Sports & Activities

Best Pub Walks in Hampshire

Explore the most popular pub walks in Hampshire with trail maps, driving directions and detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers. Click here to discover our list of dog friendly local pubs.

Countryside Walks in Hampshire

Enjoy long-distance walking routes including the nearby South Downs Way, short feature walks, town walks, accessible routes and discover the Story Trails. These family-friendly easy access trails, only about a mile long, have their own special story to be enjoyed along the way that can be downloaded from the website.

Meon Valley Trail

Following the old Alton to Fareham railway line (which closed in 1968), is an off-road trail suitable for cycling, walking and running but is also used by horses. It runs from south of Wickham to West Meon and can be joined at several points including near the railway bridge at Droxford, or from the top of Chapel Road in Meonstoke.

New Forest

The New Forest National Park has miles of walks and has produced excellent route maps that you can download or print off and there are also audio tours. The routes are graded from very easy to medium and there are many accessible routes as well as guidance for walkers with dogs.

South Downs National Park

Established in 2011, the South Downs National Park has more routes than any other National Park in the UK. The park authority has produced a number of printable routes including some very near to the cottages at Cheriton, Buriton and East Meon.

Treasure Trails

There are 33 self-guided themed walks around different towns, cities and villages in Hampshire each with a set of clues to solve along the route. The walks are themed murder mystery, spy mission or treasure trail. By solving the clues, you will discover whodunit, find the location of the buried treasure or crack the code and complete the mission just like a true secret agent.

Bike Repairs

If you are bringing your own bicycle to the cottages and need it serviced or repaired during your stay, this local shop can come to you.

GPS Cycle Routes

Hampshire has a number of appealing cycling opportunities with attractive coastal scenery and beautiful countrywide. This website provides a link to just some of the many cycle routes throughout the county.

Bossington Estate

Stockbridge (30 miles)

A reputation as one of the world’s finest chalk stream fisheries. Bossington Estate’s fishery comprises six beats on the River Test as well as two miles of the ‘Wallop Brook’, and the aquifer-fed ‘Horsebridge Lake’.

Day rod passes are available for any of the river beats, the Wallop Brook beat, or Horsebridge Lake, and can be booked direct on 01794 388265.

Meon Springs

East Meon (3 miles)

A beautiful fly fishery with four spring-fed lakes just over the hill from Glamping at Wallops Wood.

Experience days are particularly suitable for novices or anyone who may not have fished for a while. The day includes everything needed – from the tackle and equipment, an Environment Agency (EA) day licence, a fully tutored morning with no more than 3 other people. Book direct on 01730 823134

Corhampton Golf Club

Corhampton (4 miles)

Visitors are welcome weekdays after 10am at this 18 hole course throughout the year. Set on a ridge above the Meon Valley, the course enjoys stunning views across the hills, valleys and woodland.

Meon Valley Golf Club

Shedfield (7 miles)

An 18 hole championship course cuts through an ancient English oak forest with natural water hazards. There is also a 9 hole course, driving range and putting green. Booking essential.

South Winchester Golf Club

Winchester (18 miles)

Set around 6 lakes is an 18 hole course, driving range, putting green, short game area and a golf shop. Visitors can play at any time from Monday to Friday and after midday at weekends. Discount rate for a four ball, lessons available and bookable up to 7 days ahead.

Swanmore Golf Club

Mislingford (6 miles)

With views along the Meon Valley, this 9 hole course will provide a challenge for players of every ability. There is also 10 bay driving range with a practice bunker and putting green and shop. It is also possible to hire clubs.

Wickham Park Golf Club

Wickham (8 miles)

Established in 1997, this 18 hole course, in the lower reaches of the Meon Valley, has a driving range and short game area and has a relaxed clubhouse. Booking by phone is advisable and equipment can be hired.

Fontwell Park

(32 miles)

Fontwell Park hosts 24 jump race meeting throughout the year, and remains the only figure-of-eight jumps course in the UK. Popular racedays include the Totepool National Spirit Hurdle and Boxing Day racing.

Goodwood

(30 miles)

Both horseracing and motorsports take place at the Goodwood Estate which is set in 12,000 acres of the South Downs. Annual motor sports events include the Festival of Speed at the end of June and Goodwood Revival in September. Horse racing events take place from May to October.

Newbury

(42 miles)

This Berkshire racecourse offers top quality racing throughout the year and is home to 29 fixtures including the famous Hennessy Gold Cup.

Andrew Simpson Centre, Portsmouth

Portsmouth (13 miles)

On the stunning shores of Langstone Harbour, ASC Portsmouth offers a gateway to the Solent from this sheltered coastal location. Discover sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, hydrofoiling or paddleboarding activities.

Sailing Trips

Emsworth (14 miles)

Enjoy a couple of hours on the waters of Chichester Harbour on the 125 year-old ‘Terror’, a restored wooden sailing boat and the last example of an open-decked working sailboat from Emsworth’s oyster industry. Public trips between May and September must be booked in advance.

Southampton Water Activities Centre

Southampton (23 miles)

Try your hand at sailing (dingy and keel boats), windsurfing, rowing or powerboating. This water sports centre provides courses for every level, whether you’re a beginner or looking for tips to improve. Booking essential.