspired dishes using the freshest ingredients, it's a very popular dining option as well as a romantic stay for couples, in a lovely area.
Hampshire
Genuine village pub that works well both for locals and overnight guests alike owned by the bassist from Dire Straits. Simple fresh rooms are well designed and comfortable. Hearty British fare is served in the restaurant and local ales are on tap. The New Forest is on the doorstep.
Hampshire (Ringwood)
A traditional 17th-century country inn in the heart of the New Forest. Rooms ooze old world charm with exposed beams, fireplaces and sleigh beds. There's a characterful restaurant and bar with a log fire and cosy nooks, plus a beer garden for warmer days. Ideal for a relaxed, low-key getaway.
Brockenhurst (HAMPSHIRE)
A smart gastro pub in the popular village of Brockenhurst. Chic rooms perfectly mix traditional and contemporary styles. The brightly tiled bathrooms are particularly alluring. A bustling restaurant serves British classics alongside excellent pizzas from the wood-fire oven.
Portsmouth
A chic little boutique offering spacious rooms in picturesque Southsea. The design mixes traditional style with a fresh contemporary feel. Expect thoughtful luxury touches such as L'Occitaine products. The opposite pub, The Florence Arms, is owned by the hotel and provides hearty British meals.
Hampshire
A charming village inn with a focus on good food and comfortable beds. The elegant rooms are tastefully furnished and feature original wooden beaming and deep bath tubs. Downstairs, there's an excellent gourmet restaurant and the hotel's bar is the perfect cosy sanctuary on a windswept day.
Hampshire (Whitchurch)
A pretty red brick gastropub set beside the river outside Whitchurch. Beautifully converted rooms keep the building's original features but the feel is fresh and contemporary. Likewise, the restaurant serves a modern spin on pub classics. Friendly and well-priced. Ideal for weekend escapes.
Hampshire
A quintessentially British country house hotel just outside Petersfield. Langrish is a stunning 17th century property with individually styled, chintzy, traditional rooms, a gourmet restaurant and atmospheric bar set in the Vaults. Perfect for a weekend escape & a great base for exploring Hampshire.
Hampshire (Hampshire)
A chic brasserie and hotel in the heart of the market town of Romsey. Individually styled rooms feature sink-into beds, bold wall paper and parquet flooring. The Brasserie, undeniably the star of the show, offers up contemporary British fare. A charming spot for a weekend break.
Portsmouth
A sleek modern hotel located in the heart of Portsmouth. Stylish rooms vary in size but all have Amazon Echo Dots to order room service, smartphones, and wet rooms with Espa toiletries. There's a buzzy restaurant, an enormous indoor pool, and hip places to work. A trendy city pad.
Brockenhurst (Brockenhurst )
A quaint eco hotel in the centre of the New Forest. Forest themed throughout so expect beds made from locally sourced wood, animal themed pillows and wicker chairs. Superb restaurant. The best rooms have a balcony. With walks starting right from the front door this is the ideal rural escape.
Hampshire
The Bourne Valley Inn is a traditional country pub located in bucolic Hampshire. Rooms are decorated in a cosy yet classic style. AA Rosette dishes are served and the full english breakfast (included in the room rate) and afternoon tea are real treats. Its large gardens are a huge draw too.
Hampshire (Stuckton)
Converted village inn housing an excellent, personally run restaurant in the New Forest. Rooms decorated in mellow hues have large glass patio doors leading onto the fine garden. The piece-de-resistance is the restaurant headed by owner and chef. Ideally placed in the New Forest for local exploring.
Hampshire (Odiham)
Set in the small Hampshire market town of Odiham, The Red Lion is an independent pub offering excellent food, warm service and modern guest rooms with fabulous attention to detail, including many family-friendly features.
Beaulieu (Hants)
Lovely historic property situated on the Beaulieu River. Maritime themed living rooms downstairs whilst bedrooms have a traditional country feel with the addition of colourful Indian fabrics. An award winning restaurant serves modern British cuisine. A host of activities. Ideal for families.
