Pet Friendly Holidays Hampshire
Blessed with gorgeous countryside, quaint villages and beautiful beaches, Hampshire is the perfect combination of country, coast and city. Visit the enchanting New Forest with its fairytale forests, the wonderful South Downs National Park, and heavenly hamlets like Buckler's Hard.
- Alton, EnglandThis tastefully styled apartment makes an ideal retreat for couples or families. Steeped in history, it forms a wing of Gilbert White’s House which is a leading visitor attraction, and boasts 30 acres of beautifully landscaped, tranquil gardens and parkland, a shop, museum and café. Guests are invited to enjoy unlimited visits to the museum, which focuses on the lives and adventures of two members of the Oates Family, Captain Lawrence Oates and his uncle, Frank Oates, both pioneers and explorers of the natural world. The property has been restored (2018) and offers comfortable and welcoming accommodation set over three floors. Guests can access the grounds anytime, dogs are welcome if they are kept on a lead (during out of hours dogs can be off lead in our Ewell field).
Over 250 years ago, Selborne and its surrounding landscape inspired Gilbert White to write about his lifelong investigation of the natural world, producing his world-famous book, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, published in 1789. His book was important in shaping our everyday view of the relations between humans and nature. He was always a keen gardener who became closely interested in the natural world around him, and grew a wide range of traditional and experimental fruit and vegetables. He was the first person in this area to grow potatoes and began recording methodically what he sowed and reaped, the weather, temperature and other details. This he went on to call his ‘Garden Kalendar’.
The house that Gilbert White’s family moved into when he was about 7 or 8 years old, would have been a two up, two down, but over subsequent years, lots of extensions and additions were made, creating the house you see today. Descriptions in White’s own correspondence were used to recreate the rooms as they used to be and they include a chair he used at Oriel College, Oxford (loaned from the college), items of contemporary furniture, family portraits and bed hangings embroidered for him by his aunts. You can listen to a conversation Gilbert had with his sister-in-law in the old kitchen where you can learn more about his household and life in Selborne during Gilbert’s time.
Selborne also has a pottery, a pub and village shop and there is so much to discover in this popular part of Hampshire. The town of Alton is nearby, where there are plenty of restaurants and shops, as well as a mainline railway station, The Watercress Steam Railway and also Jane Austen’s House at nearby Chawton. Other places of interest to visit include Portsmouth with the Spinnaker Tower, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory, as well as waterside dining, designer shopping and ferry trips to the Isle of Wight. Also within easy driving distance are Winchester Cathedral, King Arthur’s Round Table, Southampton with its maritime history, The New Forest, historic Chichester with cathedral, festival theatre, Goodwood Racecourse, beaches at The Witterings or Hayling Island, Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park with Peppa Pig World and Birdworld. Golf, fishing, cycling, walking and horse riding are all to be found in the area. Beach 35 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.£81From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Lymington, EnglandThis delightful period home stands as one of a pair, along a quiet lane within the Buckland Conservation Area and less than 5 minutes’ drive from the popular, cosmopolitan sailing town of Lymington and only a 20-minute walk to Lymington high street. The Bothy has an attractive country façade and a homely, welcoming interior. The inviting kitchen/dining room is the central point for guests to dine, and has features such as flagstone floors, granite work tops, an Aga and a butler sink. The comfortable living room has a lovely wood burner to cosy up in front of, and has French doors to the pretty, well-maintained, enclosed rear garden. Also on the ground floor, there is a spacious games/TV room, with table football, air-hockey, games compendium, plenty of board games and a 55’’ TV with a DVD player and selection of DVDs. There is also a double bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor. Upstairs there are three further bedrooms and another family bathroom.
This super home is ideal for couples or families looking to explore Hampshire. The Bothy is only a 4-minute drive to open forest, and The New Forest, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is known for its excellent walking and is the ideal place to enjoy tranquil days out, with rambling, cycling and golf available. Wild ponies and cattle roam the lanes and streets, and there are many picturesque villages to discover with gift shops and cafés/restaurants serving cream teas. There are also vineyards and farm shops where you can try the local wine and produce!
