Hampshire

A county with a wonderful variety of landscapes, from the bustling port cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, rich in nautical history, to the natural beauty of the New Forest, the coastline with its chalky South Downs cliffs and miles of beaches, a magnet for watersports fans. William the Conqueror planted the New Forest, woods of magnificent oak and chestnut with moorland in between and pretty villages hidden in clearings; lovely for wandering, riding and picnicking in glades. Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole are vibrant resorts with good sandy beaches and boating.