Small craft moored in mid stream in a Hampshire river at sunset.

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Hampshire

Hampshire is home to two of England’s National Parks, which pretty much guarantees a healthy choice of superb holiday cottages of all sizes in idyllic and secluded rural locations for self-catering holidays all year round.

The South Downs National Park lies east of the County and the New Forest west. Both National Parks offer beautiful countryside scenery. They are ideal for those holiday cottage visitors who love walking, cycling or merely enjoying tranquil green open spaces and woodland glades. Enjoy a secluded rural Holiday Cottage in Hampshire nestling in one of the National Park villages, such as Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, or experience a coastal holiday in the historic naval city of Portsmouth or the great maritime city of Southampton. Hampshire’s south coast is also home to several golden beaches and peaceful coastal walks. With so much to see and enjoy, Hampshire will appeal to holiday cottage guests at any time of year.

Exterior of a 2-storey wooden barn converted to a New Forest holiday cottage
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Imagine a tranquil escape to the enchanting New Forest, where the embrace of nature and the comfort of a well-appointed barn conversion harmonize to create the ideal self-catering holiday. Welcome to Ash Barn, a captivating retreat nestled within the grounds of Goesmere Gardens, just a leisurely three miles west of Fordingbridge and on the outskirts of the charming village of Damerham. Here, you will discover the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation, where a high-ceilinged and spacious interior serves as a delightful canvas for family or friends seeking a memorable getaway.

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Exterior of a wooden eco-lodge near Ringwood backed by mature trees.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
1

Get away into the woods with a holiday at Endymion, a cosy New Forest eco-lodge near Ringwood on the grounds of the owner’s house, with a rustic exterior and endearingly quirky interior, surrounded by picturesque New Forest National Park in the isolated hamlet of Linwood, near Ringwood in Hampshire. Pets welcome.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A fabulously relaxing Hampshire holiday home, Inglewood Cottage provides family-friendly holidays for 2-6 guests in a stunning location on the south coast. The pet-friendly cottage is on a quiet road in New Milton, a few miles to the New Forest and just over one to the beach at Barton on Sea.

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A stone-built Dorset cottage overlooks a lawn and rose beds.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Evergreen is a historic cobb cottage from 1860 surrounded by the free-roaming section of a national park. The charming rural cottage in Bransgore sits among the Dorset countryside and coast and offers tranquillity and beautiful views, plus luxurious furnishings, contemporary design and seclusion.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Explore Little Haven, a captivating 2-bedroom seaside holiday let in Lymington. This Hampshire coastal cottage seamlessly blends modern comfort with charming aesthetics. Enjoy open-plan living, a stylish courtyard, within easy reach of Lymington's waterfront. With a fully equipped kitchen, Smart TVs, and outdoor dining, it's an ideal retreat. Walk to boutique shops, restaurants, and the Quay. Discover nearby attractions like the New Forest National Park. Little Haven promises a picturesque escape—view the full details for an unforgettable coastal getaway.

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Exterior of a New Forest holiday cottage with a brick chimney stack, twin garages and backed by woodland trees.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Welcome to Gorselands Cottage, a hidden gem nestled within the enchanting New Forest National Park. Just a stone's throw from the charming village of Burley, this idyllic holiday home boasts a tranquil setting enveloped by lush woodlands and a sprawling, well-kept garden.

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2-storey1930s holiday cottage in Lymington
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Sitting just minutes from the beach in Keyhaven is Simple Truths, a stylish coastal cottage with sunny open-plan spaces, a generous lawned garden and urban chic. The pet-friendly cottage in Hampshire enjoys a quiet location in this lovely hamlet and boasts an outdoor seating area with BBQ and Tee-Pee.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Abbotts Wood is a large, pet-friendly holiday home in Hampshire, sleeping 12 in 5 bedrooms (3 ensuites). Facilities in this luxury house include an indoor heated swimming pool, a (free) fishing lake complete with ducks for feeding and 3 acres of grounds to explore.

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  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

The most popular beach in Hampshire is widely regarded as being at Hayling Island. The area is also known for water sports and currently hosts the biggest water sports festival in the UK. For those who prefer smaller-scale festivals, the little Watercress Festival in May is well worth a weekend break in a self-catering cottage. Southampton is still a very active port, a starting point for several large cruise liners, including the Queen Elizabeth II. It has strong links to the RMS Titanic (don’t miss the exhibition in the modern Sea City Museum). For shopping, Southampton also offers a massive range of retail stores at the West Quay Shopping Centre. For those looking for a more traditional shopping experience, Hampshire is well-known for its popular farmers’ markets. These occur regularly around the County, where delicious homemade produce can be bought.

Hampshire’s two National Parks take up a considerable amount of the County, with over 200,000 acres of unspoilt woodland and grassland waiting to be explored. The New Forest has often been described as one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK and is home to dozens of traditional and historic villages. The New Forest is also home to a wealth of exciting attractions and museums, such as the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and the maritime museum Buckler’s Hard; the latter explores the incredible and vast evolution of sea-faring maritime traditions on the south coast. The county town of Hampshire is Winchester, once the capital of England. There are many attractions in the City, from its military museums to its magnificent Cathedral, a burial place for at least one English King. For those interested in history, The Great Hall is the only remaining part of Winchester Castle and is home to King Arthur’s Round Table. The wildlife park Marwell Zoo lies on the outskirts of Winchester, where you can discover over 170 exotic and endangered species, making it an ideal family attraction. In general, Winchester and the whole of Hampshire is well known for its locally produced food and excellent restaurants and pubs. There are often festivals and other events going on throughout the County to celebrate the best of local produce. Food lovers staying in a holiday cottage will experience Hampshire’s month-long food festival in July.