How to spend a perfect day in Hampshire
Hampshire is one of England’s most picturesque and diverse counties, offering everything from bustling market towns and historic landmarks, to stunning countryside and coastal retreats. Whether you’re a visitor, a local looking to explore more of your home county, or someone considering a move to Hampshire, you’ll never run out of things to do.
This guide will take you through a perfect day in Hampshire, covering history, nature, food, and coastal adventures—and, if you’re thinking about making Hampshire your permanent home, we’ll also explore shared ownership to help you get onto the property ladder in this incredible county. Spend just a day exploring the area and you will soon see why so many people choose to call Hampshire their home.
Morning: Nature and Relaxation - Taking in Hampshire’s Scenic Beauty
Start your day with some fresh air and stunning scenery. Hampshire is home to some of the most picturesque countryside in England, perfect for an invigorating morning walk.
South Downs National Park
If you love nature, the South Downs National Park is the perfect spot. Covering a large part of Hampshire, this area offers rolling hills, scenic trails, and breathtaking viewpoints. Walk or cycle along the South Downs Way and take in the stunning landscapes. If you're after a more leisurely start, grab a coffee in Petersfield before strolling through the park's tranquil surroundings.
Beaulieu Village
A short drive from the heart of the New Forest lies the picturesque village of Beaulieu. Home to the renowned Beaulieu Abbey and the National Motor Museum, the village offers a unique blend of history and charm. Take a leisurely walk along the Beaulieu River or explore the quaint shops and cafes that line the streets.
Stop for Breakfast at a Winchester Café
With all that fresh air, you’ll work up an appetite, although getting breakfast works if a relaxing morning is more your style - head over to Winchester to explore Winchester Cathedral before walking the cobbled streets of Winchester for breakfast.
Hampshire is home to some fantastic farm-to-table dining spots, and Winchester’s cafés are no exception. Grab breakfast at Josie’s, a local favourite known for its fluffy pancakes, smashed avocado toast, and artisan coffee.
Mid Morning: Exploring Winchester – England’s Ancient Capital
Carry on your day in Winchester, one of England’s most historic and charming cities. Once the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, Winchester is now a lively city steeped in history, culture, and beautiful architecture.
Visit Winchester Cathedral
Continue your day with a visit to Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. As you walk through the grand halls, take in the stunning stained-glass windows, the medieval crypt, and the final resting place of Jane Austen, one of England’s most beloved authors. The cathedral’s Great West Window and Norman arches are a must-see for architecture lovers.
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If you’re visiting in December, Winchester’s Christmas Market is one of the most magical in the UK, with charming wooden chalets, festive treats, and an ice-skating rink in the cathedral’s grounds.
Stroll Through the City and Visit The Great Hall
After exploring the cathedral, take a stroll through Winchester’s cobbled streets. You’ll find independent boutiques, artisan bakeries, and cosy cafés, perfect for a mid-morning pick me up or lunch.
If you love history, head to The Great Hall, home to the legendary Round Table of King Arthur. While historians debate its authenticity, it’s still an incredible sight to behold.
Afternoon: A Literary Stop at Jane Austen’s House
A short drive from Winchester takes you to Chawton, a peaceful village that was once home to Jane Austen.
Explore Jane Austen’s House Museum
Visit the charming 17th-century cottage where Jane Austen lived for the final years of her life and wrote classics like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Walk through the rooms where she worked, browse original manuscripts, and take a moment to enjoy the beautifully kept English garden.
Evening: Unwind and Savor Local Flavors
Dining in Lymington
As the day winds down, head to the coastal town of Lymington. Known for its bustling harbor and Georgian architecture, Lymington offers a variety of dining options. From fresh seafood at local bistros to traditional pub fare, there's something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy your meal with views of the marina, watching boats drift lazily on the Solent.
Sunset at Milford-on-Sea
Conclude your day with a serene sunset at Milford-on-Sea. The pebble beach provides a peaceful setting to reflect on the day's adventures, with the Isle of Wight and the Needles visible on the horizon. It's the perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Hampshire's coast.
Considering Making Hampshire Home?
With its excellent location, stunning countryside, vibrant towns, and strong property market, Hampshire is an amazing place to buy a home.
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to buy, shared ownership could be the perfect solution. Explore Aster Sales' shared ownership properties in Hampshire and take the first step towards buying a home today.
Shared ownership in Hampshire offer a more affordable option to home buying. This initiative allows you to purchase a share of a property—typically between 10% and 75% (depending on the shared ownership model) —and pay rent on the remaining portion. As your financial situation improves, you can gradually increase the share you own, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution.
Explore Aster Sales' shared ownership properties in Hampshire and take the first step towards buying a home today.
We offer a range of shared ownership properties across Hampshire, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
Embarking on the shared ownership journey not only provides a foothold in the property market but also allows you to become part of Hampshire's vibrant community. With its rich history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Hampshire is more than just a destination—it's a place to call home.
Alternatively, take a look at other shared ownership properties we have available in the Hampshire area, if you’d like any information on these beautiful new shared ownership homes, you can send us an email or give us a call.
Ready to make an Aster home your home?
If getting on the property ladder with a shared ownership home in Hampshire sounds like the perfect option for you - contact our team today!
At Aster, our mission is to help you discover a home that's perfect for you - not just any house. With our incredible shared ownership homes, we can offer you the opportunity to find a stunning property in an ideal location that might otherwise have been inaccessible, due to the large deposits required for traditional home purchases.
Call the team on 01380 735 480 to discuss your needs.
Who are Aster?
We are a well-known housing association who supply a wide range of housing options in response to the housing crisis. We specialise in providing shared ownership homes for sale for those who may be unable to get on to the property ladder.
We provide affordable rental and shared ownership homes throughout the UK, and pride ourselves on our commitment to providing outstanding service to all of our customers.
With shared ownership, you could buy a share of a home, and we aim to make buying your home an easy and stress-free process, with our experienced team offering comprehensive advice throughout.
Where can I learn more about shared ownership?
At Aster, we understand that buying a property can be a daunting experience, so our team of experts are always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have about shared ownership or the process involved in purchasing your own home.
Find out how does shared ownership work and what is shared ownership with our guides.
Our website also has an FAQ page full of useful information to help you make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can contact us directly and one of our experienced team members will be more than happy to assist.
