From a converted railway carriage to an exclusive safari tent, here are some of the best places to stay in Hampshire this summer
Chewton Glen
When it comes to Hampshire hotels, you can’t get more iconic than Chewton Glen. Nestled between the forest and the beach, this New Milton country house escape is the perfect place to unwind either on your own, or with the whole family. Indulge in the fabulous new spa and fitness facilities, or soak up your surroundings with a stroll around the 130 acres of woodlands, gardens and park land. There’s even a cookery school onsite in the form of renowned chef James Martin’s, The Kitchen restaurant. Don’t forget to check out The Treehouses, if you’re looking for that unique place to get away from it all. Rooms start from £505 per night for August, chewtonglen.com
Gambledown Farm
Get a taste of country life and enjoy some fresh clean air, quality homegrown produce and some laid-back time out at this wonderful luxury farm retreat. Farming has taken place at Gambledown for over 50 years; practicing sustainable farming with a resident herd of over 30 Shorthorn cattle, arable crops and ancient woodland. All guests are encouraged to get involved in farm life, from hiring chicken coops for fresh eggs to guided tours and bottle-feeding lambs, you can really get a taste of the good life here. There is a variety of accommodation on offer from glamping to self-catering options, visit gambledownfarm.co.uk for availability and pricing.
Heckfield Place
We’ve raved about Hampshire’s newest five star offering over the past year, but that’s because it truly is something unique. Incredibly private and exclusive, Heckfield Place offers the true escape from reality. Boasting 438 acres to explore, that’s 4.8 acres per guest, the hotel is the ultimate safe haven to those that are need of some tranquillity. With Culinary Director Skye Gyngell providing all the nutrients using the hotel’s Home Farm ingredients, if you’re in need of some post-lockdown reviving then this is the place. Prices start from £350 per room bed and breakfast for August, heckfieldplace.com
The Glade at Avington
If you love camping but fancy something a bit more luxurious, then a stay at The Glade will not disappoint. An opulent sleeping pod is accompanied by your own personal washroom and raised clearing with deckchairs around a Kadai fire pit. Champagne and food hampers can be ordered too, making this a very indulgent offering for those looking for something a bit unique. Two-night stays start from £286 for August, avingtonholidays.co.uk/the-glade
Pitts Deep Cottage
When looking for the perfect private family retreat, you can’t get much better than Pitts Deep Cottage. Positioned close to Lymington at the end of a long, isolated track through private woodland on the edge of a wild and varied beach with stunning views over to the Isle of Wight, this five-bed, two-bath holiday home is the stuff that family vacation dreams are made of. From £330 per night, newforestescapes.com
Blackwood Forest
For a tranquil, woodland escape Blackwood Forest can offer that and more. From in-cabin spa treatments or a journey of discovery through the forest with a Forest Ranger, to cycle hire and walking tours, the forest is a wonderful setting for a memorable break away. Prices start from £1120 for a three night stay in August, forestholidays.co.uk
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Adhurst Yurts
To really get away from it all and go off-grid, a luxury yurt is camping at its finest. With each yurt at Adhurst, just outside Petersfield, situated 100m apart and all with their own safari kitchens, you can socially distance to your heart’s content as you spend time enjoying the quiet life in the South Downs National Park. With extra cleaning regimes in place, you can get back in touch with nature in the safest of ways. Two-night stays start from £320, call 07789954476 for latest availability, adhurst.co.uk
Southampton Harbour Hotel
For a fabulous city break, Southampton’s buzzing Ocean Village Marina should be your first port of call. A relative newcomer to the city, Southampton Harbour Hotel is majestic in its design, offering views out over Southampton Water from an incredibly stylish interior. Do a bit of boat spotting from the poolside in Harspa before heading up to Harbar for a cocktail or two. The Jetty restaurant by locally-renowned patron chef Alex Aitken is ready and waiting to serve up delicious fish and seafood dishes inspired by the seasons. A double room starts from £116 per night, room only, for August, harbourhotels.co.uk/southampton
Lainston House
A stay at this 17th Century luxury hotel, situated just outside Winchester, is certainly a treat worth waiting for when it reopens again on August 6. With luxurious suites, award-winning dining, and cookery school, SEASON, you can indulge in as much ‘me’ time as you wish; even experience a spot of falconry with the hotel’s resident birds of prey. Prices start from £166 room only in August, exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house
Lime Wood