Hampshire (Milford-on-Sea)
A striking Victorian property located just minutes from the coast. Beautifully renovated throughout. Rooms mix traditional charm with contemporary luxury - think antique furniture, soft pastel hues and indulgent free-standing copper baths. Complete with fabulous bar and restaurant. Rural bliss.
Southampton
From the right angle, Southampton Harbour Hotel could easily be a super yacht in the marina. Swish and sleek, its luxurious rooms offer fantastic views out over the harbour. The hotel bar is a great place to start the evening off and in the restaurant you will find delicious seasonal dishes.
Hampshire
A grand Gothic country house set in 4,000-acres of parkland near Fleet. Spacious rooms are light & airy with unfussy design giving a fresh contemporary vibe. Downstairs the feel is traditional & grand. Well suited to a couple's getaway and large group celebrations.
Hampshire (Hampshire, New Forest)
A luxurious hotel in the heart of Lyndhurst. Spacious rooms perfectly merge traditional and contemporary styles with simple wooden furniture, lux bathrooms and soft hues set besides the buildings original features. A fantastic restaurant and cosy lounge are a welcoming respite.
Hampshire (HAMPSHIRE )
A boutique Inn set on the high street in the centre of Lymington. Contemporary rooms are individually styled with bold wall paper, crisp white linen and simple modern furniture. An excellent restaurant has a seasonally changing menu and offers a choice selection of local ales.
Winchester
Modernised 17th century country house set in lovely parklands. Large rooms with antique furniture, sash windows and some with four poster beds. Excellent award winning cuisine, cosy bar and fragrant gardens. With plenty of countryside activities nearby, it's the perfect romantic luxury escape.
Hampshire
A country pub with rooms offering smart accommodation, standout pub fare, and lovely walks nearby. Spacious rooms are contemporary and very comfortable. Expect muted grey hues, large expanses of glass, and sink-into beds. Laidback and very dog-friendly, this suits families or couples.
Winchester (Hampshire )
This four star inn is brilliantly placed for people wanting to explore Winchester by foot. The relaxed vibe throughout the hotel makes it great for families whilst charming rooms mean couples will like it too. Hearty meals, fine wines and ales are served in the bistro pub. A welcoming stay.
Southampton (Southampton)
Traditional English boutique hotel in central Southampton. Vintage style rooms with luxurious bathrooms and fantastic breakfasts. Ideal for a city break filled with shopping and history in the city from where Titanic set sail, or perfect for a pre or post cruise stopover.
Southampton
A smart tavern located in the heart of the city and just a short walk from the harbour. The rooms are chic and contemporary with soft grey hues, simple furnishings and plenty of light. A lively restaurant and bar serves up pub classics alongside a choice selection of real ales.
Brockenhurst
Gothic/tudor style country house hotel set in the depths of the New Forest. Beautiful gardens and traditionally done bedrooms. Dining to suit all tastes and leisure facilities including outdoor swimming pool and gym.
Brockenhurst (New Forest)
Situated in the stunning New Forest, and once Charles II's hunting residence, this hotel prides itself on its family-friendly facilities. The spa, swimming pool and games rooms mean that no members of the family will be bored. The hotel has its own traditional English restaurant.
Southampton
An excellent Italian restaurant complete with a handful of chic rooms located on the harbour. Stylish rooms are all different, but all feature crisp white linen, plenty of light and simple contemporary furniture. The restaurant serves authentic fare and is worthy of a visit alone.
Portsmouth
An elegant hotel offering an intimate stay in Portsmouth's historic district. Individually styled rooms highlight the Edwardian property's original features, yet the design is modern with soft hues and unfussy decor. A pub on the same road is owned by the hotel and has excellent British fare.
