Top walks in Hampshire

Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside in Hampshire. You can take in glorious vistas on our downloadable trails. Listen to skylarks as you climb Stockbridge Down, home to wildflowers, butterflies and frothy hawthorn blossom. Mottisfont reveals picturesque farmland and pretty hamlets. A stroll along chalk tracks on New Forest heaths immerses you in glorious bird song. In late spring the woods at Hinton Ampner are full of native bluebells.

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open to visit. Houses in England and Wales will reopen from 17 May and houses in Northern Ireland are expected to reopen from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

More details on what's open
One of Hinton Ampner's estate paths in summer

Hinton Ampner 

Hinton Ampner has no less than four picturesque trails, over a broad mix of Hampshire landscapes. They’ll take you through ancient parkland, across centuries old battle fields and into pretty villages. There are towering beech woodlands too, carpeted in native bluebells.

Take in spring hedgerows
Chalk path across grass, with oak in foreground and line of trees in background

Mottisfont 

Stroll along the banks of the crystal-clear river Test as it takes you out of the gardens and into the flower-rich meadow beyond. You’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the house from here, and it's a lovely spot for a peaceful picnic. If you fancy a longer walk, follow our six mile estate trail through glorious countryside, taking in ancient bluebell woods and historic farmland.

Wildlife-rich spring walks
Bluebells flourish in Morgaston Woods.
Walking trail

The Vyne 

The Vyne's mixed landscape creates some beautiful walks in spring. Wide paths through fields and alongside the lake take you to ancient woods full of fragrant bluebells in late spring. Stroll on to The Vyne's wetlands, teaming with wildlife - a wonderful place for some springtime photography.

Discover scented bluebell woods
A Dartford warbler

The New Forest 

In spring the New Forest is a terrific place to take in the glorious sounds, as well as sights, of birds. This is nesting season and we've got some tips on what to look out for, and how to help protect ground-nesting birds at the same time. Find out about our guided walks too, from 6 May.

Tips on spring birds
Hawthorn blossom in foreground, field with path and trees beyond.

Stockbridge Down 

Over 40 species of butterfly thrive at Stockbridge Down - it's a wildlife oasis. Many of these are already making an appearance by late spring, such as dingy and grizzled skippers. You can enjoy them on our 1.5 mile downloadable walk across this ancient chalk downland full of wildflowers. The panoramic views from the top take you as far as Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

Discover Stockbridge Down