The historic town of Lymington is only about 5 minutes’ drive, and has many boutiques, eateries, ice cream parlours, tea rooms and inns. It is known for its cobbled streets leading down to the quayside with a delightful old harbour – always a hive of activity! The popular, traditional market takes place every Saturday, and there is a sailing club and an open air sea water baths dating back to 1833. Places to visit include Exbury Gardens, Beaulieu Motor Museum, and the riverside village of Buckler’s Hard and Christchurch Priory. Within easy driving distance and great for family days out are Monkey World, Bovington Tank Museum and Highcliffe Castle. Discover Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coastline, or visit Corfe Castle, Stonehenge, Winchester or Salisbury Cathedrals. Marwell Zoo and Paultons Park with Peppa Pig World also make for great days out. If all this isn’t enough, you can take a day trip by ferry to the Isle Of Wight from Southampton.
There are sandy beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks, Studland Bay and Milford-on-Sea – ideal for bathing, sailing, fishing, and water sports. Beach 4½ miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.£164From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brockenhurst, EnglandThis welcoming, detached family home enjoys a lovely location, standing within 2 acres of extensive lawned gardens and overlooking the surrounding fields and countryside. Arnewood Corner is an ideal base for gathering family and friends, with many thoughtful touches and home comforts found throughout. Enjoy the games cabin, complete with a pin-ball machine, juke box, and a selection of games and toys, as well as the private hot tub, children’s play area and the outdoor heated swimming pool. There are six bedrooms found inside the main house, two of which are on the ground floor. There is a juke-box in the dining room and a piano in the living room.
This lovely property is located just a mile away from the pretty village of Sway, which has a village shop, family butchers, post office and a selection of pubs and restaurants. The ever popular New Forest National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is a haven for wildlife, is nearby with many roaming ponies and cattle along the roadsides and across the heathland, as well as extensive walking, cycling and horse riding routes. There is plenty to do in the area for all ages, all year round; picturesque villages serving cream teas, vineyards, golf courses, stately homes and many family attractions. Brockenhurst is nearby, as is the popular sailing town of Lymington, which is only a 5-minute drive, with its pretty harbour, fishing trips, cobbled streets, boutiques, pubs, restaurants and day trips by ferry to the Isle of Wight.
Other places of interest nearby include Beaulieu Motor Museum, the riverside village of Bucklers Hard, Exbury Gardens, Marwell Zoo, Peppa Pig World and New Forest Owl and Otter Park, to name but a few. Further afield, but well worth the trip, are Monkey World and the Tank Museum at Bovington. The property is also within easy reach of many beaches including Mudeford, Sandbanks, Poole and Bournemouth, the nearest beach being 4 miles away at Milford-on-Sea – also great for crabbing! Along the coastline, there are a many popular activities such as windsurfing, boating and swimming. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£296From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Lymington, EnglandDescribed as ‘the curious angular house’ by the locals, Plover Cottage is 200 years old, standing detached and was formerly the shoemaker’s house, and was also once the local dentist’s surgery. Occupying a very convenient location, it makes an ideal holiday getaway for couples or small families who wish to explore the area. Milford on Sea, one of the last remaining seaside villages, is popular year-round, with a good selection of pubs, restaurants and local shops. The cottage is only 10 minutes’ walk from the beach and 5 minutes from excellent birdwatching areas within a popular conservation area, including the marshes and Sturt Pond, where there is a hide. Walk along Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle (English Heritage), about 1½ miles away, where Charles I was imprisoned; there is also a ferry from nearby Keyhaven to the castle. It is a scenic walk over the cliff tops to Barton-on-Sea, and you can stop off at the café for refreshments en route! There are Victorian Pleasure Gardens throughout the village which follow the river, and keen walkers can take the coastal path from Keyhaven Nature Reserve to Lymington. Although it is a long walk, it takes in some incredible views.
Further afield you can park your car at Hengistbury Head and walk all the way to Boscombe, or alternatively from Highcliffe Castle to Mudeford, then take the short ferry to Hengistbury. The beaches in the locality are very clean, and many people swim from the Milford Beaches. There is a paddle boarding shop in the village, and lessons can be taken in Mudeford. The water in Christchurch Harbour is very shallow, and great for those learning to paddle board.
Lymington, with its harbour, restaurants, inns, nautical boutiques and ferry link to the Isle of Wight, is only about 5 miles. The New Forest is known for it extensive scenic walks, cycling and riding routes, whilst other places to visit include Beaulieu Motor Museum, Paultons Park, Bucklers Hard, Marwell Zoo, New Forest Owl and Otter Park and Christchurch Priory. Many larger beaches with various attractions are within easy reach, including Sandbanks, Poole and Bournemouth. If relaxing and being pampered appeals, the Elemis Day Spa at Shorefields Country Park is just a few minutes’ drive away. Beach 1 mile. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 200 yards.£131From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ringwood, EnglandCarefully converted to allow for maximum space and light, these four single-storey barn conversions stand within the owner’s working stud farm, and offer the ideal base for couples, walking groups and families wishing to enjoy a farm lifestyle, yet are within easy driving distance to many attractions. Little Barn is detached, and Chiddock Cottage, Chidley Cottage and Cozy Cottage adjoin one another in a L-shape.
