Hampshire, a county that perfectly blends coastal charm, countryside tranquility, and vibrant city living. From great commuter towns to idyllic village life and family-friendly locations with excellent schools, we’ll be highlighting what makes Hampshire such a wonderful place to call home.
If you are considering Hampshire as one of your top locations for your dream family home, read on to discover our favourite destinations, and a few hidden gems too;
Family Life
Are you contemplating Hampshire as the perfect place to raise your family? Here are a few reasons why this picturesque county may be the ideal location for you;
Stunning National Parks – Hampshire is home to two National Parks, the South Downs National Park and the New Forest National Park.
As one of ‘Britain’s Breathing Spaces’, in the South Downs National Park you can hike, cycle, run, picnic and relax amongst the rolling green pastures, ancient woodlands, river valleys and dramatic coastline, the perfect place for family adventures. There are many beautiful towns, such as Bishops Waltham and Petersfield, and enchanting villages with strong communities, including Chawton, with its links to the novelist Jane Austen and Selborne, home of the pioneering English naturalist, Gilbert White.
The New Forest, where age-old tradition meets modern day innovation. You can explore everyday life where ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer roam free, a favourite with children, and all just 90 minutes by train from London. Fall in love with the forest’s idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and cliff top walks. Discover the cobbled streets of it’s wonderful towns and villages or take a stroll along the gorgeous coastline, a special place to call home.
Excellent Schools
If it’s Independent or State Schools that you are after, Hampshire has it all. From Winchester College, the world famous independent boarding school, St Swithuns all girls school, Salesian boys school in Farnborough, Bedales in Petersfield or Lord Wandsworth in Hook, there’s an abundance of first class independent schools to choose from.
If it’s a state school you are after, there is no shortage of top rated, good and outstanding schools in Hampshire, from Preston Candover Church of England Primary School and Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School in Lymington, to The Westgate School in Winchester and The Petersfield School in Petersfield.
Beautiful Waterside Living
For many families, waterside living is a dream come true. If it’s enjoying long walks with the dog, paddleboarding, surfing, or sailing, Hampshire’s waterside locations offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure. With 240 miles of stunning coastline, the county provides the perfect backdrop for family outings and activities. Beyond the scenic beauty, waterside living in Hampshire also comes with the delight of fresh, locally sourced seafood, readily available at charming seaside eateries. From the tranquility of coastal life to the vibrant watersports scene, there’s so much to love about calling Hampshire’s waterside your home.
Transport Links
Maybe you are considering moving out of London and need easy access to transport links? Perhaps you want to Work from Home and occasionally need good road or rail connectivity to visit clients, or perhaps enjoy great shopping and going to the West End to see a show?
If you are looking for a balance between countryside charm and easy London access? Here are three Hampshire gems to consider:
Southampton: A vibrant and lively port, a blend of maritime heritage, modern attractions and a vibrant cultural scene. Easy commuter links include 1hr 15 mins to London by train, 2 hours to Bristol by car, and from 3hrs, 30 mins to Paris by plane.
Winchester: History meets modern convenience in England’s ancient capital. Mainline rail links and the M3 motorway make London commutes a breeze, from just 60 mins by train to Waterloo, or 60 mins to London Heathrow by car. Winchester, at the start of the South Downs Way offers access to nature, the South Coast, and the New Forest National Park.
Petersfield: Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, this lovely market town boasts charm and connectivity. It’s on the Portsmouth Direct line, connecting the area to London Waterloo in just over 1 hour by train, offering scenic living with urban convenience. With a range of pubs and restaurants make this South Downs gateway a great place to live.
Village Life
From the iconic spring fed chalk streams of the Test and Itchen Valleys, to the serene landscape of the South Downs and New Forest National Parks, Hampshire is the epitome of quintessential English village life.
Imagine strolling through woodland glades, enjoying vibrant village greens, indulging in cricket and cream teas, or unwinding in cosy country pubs, nestled amidst chocolate-box cottages. Here are three gems to consider;
Hamble (le-Rice), nestled along the River Hamble, this charming and picturesque village offers stunning views, historic cottages, scenic walks, and an abundance of wildlife.
The village comes alive with locals enjoying its exceptional selection of pubs and restaurants. Despite its small size, it’s a popular alternative to city-center dining, offering everything from Thai and Italian cuisine to bistro dishes and classic pub fare. Enjoy dinner or drinks with one of the best views on the south coast from the Royal Southern Yacht Club. With many homes overlooking the water, if it’s tranquility you’re after, Hamble could be the place for you.
Wickham, Meon Valley – At the heart of this lively village lies the second largest medieval market square in England. Surrounded by charming 15th-century cottages and impeccably preserved Georgian houses, the Square invites you to admire its architectural beauty. Wickham also boasts a variety of independent shops offering unique gifts, handcrafted chocolates, artisanal crafts, and antiques, with the added bonus of delightful tea rooms and excellent restaurants to explore. If you love to shop local, Westlands Farm Shop is a hub for local food and drink providing the community with home-grown, locally sourced and high quality produce. Wickham is the perfect place for village life.
The Candover Valley, a unique rural community of picturesque villages and hamlets nestled in some of the loveliest countryside in Hampshire. The Yard in Chilton Candover, a rural cafe and events space, has, in recent times, become the hub of this close knit community, together with the Candover Valley Store, a community run store, post office and cafe, the valley couldn’t manage without it!
If you are dreaming of a peaceful retreat or a welcoming community spirit, Hampshire’s villages offer a lifestyle that blends beauty and charm with a sense of belonging.
Thinking of Re-Sizing
Hampshire is the perfect choice for future-proof living, offering vibrant market towns with everything you need close by. Enjoy easy access to shops, cafes, restaurants, and essential amenities—all while simplifying your day-to-day life.
Alresford: A charming and colourful Georgian town with riverside walks, boutique shops, and a buzzing food scene, including cosy pubs and stylish bistros, Pulpo Negro being a personal favourite. The annual Watercress Festival is always a great crowd pleaser.
Odiham: A historic market town where modern living meets tradition, with cafes, restaurants (we highly recommend El Castello), and canal-side strolls right on your doorstep. Whether it’s visiting the Castle or paddle boarding along the 31 miles of the Basingstoke Canal, Odiham offers it all.
Stockbridge: This High Street hub is brimming with independent shops, art galleries, and eateries serving local produce. Thyme and Tides deli is the perfect place for your special treats. If you dream of spending relaxing afternoons, with walks along the River Test, one of Hampshire’s world famous chalk streams, Stockbridge could be the perfect place for you.
Whether you are re-sizing, moving from the City or looking for your perfect family property, at Bradbourne we can help you find your dream home. With access to off-market properties, a trusted network of contacts and over 30 years experience in the property sector, we are ideally placed to support you on your property journey. Find out more about how we can help by downloading our brochure here, or explore more about the Bradbourne Way and why more buyers than ever are turning to Buying Agents for access to off-market deals.