Top walks in Hampshire

A peaceful summer ramble in Hampshire will take you into a beautiful world of sparkling streams, ancient heaths and wildflower-rich downland. Look out for jewel-like dragonflies flitting across Mottisfont's meadows. Stockbridge Down is littered with peaceful picnic spots and beautiful views. Every step you take helps support our summer nature conservation work.

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open. Many houses are also open to visit. 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.

More details on what's open
A path beside the river at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Mottisfont 

Mottisfont’s estate walk takes in six miles of this tranquil country estate. In summer, it’s the perfect place to escape to. You’ll discover ancient woodlands, historic farmland and the crystal-clear waters of the river Test. There are plenty of spots where you can relax to take in the picturesque views. And at the end, Mottisfont’s welcoming café offers restorative treats and refreshing drinks.

Explore an historic country estate
Chalk downland in summer with two horses in background and wildflowers in foreground

Stockbridge Down 

You'll feel your cares slip away on a summer’s walk across this ancient chalk downland. Butterflies flit over grassland full of wildflowers. The piercing cries of red kites can be heard overhead as you stroll to the top to take in panoramic views - the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic.

Picnic with a panoramic view
Heather at Hale Purlieu Common, New Forest, Hampshire

New Forest 

You can really get away from it all, on a walk in the New Forest. Huge swathes of ancient heath await you, littered with inviting chalky tracks. On a warm day the only things you’ll hear are the gentle buzz of bees on the scented heather, and birdsong in the yellow gorse. Fringed by trees, there’s plenty of opportunity to relax in the shade of an ancient oak or beech.

Soak up the stillness of ancient heaths
The ancient avenue of lime trees at Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner 

You can choose from no less than four walking routes at Hinton Ampner, including the Dutton Estate trail. It'll take you into sun-lit woodland filled with bird song, deer and broad rides to stroll along. You'll take in broad vistas over the South Downs as well as working farmland - a good place to look out for farm wildlife.

Plan a countryside adventure
View through grasses across to wetlands
Walking trail

The Vyne 

The Vyne’s estate walk takes in tranquil beech woods with a network of paths. Our downloadable trail takes in glorious wildlife-rich wetlands and plenty of history too. You’ll find benches to relax on along the route.

Dappled woods and wildlife-rich wetlands
A silver washed fritillary butterfly
Walking trail

Selborne common 

Magnificent beech woodlands and flower-filled meadows attract a host of butterflies in summer. Look out for silver-washed fritillaries and orange tips flitting across the glades. You may even spot a purple emperor as you stroll up the zig-zag hill.

Discover summer butterflies