The county has so much history dating back to the days of the Roman invasion and the Anglo-Saxons, and beyond the major cities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester, there are lots of hidden gems that are well worth visiting.
And with the weather getting even better, we have put together a list of 11 quaint and little known Hampshire villages to visit this spring.
9. Wherwell
Wherwell is a village on the River Test whose name may derive from its bubbling springs resulting in the Middle Ages place name “Hwerwyl” The village is associated with the Cockatrice. The story is that the cockatrice terrorised the village until it was imprisoned in the dungeons below Wherwell Priory and for many years a weather vane in the shape of a cockatrice adorned the C19 church of St. Peter and Holy Cross in Wherwell until it was removed to Andover Museum. These days The River Test flows through the village in parallel with the High Street making it perfect for a spring stroll where you can also take in the numerous thatched cottages. | Google Streetview
10. Fordingbridge
The great little town is a northern gateway to the Now Forest and is built on the banks of the River Avon. The town's High Street is well known for its pubs, cafes and local shops, buit it also has a museum, a cinema within the buildings of an old pottery and Rockbourne Roman Villa is in the nearby village of Rockbourne. The town also has a great park and recreation ground, complete with a splash pool, and places to go for a paddle in the river. | Google
11. Hamble
Associated with its marine links, Hamble is a great place to visit to spot the boats and take on life by the river. But Hamble-le-Rice is also home to Hamble Common with its variety of estuary wildlife, and other scenic walks including one along the beach. | Google