One of our most favourite New Forest retreats, Lime Wood is all about indulgence with its now infamous Hartnett and Holder Restaurant and Herb House Spa acting as the backbone to a relaxing stay. There’s plenty here to entertain, whether it’s booking on to a cookery class at HH&Co Backstage, spending time in the stress-busting sauna complete with forest views or tucking in to a fabulous Italian feast courtesy of chef’s Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder. Plus the glorious New Forest is right on your doorstep ready and waiting to be explored, what more could you ask for? Prices start from £485 per night room only for August, limewood.co.uk
Four Seasons Hampshire
This iconic brand is synonymous with five-star luxury and is the perfect family escape for some post-Covid-19 rest and relaxation. With a plethora of activities on offer ranging from horse riding, to high ropes courses you are spoilt for choice whatever your age. Shrieks of delight can be heard from Sharkie’s Reef children’s splash pool; while the sanctuary of the Spa is the perfect tonic for those recuperating from being cooped up. Room only starts from £425 per night for August, fourseasons.com
Two Hoots
If it’s a cosy couples retreat you’re after, then the Shepherd’s Huts and Glamping Pods at Two Hoots campsite are definitely worth checking out. With rural views for miles, you can feel totally isolated in your togetherness. Perfect for tired parents looking for a couple of nights away from the kids. Prices start from £132 for the pods and £205 for the shepherd’s huts for August, twohootscampsite.co.uk
Meon Springs
Combining fly-fishing with yurt and shepherd’s hut glamping, Meon Springs is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature, learn a new skill and enjoy Hampshire’s countryside. Situated in East Meon and boasting four spring-fed lakes, the fishery at Meon Springs is second to none. Whether you’re a total novice wanting to have a go, or a seasoned professional, this unique yurt village is the perfect place for honing your skills. Prices start from £115 per night, fishing and activities to be pre-booked separately, meonsprings.com
Cedar Valley
Keen cyclists will love a stay at this wonderful glamping site in the Bereleigh Estate in the South Downs, situated among the most popular cycling routes in the county. Cedar Valley Glamping is home to luxury safari tents as well as a genuine Mongolian yurt. Erected on raised wooden platforms, the tents offer glampers comfortable bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and bathroom, and wood-burning stove. Each tent opens out onto a decked area which creates the perfect setting to enjoy a sundowner after a long day in the saddle. Prices starts from £120 per night and minimum night stays do apply, cedarvalley.co.uk
Southern Bell
For a truly unique self-catering stay, look no further than this one-of-a-kind Hayling Island beach house, made partly of two converted railway carriages from 1874 and 1903. Sleeping eight people in five bedrooms, Southern Bell is directly positioned on the beach-front and offers panoramic sea views as well as open plan living and kitchen area and plenty of off-road parking for all the family. Available from October onwards and in to 2021, prices start from £1025 for three nights, southernbell.co.uk
Springfield Stables
Think Shoreditch loft conversion in an idyllic country setting and you will have some idea of what to expect at Springfield Stables. Situated within walking distance to the National Trust’s The Vyne, this one bed, one bath property would make the perfect place for a couple’s getaway. Prices start from £490 for three nights in August, mulberrycottages.com/cottages/springfield-stables
Old Thorns With views out over the golf course, the self-catering apartments at Old Thorns Manor Hotel have all the privacy required for a family break but with the convenience of the hotel’s onsite amenities. With suites and apartments which can sleep either four or six on offer, you can choose to either cook in after a day out exploring the local South Downs area, or book in to one of the hotel’s catering options. Prices start from £229 for a two-bed apartment in August, oldthorns.com
Blackbird Cottage
Within walking distance of Winchester City Centre, this beautifully decorated two-bedroom cottage provides the perfect hub for a historic city break. With an open-plan kitchen and courtyard garden, it would suit two couples looking to explore the hustle and bustle of the UK’s first Captial city. Visit mulberrycottages.com for pricing and availability.
Sandy Balls
With friendly resident alpacas, a bush-craft school and forest laser tag, along with the usual holiday heroes of cycling and swimming, Sandy Balls is more than just a holiday park. Offering Retreat spa and cosy cottage lodges deep within the New Forest National Park, there is something here to keep the whole family entertained. Prices start from £109 for a caravan with luxury hot-tub lodges also available, awayresorts.co.uk/sandy-balls
Hoburne Naish and Bashley
If its full-on family fun you’re looking for, then Hampshire’s two Hoburne sites are sure to entertain. With indoor and outdoor pools, adventure golf, beach and forest access as well as spa facilities and entertainment onsite, you don’t have to board a plane for your resort holiday this year. hoburne.com
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