In and around Hampshire

Our Hampshire landscapes are dotted with picturesque walking routes, from gentle strolls along crystal-clear chalk streams to butterfly trails in sun-dappled woodland. Take in the pretty village at Mottisfont, and the veteran trees in Hinton's parkland, or stride out over the wild plains of the New Forest. Wonderful landscapes for summer days out.

Set off on a walk through our Hampshire countryside this summer and you'll find yourself on a native wildlife safari. The bogs and mires of the New Forest and chalk downland and wood pasture at Stockbridge and Selborne are home to a myriad butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and birds. Why not take a wildlife i.d. book and some binoculars and record your sightings?

This year we’ve got more summer theatre than ever, with two new venues and eight productions. Choose classics like Jane Austen’s society comedy Pride and Prejudice, or Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For families we've got Conan Doyle’s fantasy adventure The Lost World, featuring life-size dinosaurs. There's live music too, from 1920s jazz to wartime swing.

Meet the Gruffalo and other characters at Mottisfont this summer. From The Vyne's rooftop walkway you'll be able to see for miles, whilst in the heart of the New Forest we've got den-building days. At every family property you'll find a brand new summer trail to tackle. Wherever you go you'll have an adventure to remember this summer.

Visit our exciting, all-access, 360° rooftop walkway and look down on the roof of this former Tudor power house as it's repaired in front of your eyes. There are amazing views across the estate and an exciting programme of related events and activities, for all ages.

Colourful, characterful works by the much-loved children’s illustrator Axel Scheffler are on display over the summer holidays, 15 July – 3 September. We'll be showcasing illustrations from The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, as well as Stick Man, The Snail and the Whale, Room on the Broom, Zog and many more.

Make the most of the summer, with an opportunity to sleep out under the stars - with Big Camp 2017. We've got all sorts of beautiful places lined up for you, including the wildflower meadows at Newtown National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight.

Nightjars are special heathland birds that migrate from Africa to breed in the New Forest, appearing between late April and August. This rare bird is most likely to be spotted after dusk - listen out for its distinctive 'churr'.

Over 30 species of butterfly thrive at Stockbridge Down. Declining varieties such as the duke of Burgundy and pearl-bordered fritillary can be spotted here, encouraged through careful habitat management.

In August, a rare and peculiar little plant emerges across our New Forest commons: the small fleabane. Once relatively common in southern England it's now one of Britain's most threatened native flowers. To survive, it needs a very particular set of requirements - a wet environment grazed by livestock. Keep an eye out for it.

Discover grand mansions and servants' quarters, an atmospheric Victorian fort and a very special chapel with murals by Stanley Spencer. Just some of our places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

From intimate gardens in romantic settings to ancient parklands filled with magnificent trees, you'll find a variety of beautiful landscapes to enjoy at our places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

There's woodland, wetland, farmland and more for you to enjoy in Hampshire, including the commons of the New Forest. Plus the dramatic coastline of the Isle of Wight. So come out and play.