Winchester (Hampshire)
An award winning centrally located pub with comfortable individually decorated guest rooms is well situated, close to the cathedral, for city sight-seeing. Couples will love the cosy romantic feel and friendly, helpful service.
Lymington
Boutique townhouse hotel in the centre of delightful Lymington. Rooms feature large windows and contemporary chic design. A host of dining options including fine modern European cuisine, private dining and a laid back all day bistro menu. Well priced and placed for local exploring.
Hampshire (Hampshire)
A delightful award-winning country inn in an idyllic location. Perfect for a weekend break, favoured amongst couples. Rooms and en-suites provide contemporary country chic. great base for walkers and foodies and those into typical country pursuits - fly fishing, walking and shooting.
Hampshire
A grand country house (and one of Hampshire's oldest homes) set in 90-acres of farmland. The two rooms are traditional in design with toile wallpaper, antiques, and fireplaces. Mornings begin with hearty breakfasts and the hosts happily hand out local knowledge. A luxurious rural escape.
Portsmouth
An atmospheric small boutique set in the historic part of Portsmouth. Individually styled rooms perfectly mix traditional styles with contemporary patterns and fabrics. The best rooms have large sunken bathtubs (perfect for two). Downstairs there is a pub-style bar - ideal for a romantic city break.
Lymington
Rural restaurant with rooms in an idyllic riverside location with "secret garden" and wildlife galore including kingfishers and heron. Pretty country rooms some of which feature lovely views over the river. Modern British cuisine and a snug bar. Ideally placed on the edge of the New Forest.
Hampshire (Hampshire)
A charming 18th-century B&B, in the historic market town of Ringwood. Immerse yourself in elegant decor with geometric patterned wallpapers, splashes of vibrant colour & shining gold mirrors. Feast on award-winning breakfast, crafted from the finest local produce. A haven of comfort & style
Brockenhurst (New Forest)
A historic country house, turned hotel, set in the picturesque New Forest. Interiors combine contemporary and traditional styles giving a light and airy feel. A chic restaurant serves up exemplary modern British cuisine but it's the Thai spa that's the real draw.
Hampshire
A grand country house hotel set in 66-acres near Hook. Elegant rooms and suites are traditionally dressed but the feel is fresh and luxurious with floral drapes, high ceilings, vast windows, and marble bathrooms. Rural perfection with a spa, fine dining restaurant, and plenty of activities.
Hampshire
A quirky designer hotel at Farnborough private airfield. Contemporary rooms (all soundproof) boast every modern connivence, plus the best offer views of the runway. A sleek and opulent luxury getaway for urbanites. Effortlessly cool.
Hampshire
An elegant historic hotel with a fresh contemporary feel, long popular with fly-fishers. Beautifully styled rooms feature bright modern fabrics, statement headboards, and pretty ceramics. Drinking and dining options include Afternoon Tea, modern European, Alpine and a bright pink new bar.
Portsmouth
A historic townhouse jam-packed with character and brimming with tales of its past. Each of the rooms are individually styled with heavy antiques, original features, artworks, and statement wallpaper. The best have in-room freestanding baths. A grown-up stay that offers a real sense of place.
Hampshire (Winchester)
The original Hotel du Vin, well located in a fine Georgian building in the town centre. Elegant rooms mixing period features with contemporary design. A warm and welcoming bistro and buzzy bar complete the picture. An excellent base for local exploring.
Beaulieu
17th century country house hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Michelin-starred restaurant, library bar, terrace, sumptuous rooms.
Hampshire (Dogmersfield)
A modernised country house estate with extensive additional modern wings attached. Classic rooms feature high ceilings, sash windows and some with in-room free standing baths. An abundance of country pursuits and spoiling spa. Ideal for the quintessential British country experience.
Hampshire
Redefining the idea of a hotel, 18th-century Heckfield Place sits within 438-acres of Hampshire countryside from which it draws its farm-to-table ethic. Country house hotel with plenty of style, spa, restaurant, bar and beautiful gardens.
