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Frequently asked questions about Hampshire

We have created a list of questions and answers so you can find out everything you need to know about having an Away Resorts holiday in Hampshire.  

Questions

Where to stay in Hampshire and when to visit

  1. Where is the best place to stay in the New Forest?
  2. How long should I visit the New Forest for?
  3. What are the best attractions in Hampshire?
  4. How many parks does Away Resorts have in Hampshire?
  5. Which holiday parks in Hampshire are closest to the beach?
  6. Why is the New Forest so popular?
  7. What is on in Hampshire in the summer holidays?
  8. What are the best holiday parks in Hampshire for couples?
  9. What are the best holiday parks in Hampshire for families?

Travelling to Hampshire

  1. How long does it take to get to Hampshire from London? 
  2. Where is the New Forest 
  3. What village is near Sandy Balls? 
  4. Where is Hayling Island

Travelling to Hampshire

  1. How long does it take to get to Hampshire from London? 
  2. Where is the New Forest 
  3. What village is near Sandy Balls? 
  4. Where is Hayling Island

Dog-friendly Hampshire

  1. Is Hampshire dog friendly?

Hampshire holiday costs

  1. How much does it cost to stay in a caravan in Hampshire? 
  2. How much does it cost to stay in a lodge in Hampshire? 

Hampshire holiday park amenities

  1. Does my accommodation come with a hot tub? 
  2. Which holiday parks in Hampshire have WiFi? 
  3. Which holiday parks in Hampshire have swimming pools? 
  4. Which resorts have entertainment and activities? 

Preparing for your Hampshire holiday

Find out more about everything you need to know about Cornwall from its stunning beaches to beautiful attractions to prepare for your Hampshire holiday.

Where to stay in Hampshire and when to visit

Where is the best place to stay in the New Forest?

The New Forest has plenty of places that are perfect for a holiday; here are our top picks: 

  1. Lyndhurst – known as the capital of the New Forest, has plenty of vintage shops and stunning countryside to explore. 
  2. Brockenhurst – a rural retreat – magnificent walks for you and your family to discover. 
  3. Fordingbridge – is surrounded by dramatic countryside and home to our very own Sandy Balls

How long should I visit the New Forest for?

The ideal time to spend in the New Forest depends on your interests and how much you want to explore. Here's a guide to help you decide: 

Short Stay (1-2 Days) 

Perfect if you’re looking for a brief escape or a weekend trip. 

  1. Day 1: Explore villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, enjoy a walk or cycle in the forest, and visit the New Forest Wildlife Park
  2. Day 2: Visit the Beaulieu Motor Museum, the historic Beaulieu Abbey, or stroll along the coast at Lymington. 

Mid Stay (3-4 Days) 

Great for a mix of relaxation and adventure. 

  1. Add activities like horse riding, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the Beaulieu River. 
  2. Visit Hurst Castle or take a day trip to the Isle of Wight via the ferry from Lymington. 
  3. Spend more time enjoying scenic walks, picnics, or forest cycling trails. 

Long Stay (5-7 Days or More) 

Ideal if you want a deeper experience of the area. 

  1. Explore less-visited areas like Burley, known for its witchcraft lore and charming tea rooms. 
  2. Take longer hiking or cycling routes and enjoy multiple outdoor activities. 

Visit surrounding attractions like Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World), the coastal town of Christchurch, or Stonehenge (a short drive away).

What are the best attractions in Hampshire? 

Hampshire is rich in natural beauty, historic landmarks, and charming towns. Here are some of the best places to visit in the county: 

  1. Winchester - Winchester Cathedral, King Arthur’s Round Table, medieval streets, and vibrant markets
  2. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 
  3. Spinnaker Tower 
  4. Jane Austen’s House Museum 
  5. New Forest National Park – and visit towns and villages such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Burley 
  6. South Downs National Park 
  7. Beaulieu River and Buckler’s Hard 
  8. Coastal Destinations - Hayling Island, Milford-on-Sea and Lymington
  9. Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World) 
  10. Marwell Zoo 
  11. Highclere Castle 
  12. Watercress Line 

How many parks does Away Resorts have in Hampshire?

We have two fantastic resorts in Hampshire which are:  

  1. Sandy Balls 
  2. Mill Rythe 

Which holiday parks in Hampshire are closest to the beach?

Mill Rythe is the perfect resort if you fancy a traditional seaside holiday. You will get to experience the charming Hayling Island and enjoy a beautiful beach, a vibrant promenade with shops, cafes, funfair rides, fish and chips, and arcades, which provide plenty of entertainment. 

Why is the New Forest so popular?

The New Forest is incredibly popular because of its unique combination of natural beauty, wildlife, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. Here are the key reasons why people are drawn to this area: 

  1. