There were 6.4 million inbound visits to the UK in 2021 which will increase significantly in 2022 with travel restrictions lifting. If you’re looking at places to visit this fall, one place to add to the list is Hampshire. Hampshire is famous for being the home of Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, the resting place of Jane Austin and much more. There are many places to see and experience in Hampshire’s beautiful countryside, vibrant cities, and historic towns. So instead of just getting on an airport taxi and bypassing the county, make a list of sights that you won’t experience elsewhere.
1. Solent Sky
From 1910 to 1960, Hampshire had the status ‘Center of Aviation Development’, and Solent Sky is a homage to that time. You’ll learn about the various aircraft manufacturers from that time and over 20 historic airframes on display. Our favourite has to be the legendary Spitfire. It’s a family-friendly place and a good way to start your Hampshire tour. You’ll also see flying boats like the Short Sandringham and Supermarine Seagull. There is also the Hawker Siddeley Harrier exhibit, where you can sit in the cockpit of a jet-fighter pilot experience – made immersive with sound effects. If you want to climb the aircraft, remember to book in advance. This can be a good start and end to your trip as you can just take an airport taxi from here once you’re finished exploring.
2. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
A dockyard might not sound as exciting given the list we’ve come up with, but the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is no ordinary dockyard. It’s the best any-related museum with historic warships dating as far back as the 16th century. There are several iconic things to see here, like the Mary Tudor, a Tudor warship found in 1971, and Lord Nelson’s flagship, the HMS Victory. Several original artefacts are on display, and the museum has interactive exhibits like The Trafalgar Experience. There is also a Harbour Tour that operates from the museum with a view of Portsmouth and the naval base. It gets even better for the history buffs because the National Museum of the Royal Navy is next door.
3. Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is one of the longest cathedrals in Europe at 558 ft. It’s the longest Gothic cathedral, which people also love to refer to as a modern-day religious monument despite its construction beginning in the 11th century. Since there have been alterations to it several times over the course of history, there are elements of Norman, English, and Gothic styles. It has many notable decorative elements, like the detailed 15th-century stone screen depicting the crucifixion. There’s a high altar where it sits, but that’s not the only awe-inspiring architectural element of the cathedral. When you enter the cathedral, be sure to check out the West Window – a collage made from shards of the original window that Parliamentarians smashed back in 1642.
4. Paultons Park
A theme park is always a good addition to the itinerary wherever you head for a vacation. Paultons Park is a family theme park sitting on 140 acres of beautiful parkland with over 70 attractions. It’s a must-visit if you’re travelling with kids because of the Peppa Pig World. There are thrill rides, roller coasters, water parks, and indoor play areas so even adults can let the inner kid out. But that’s not all. The beautiful park features around 80 species of animals and birds. The family day ticket can be pricey, so try booking in advance online or get a short break package which will gain you entry for two days at the price of 1 ticket.
5. Chawton
Hampshire has several smaller villages like Chawton, home to the beloved author Jane Austin and now her resting place. The Chawton Cottage, where she spent the last eight years of her life and wrote some of her best work, is a popular visitor attraction. There’s also a self-guided Jane Austen Circular Walking Tour. Walk where she did on the countryside trails. You can visit several more places in Chawton, like the Curtis Museum, the Alice Holt forest, and Birdworld.
6. Mayflower Theatre
The Mayflower Theatre is the largest theatre in Southampton. It has a capacity of 2,500 and is one of the largest live performance venues in the South of England. The theatre was built in 1928 and has hosted talents like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Kate Bush, and Iron Maiden since then. You can walk to the theatre in 5-minutes from Southampton Central Station. There are also several tourist attractions like the SeaCity Museum, bars, and restaurants to explore.
7. Outside-In Food Court
No trip is complete without some good local food. Taste the Hampshire cuisine at Portsmouth’s Outside-In Food Court. It’s Portsmouth’s largest food court and has a variety of local and international food vendors. You can try the fully-stocked bar with local sodas, beers, spirits, and wines. The menu frequently changes, so you can try new things whenever you visit. We recommend booking a table in advance if you travel in a large group.
Get Premium Airport Transfers in Hampshire
Explored what Hampshire has to offer and are ready to home? You’ll need an airport taxi service to ensure you’re at the airport on time for your flight. If you’re looking for that, check out Go Comfort’s airport transfers in Hampshire. Go Comfort has flexible pre-booking and affordable rates. In addition, our fleet of vehicles driven by experienced drivers will always get you to your destination on time. We also offer cruise transfers in Hampshire and other areas of the UK.
Contact us for more details on booking and our premium taxi service.