All the barn conversions have high vaulted ceilings and plentiful beams with spacious open-plan living areas. All have rustic concrete floors with rugs and are furnished using natural woods of differing origins. Outside, there is a decked area for each property, a shared enclosed courtyard with raised planting beds where vegetables, herbs and fruit grow, and a fire pit, an outdoor pizza oven and barbeque. There is also a play area for children and freshly laid eggs daily from the on-site chickens! For guests who may wish to bring a horse, the owners offer livery available by prior arrangement.
Discover scenic walks from the door, Midgham Farm Copse lies at the end of a track within 40 acres of woodland along the Avon Valley path, which leads all the way from Christchurch to Salisbury. For those that like the outdoor lifestyle there is on-site archery, axe throwing and fishing in the River Avon (licence required). Nearby there is horse riding, and the New Forest Water Park. For those bringing dogs, there are plenty of excellent walks all around.
Places to visit include Alderholt Mill, which has a working watermill open to visitors, and Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, which has orienteering, cycle hire, golf, forest Segway, and more. Avon Heath Country Park, within easy driving distance, is ideal for keen ramblers. Fordingbridge and Ringwood both have a host of shops, cafés and eateries, and are nearby. These barn conversions are convenient for road links to the cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury, Christchurch Harbour and the coast, including Sandbanks, Poole and Bournemouth. Shop on-site, pub and restaurant 2 miles. Beach 15 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 14 guests.£81From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Winchester, EnglandSet within the pretty village of King’s Somborne, The Old Meeting Hall is an attractive, single-storey property sitting next door to the owners pretty thatch cottage. It has been converted to a very high standard, offering stylish and comfortable accommodation for a couple. The private hot tub is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day out exploring this beautiful area perfect for any time of the year. Or, why not relax in front of the cosy wood burner. A pub serving delicious food and local shops are a few minutes’ walk away.
For keen walkers and cyclists, the Test Way and the Clarendon Way are on the doorstop. For the fishing enthusiasts, the River Test is the pre-eminent chalk stream and has exceptional clarity of water which is prized by fly fishers the world over. Physically, it is the longest, 39 miles from source to estuary. Historically, it is generally regarded as the birthplace of modern fly fishing. This area is also where the yesteryear TV programme ‘Wurzle Gummidge’ was filmed.
The Meeting Hall offers immaculately presented, light and airy open plan living/dining/kitchen area, tastefully decorated and furnished with relaxing tones, practical tiled flooring and high ceilings. The double bedroom has a lovely wrought iron bed and trendy en-suite digital shower room. The sound of gentle flowing water can be heard alongside, which runs through the owners pretty gardens at certain times of the year. This lovely holiday home is an ideal country escape and the perfect place to explore the historic cities of Winchester, 9 miles, Salisbury, 18 miles, and the maritime city of Southampton, 16 miles.
The nearest town is Stockbridge, 3 miles, with its abundance of independent specialist shops including tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, many serving local produce, as well as art galleries, craft and gift shops, clothing and traditional butchers. The prosperous market town of Romsey is 7 miles, and being the larger of the two towns, it has all of the above and more. Romsey also has an independent department store, supermarket and a magnificent Norman Abbey dating back to 907AD. Just outside the town and set in extensive parkland is the 18th century mansion of Broadlands, the former home of Lord Palmerston and the late Lord Louis Mountbatten. Broadlands is open to the public July and August, as well as hosting a range of shows, concerts and events throughout the year. Other places to visit within an hours drive include Mottisfont Abbey and Rose Garden (National Trust) Hillier’s Arboretum, The New Forest National Park, Beaulieu Abbey and Motor Museum, Exbury gardens, Stonehenge, Wheyhill Hawk Conservancy, The Army Flying Museum, Highclere Castle, Marwell Zoo, Portsmouth Dockyard and the many beautiful beaches of the South Coast. Shop 200 yards, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£75From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Burley, EnglandSituated in a wonderful location where you can literally step out from the door and explore the wonderful landscapes of the New Forest, this detached holiday cottage makes the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Scenic walks, bridleways and cycling routes are in abundance, or enjoy watching the roaming ponies. This lovely family home stands peacefully overlooking fields to the rear, along a lane, about a mile from the centre of Burley and approximately 5 miles from the popular town of Ringwood. Inside, the light and airy open plan kitchen/dining room has an seating area, lovely oak floor, Rayburn and French doors that lead out to the garden. There is a separate cosy living room with an open fire, a single bedroom and a separate toilet on the ground floor too. On the first floor, three further bedrooms, all with sloping ceilings, have been decorated with neutral tones. The expansive gardens have an outside dining table and chairs, and there is parking for 3 cars.
