Staycations in Hampshire: Top Attractions and Hotels

If you’re looking for the best staycations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, look no further! When you’re exploring all the exciting Hampshire attractions, you’d quite like to be staying in the best hotels nearby, right? Because what’s a fun-filled attraction without a comfy bed for recharging your energy?

Whatever your budget, here are some top attractions and hotels to help you find the most suitable staycations in Hampshire that your family will love!

Portsmouth staycations

Firstly, if you’re looking for staycations packed full of history and culture, Portsmouth is your city. Home to many museums and galleries, you’ll find the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the D-Day Museum and Royal Armouries Fort Nelson.

The dockyard played a significant role in Britain’s naval history with many famous ships. And this includes the HMS Victory, which was Lord Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar!   

After a day of exploring the city, why not catch a show at New Theatre Royal in the evening? Additionally, other must-see Portsmouth attractions include Staunton Country Park, Clarence Pier Southsea, Spinnaker Tower and exploring with Text Quest.

Where to Stay

You’ll find many hotels in Portsmouth to explore the attractions from, including the popular Portsmouth Marriott Hotel. If you fancy staying just a few minutes walk from the historic dockyard, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, and a restaurant.

For a Portsmouth luxury hotel, Ashby’s Deluxe Studios & Spa apartment is close to the beach.

On the other hand, for a cheaper budget hotel with family rooms, head to ibis Budget Portsmouth. Also, it’s good to note that dogs and cats are welcome, for a fee of £10.00 per pet, per night.

Southampton staycations

If you’re a fan of shopping, restaurants and bars then you should definitely visit Southampton! 

You’ll also be spoilt for choice with Southampton attractions. Take a leisurely ramble around Southampton City Art Gallery! And for a spot of history,  discover the fascinating Tudor House and Garden, SeaCity Museum, Brickworks Museum and Steamship Shieldhall!

For the walkers and nature lovers, you don’t want to miss the beautiful River Hamble Country Park and Itchen Valley Country Park. In these parks, you’ll find an oasis of tranquillity! So, find a tranquil spot to look for wildlife, and have a break from the city. Also, Eling Tide Mill Experience not only portrays the history of the restored working mill but offers wonderful, accessible riverside walks.

If you have kids who need to blow off steam, we recommend Laser Squad Laser Tag, Calshot Activities Centre for water, slope, or climbing activities, Manor Farm, Go Ape and Text Quest. So, there’s a plethora of family fun to be had in Southampton!

And don’t forget about the Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios where you can see an array of fabulous productions all year round!

Where to Stay

You’ll find a great choice of Southampton hotels when researching Southampton staycations, whether on a budget or more luxurious. 

For budget Southampton hotels, Travelodge Southampton or ibis Budget Southampton Centre are close to the train station and the city’s shops.

After a historic Southampton hotel with extra charm? The Star Hotel is one of the oldest Victorian hotels right in the heart of the city. Also, close by is the Grade 2 Listed Hotel, Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel. Can you believe this has stood for over 500 years? Not to mention, it has had some notable guests, including Jane Austen! How cool to stay in the same hotel Jane Austen has stayed in!

For that hotel with an extra touch of luxury, The five star Southampton Harbour Hotel and Spa in the shape of a super-yacht, overlooks the solent water and the luxurious boats beneath at Ocean Village marina.

And for something a little more funky, head over to the boutique Moxy Southampton Hotel! It’s a hit with eco-conscious travellers and what’s more, it’s a dog-friendly city centre Southampton hotel.

Find out more about Southampton hotels on the Southampton Region Hoteliers website. 

Winchester staycations

If you’re looking for staycations in Winchester, you’re making a great choice! As a matter of fact, this stunning mediaeval city is rich in history you’ll want to get lost in. And this brings us to your first stop, Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe! The cathedral is known for its beautiful architecture and houses the Winchester Bible, one of the largest and finest surviving 12th-century English bibles. And only a short walk away is the Theatre Royal Winchester!

Visit Winchester Science Centre for some learning fun. With a range of interactive exhibits, the centre entertains and educates children of all ages. Not to mention, the fabulous Marwell Zoo has hundreds of animals in a 140-acre park to explore, plus, 5 adventure play areas!

And Another family-friendly activity with all the family fun? 878 AD! This is an attraction based around a key historical highlight for Winchester, when the city played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Vikings by King Alfred the Great. The 878 AD attraction is a uniquely fun, interactive way to learn about and transport back to this fascinating time.

Fancy escaping the country and enjoying the scenery? The Watercress Line, a steam railway, runs through some of the most beautiful parts of Hampshire, offering a unique way to travel with a touch of nostalgia. Thomas the Tank Engine fans love the Day Out With Thomas events.

