Beyond the city

England's ancient capital has plenty to keep its visitors amused but the city is only half the story. Winchester is the gateway to the South Downs National Park, and the surrounding countryside - rural Hampshire at its very best - is dotted with picturesque market towns and villages. And wherever you go, you will find country pubs and cosy tea rooms to fuel your exploration.

• Alresford
• Bishop's Waltham
• Cheriton
• Twyford and Shawford
• Wickham
• Hambledon
• Swanmore

You can plan your voyage of discovery the easy way with the help of a leaflet called The Winchester Watercress Tour, available from the Tourist Information Centre for £1, or order a copy here.

Travel a little further in Hampshire and you will discover ancient forests, rolling green hills, modern cities as well as the Solent coastline, the premier destination for sailing in the UK.

History Revealed - days out across Hampshire

If you’re looking to discover more about Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s fascinating past and how it touches our lives today, there are a multitude of places to visit that tell the exciting story. Take a look at the History Revealed website for some inspiration.

Rural Escapes

Explore the tranquil beauty of rural Hampshire. With its gentle walks, pretty villages and welcoming pubs, Hampshire’s countryside is a hidden gem for visitors. Here you’ll find historic houses, fascinating museums and ancient market towns, with excellent travel links to London and beyond. For more information see the Visit Hampshire website.