The ever-popular village of Burley has a variety of gift shops, the Cider Store, ice cream parlours, tea rooms, pubs and eateries, as well as a bus stop for those looking to venture out without the car. Explore the New Forest National Park, where you can see the roaming ponies, donkeys and cattle, and enjoy off-road walking, riding and cycling. The popular sailing town of Lymington is about a 20-minute drive with ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, or meander along the cobbled streets with boutiques and eateries along the marina. Bournemouth and Poole, both with award-winning beaches, are within easy reach, as is the city of Salisbury with its medieval cathedral. There are many places of interest for the family including Marwell Zoo, New Forest Otter and Owl Wildlife Park, Beaulieu Motor Museum and Exbury Gardens to name but a few. Further afield but worth the trip, are Stonehenge, Monkey World, the Tank Museum near Wool, and Southampton with its maritime history and West Quay shopping centre. Alternatively spend a day exploring the unspoilt countryside of Dorset and famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast at West Bay, Bridport and onto Weymouth with its superb scenery and coastal walking. Lyme Regis with its harbour, renowned Cobb, beach, shops and activities such as fossil hunting, boating, swimming and fishing, makes for a great day out. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£164From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ringwood, EnglandEnjoying super views over the beautiful idyllic gardens, these two delightful single storey properties enjoy an idyllic setting. Alice’s Lodge (ref UK10579) and Picket Hill Cottage (ref UKC2291) are ideal for couples or small families wishing to explore this popular area and are conveniently located slightly back from the A31, between nautical Southampton and Bournemouth with its golden sandy beach. Alices Lodge is adjacent to the friendly owners home, and Picket Hill is a stones throw away. Both properties have been thoughtfully designed and tastefully co-ordinated, using relaxing colours and comfortable furnishings, with many personal touches including a welcome pack on arrival. The friendly owners who live adjacent do everything they can to ensure their guests have a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
Stroll across the beautifully maintained garden and through gates giving access directly to the New Forest National Park with its miles of heathland and network of walking and cycling trails. The location is near to both Hampshire and Dorset, making it an ideal location for exploring both popular counties. The UNESCO World Heritage Coastline is within easy driving distance, as are many popular attractions for all ages.
The quaint village of Burley with gift shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants is just 6 miles away, and the towns of Ringwood and Fordingbridge are also within easy reach. Explore the heathland and woodland of New Forest, covering 219 square miles which is abundant in wildlife and where the cattle, donkeys and ponies roam freely. The area is ever-popular all year round, and is suitable for all age groups with cycling, horse riding and scenic walking all to be enjoyed. Discover some of the picturesque villages, towns, attractions and gardens such as Lyndhurst, Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Exbury Gardens and the riverside village of Bucklers Hard. Moors Valley Country Park and Avon Heath are within easy driving distance. Further afield, but well worth a trip are Salisbury with its historic cathedral, Marwell Zoo, Highcliffe Castle, Bovington Tank Museum, Heavy Horse Centre, Aircraft Museum, The Owl and Otter Park and Paultons Park with Peppa Pig World. The beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Poole are within a short drive, some of which offer activities such as windsurfing, boating and swimming. The UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline is a must for a day out. Beach 11 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 7 guests.£74From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Petersfield, EnglandDownlands Farm is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Hampshire countryside with wonderful views across the peaceful valley. This rural haven is only 10 minutes from Petersfield, with fantastic road and rail connections for London and Portsmouth. These two holiday cottages Edward’s Cottage (ref UKC1818) and Louisa’s Cottage (ref UK11596) are set on a small working farm and just off a green-lane leading to miles of footpaths, bridleways and on and off-road cycling within the South Downs National Park. The cottages offer light and airy open plan living accommodation, and have ground floor bedrooms and a special ‘hideaway’ bedroom/playroom to accommodate children.
