Find out what makes Hampshire one of England's most desirable counties, from market towns and national parks to excellent schools and beautiful homes.
Living in Hampshire provides a perfect balanced environment of a bustling town atmosphere and rural country life.
With With nearly half the area made up of National Parks - the South Downs and the New Forest (the latter of which attracts up to 7,500,000 visitors per year)- Hampshire boasts a huge amount of exceptional countryside. It is world renowned for its chalk stream rivers, most notably the River Itchen that runs through Winchester and the River Test which runs to the west of Winchester.
Much of Hampshire’s finest property is found in the charming villages and rural areas surrounding its thriving market towns and it certainly has its fair share of delightful cottages as well as spacious barn conversions and impressive country houses. Whether you’re looking for something for a growing family or you’re wanting to relocate from the hustle and bustle of city life, Hampshire has something on offer for everyone.
If you’re considering a move to Hampshire as a family, you’ll find a great range of schools throughout the county. Hampshire benefits from a strong selection of highly regarded state schools alongside some of the country’s leading independent schools, including Winchester College, St Swithun’s School, Churcher’s College, Bedales School, The Pilgrims’ School, and Farleigh School.
Hampshire is a popular choice for residents, form families to professionals and everyone in between. Families are drawn to its excellent schools, abundance of green space and strong community, while professionals love its simple transport links and access to major employment centres. The county is also particularly popular with downsizers and anyone seeking a balance between countryside living, coastal access, and modern convenience.
Hampshire has an excellent variety of shopping destinations, with historic towns like Winchester, Petersfield, Alresford, and Lymington home to independent boutiques, specialist retailers, artisan food shops, and antique dealers and larger centres including Southampton and Basingstoke providing extensive high-street and premium retail options.
The county has established itself as one of the south east’s leading food and drink destinations, with fresh seafood, locally reared meats, artisan cheeses, and seasonal produce featuring prominently on menus throughout the region. From traditional country pubs and waterfront restaurants to fine dining establishments and vineyard experiences, there are options to suit every occasion.
Life in Hampshire revolves around everything the countryside and coast has to offer. Locals enjoy walking, cycling, sailing, horse riding, golfing, fishing, and exploring the county’s many historic attractions. The New Forest National Park, South Downs National Park, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Beaulieu and numerous National Trust properties provide endless opportunities for weekend exploration or mini trips away. A busy calendar of festivals, agricultural shows, sporting events and cultural celebrations ensures there is always something happening throughout the year.
From Hampshire, there is a very wide choice of services into London Waterloo. The principal stations are Basingstoke and Winchester, taking 45 minutes and just under an hour respectively. The smaller, local stations of Andover, Alton, Petersfield, Micheldever, Overton, Hook and Winchfield all offer additional services and often easier parking.
The town enjoys key road links to London via the M3 and the A3. The M27 and a number of good A-roads, including the A34, A303 and A31, provide easy access within Hampshire and to the rest of the country.
Southampton Airport provides a range of domestic and European flight connections, while both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are easily accessible from much of the county.
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