Hampshire is known for its love of all things nautical. Its southern coastline, which looks across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, is home to the busy port cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, whose history has encompassed everything from ancient fishing fleets to industrial dockyards, and famed naval endeavours to prestigious yacht racing. Across the estuary west of Southampton lies the New Forest National Park, which is, contrary to its name, one of England’s most ancient woodlands, having been a hunting ground for William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago. With market towns and quaint villages, not to mention the cathedral city of Winchester, Hampshire maintains an air of gentility to match the natural beauty that spills across its chalk downs and river valleys.

May to September is a busy time on the coast, with many regattas and festivals to enjoy. The Southampton International Boat Show, the United Kingdom’s largest watersports festival, takes place in September, while the Solent attracts sailors and yachts from across the globe for its international racing for Cowes Week in August. The New Forest is popular in summer, though like the coast it can be just as delightful in the spring and the autumn. No matter when you choose to stay in one of Hampshire’s holiday cottages, know that the weather can be unpredictable in typical British fashion, and rain is a part of life here. Other notable events include the Farnborough International Airshow and the annual Army Show in the military town of Aldershot, both in July, and there’s also a Regency Week Festival in Alton and Chawton in June.

Lymington

This small coastal town at the base of the New Forest has a long history that dates back to the Saxons, one that fills its narrow streets with period buildings and character. Lymington has two marinas and a rich sailing heritage, and you can swim in the open-air seawater baths built by the Georgians. Its marshy coastline, a nature reserve, offers lovely walks and views.

St Catherine’s Hill

On the southern outskirts of Winchester, this chalk hill is worth the climb for the stunning views it offers over the city and its cathedral spires and the surrounding Itchen Valley. Approximately 100 steps take you to the summit, where you can still see the earthwork outlines of an Iron Age fort, and the surrounding downland is often covered in butterflies.

Petersfield

Once an important coach stop on the route from Portsmouth to London, this typical Hampshire market town still hosts regular markets and has a thriving arts scene. It’s surrounded by the scenic South Downs, with Queen Elizabeth Country Park just a short drive south, and picturesque villages in easy reach.