The barns have been converted from original agricultural buildings and have been sympathetically designed to blend with the surrounding countryside, while offering comfortable accommodation. For biking enthusiast there is a shared bike shed for bike storage and by arrangement, guests are welcome to bring their horses and make use of the Loddon stables. There are three local pubs within the vicinity, all within a half hour stroll or a 3-minute car journey away. The bustling market town of Petersfield is a 10-minute drive, and has a range of shops and restaurants, and along with the two local village shops; these provide all you need for stocking up on essential items. The cathedral cities of Chichester, Guildford, Portsmouth and Winchester are all 45 minutes away, and offer a range of shops and entertainment. The beautiful beach at West Wittering is an hour’s drive away, and this lovely location is ideal to visit, whatever the time of year, and is perfect for all ages. During low season (October to April), you can ride your horse at any time on the beach at West Wittering, and during the summer months you can ride before 9am and after 6pm.
Hayling Island has a children’s fun fair and a shingle beach, and is within half an hour from Downlands Farm. The cottages enjoy direct access to miles of scenic walking and cycling routes through the beautiful countryside and pretty villages such West Meon, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the pubs serving food, and where Thomas Lord rests, founder of Lords cricket. The market town of Petersfield has a range of restaurants and shops, and if you fancy a day trip to London, the local train service takes approximately one hour. There are several attractions in the area that are worth a visit, including Portsmouth with the Spinnaker Tower, HMS Warrior and Nelson’s HMS Victory, along with the historic Winchester Cathedral, King Arthurs Round Table, and Southampton with its extensive maritime history. For walking and riding the vast heathland of The New Forest National Park is ideal. For a cultural day out, try historic Chichester with its cathedral and festival theatre, and not forgetting the Watercress Steam Train, Jane Austen’s house, Gilbert White’s house, Marwell Zoo, Birdworld and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park which is the other side of the valley. Beach 15 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 13 guests.£74From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Fareham, EnglandThis lovely, light and airy, detached bungalow stands in an elevated position and enjoys super panoramic views over The Solent to the Isle of Wight and beyond. Directly opposite is a pebbled beach with cafés and skate park, it makes the ideal base for all to enjoy a beach holiday, to explore the area or simply relax. The open plan living space has an abundance of natural light due to the huge window which spans across the front of the bungalow, from here is the ideal place to relax and watch yachts, cruise liners and other nautical activity. This lovely property has three bedrooms, one king-size, one double and one twin, along with a family bathroom, plus an additional toilet. There is an enclosed private garden and private parking to the rear of the property and a large front garden, both perfect for entertaining and having barbecues. If it’s a pub lunch that you are looking for, there is the highly recommended one located only a 10-minute walk away. There is also another four local pubs within a 20-minute walk.
The pebbled beach opposite is great for swimming (if brave enough to take the plunge!) and fishing. As the tide goes out you’ll be able to spot adults and children in the rockpools crabbing. Lee-on-the-Solent is the home of the hovercraft, find out the history for yourself at the Hovercraft Museum, which is open to the public on Saturdays. Along with this there is the local St Faiths Church of England Parish and Lee-on-the-Solent High Street which, has an abundance of local businesses including a bakery, coffee shops, wine merchants, beauty salons, vintage shops and many more!
Gosport is the next town along which has a foot passenger ferry (every 15 minutes, or 7 minutes during peak times). It takes about 4 minutes on the ferry to get across to the historic Portsmouth harbour with its cosmopolitan feel and extensive shopping including designer outlets, as well as waterside dining, a comedy club, leisure complex, nightclubs, museums, galleries and city tours by foot or boat. Whilst over in Portsmouth visit the Spinnaker Tower for the views or enjoy a meal at the cloud or waterfront café’s, visit the Olde Towne, Gunwharf Quays, the dockyard where you can visit HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. You can also take a ferry across to the Isle of Wight for a great day out!
Other places of interest within easy reach include Solent Airport (Daedalus) for Boultbee flight academy, where you can enjoy a flight in what is the epitome of British heritage, The Spitfire, Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, Portchester Castle, Port Solent, Chichester with its ornate castle, Fontwell and Goodwood races, Hayling Island, Hill Head and West Wittering beaches, Winchester Cathedral, Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park with Peppa Pig World, The New Forest with Beaulieu Museum, Jane Austen’s House Museum, Gilbert White Museum, The Watercress Steam Railway, maritime nautical activity at Southampton and many National Trust homes and gardens including Uppark, Vyne, Mottisfont and Hinton Ampner. Beach 100 yards. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£102From price per night based on 7 night stay