In need of some more peace and beauty? Visit Mottisfont, a beautiful country house coupled with stunning gardens, open for you to discover. With regular exhibitions and events, it’s a great place to visit throughout the year.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for hotels to explore the exquisite Winchester, Winchester Royal Hotel is just a few minutes walk away and is a great base to explore the city. This is for you if you want to stay in a luxurious hotel in the centre of the action.

If you fancy a location with a spa, The Winchester Hotel & Spa in only 10 minutes from the city centre and train station.

The Holiday Inn Winchester is right next door to Winchester Science Centre and children under 12 stay and eat free when sharing their parents’ room. 

And if you are looking for a more budget hotel in Winchester, try the Premier Inn Winchester with it’s free parking.

New Forest staycations 

The New Forest is a beautiful destination that attracts visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and charming towns. Plus, there happens to be a wide range of New Forest attractions!

For nature lovers, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway and Furzey Gardens offer stunning displays of flowers and plants. Also, visitors looking for outdoor activities can enjoy cycling in the New Forest with Cyclexperience, where many New Forest Hotels can book bikes on the behalf of the guests. Water and adventure activities with New Forest activities and walking along the stoney beach at Lepe Country Park.

If you’re an animal enthusiast, you’ll also enjoy the New Forest Wildlife Park for spotting a variety of rare and endangered species! 

For history buffs, Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu offer a glimpse into the area’s maritime and motoring heritage. Meanwhile Longdown Activity Farm is perfect for families with young children looking for fun-filled days out. 

Where to Stay

All Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World Short Breaks are at family friendly hotels, with breakfast included and two days worth of park tickets. 

It’s easy to plan staycations in the New Forest, with its various options of accommodation, from cosy B&Bs to luxury country houses. Our recommended New Forest hotels for that extra touch of luxury are Careys Manor Hotel and Rhinefield House. 

Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, is beautiful country house hotel and dog friendly hotel in Brockenhurst in the New Forest.

Looking for cheap hotels in the New Forest? Take a look at Travelodge Stoney Cross in Lyndhurst, the heart of the area and a great place to explore the natural beauty of the New Forest National Park.

Isle of Wight adventure 

The Isle of Wight is a truly enchanting destination, with an exciting blend of history, natural beauty and adventure! With its stunning coastline, countryside and numerous Isle of Wight activities and attractions, you’ll find something for you. 

And what’s more, you can get from one side of the island to the other within an hour’s car journey meaning you are in easy reach of all the island’s top attractions.

One of the most popular attractions is Carisbrooke Castle. If you fancy exploring this mediaeval fortress, it offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history. And why not transport back in time to the island’s prehistoric past? The Dinosaur Isle Museum lets you explore real dinosaur fossils! 

For some outdoor fun, pop down to Tapnell Farm. From animal encounters to go-carting, you’ll find family-friendly activities and a fun day out. Talking of great days out, Sandham Gardens in Sandown Bay is another fabulous destination. Expect to see stunning gardens, crazy golf and family-friendly rides. 

Plus, no trip to the Isle of Wight would be complete without visiting The Needles. This landmark attraction offers breathtaking views of the coast. And another must-visit? Osborne; the former summer home of Queen Victoria. With its beautiful gardens and fascinating exhibits, make sure you drop by to marvel at its beauty!

Not to mention, getting to the Isle of Wight is easy, with the fantastic regular ferry services of Wightlink, Red Funnel Ferries and Hovertravel! 

Where to Stay

There’s plenty of Isle of Wight accommodation and information on the destination from Visit Isle of Wight. So, have a look around at what takes your fancy!

If you book your Isle of Wight accommodation through Red Funnel you will save 25% on the ferry travel in the process.

Also, if you book your accommodation on the Isle of Wight you can ask for a discount link to use with Wightlink.

There’s a few options of accommodation at Tapnell Farm like eco lodge glamping and farm cottages.

With Travelodge’s and Premier Inn’s, theres plenty of cheap and cheerful budget hotels on the Isle of Wight, including the Travelodge Newport – a pretty central spot on the island.

On the other end of the spectrum, the 5 star Haven Hall Hotel in Shanklin, has a fabulous reputation of a pure luxury hotel and is close to the sandy beach.

And The Royal Hotel in Ventor opened in 1832 and has won multiple awards. Furthermore, its outdoor heated swimming pool is a hit with its guests!

Accommodation

Overall, there are multiple options of staycations and hotels in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, all offering a mix of budget and luxury hotels with ideal bases for exploring the local area. You’ll easily be able to find accommodation that suits you.

If campsites, caravan and holiday parks are more your staycation style, make sure you see what’s available nearby in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

So, are you staying up to date with the latest of what’s on in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight? If you’re not already, make sure you’re following along on our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! 

And finally, if you are visiting the attractions, look out for the HTA vouchers!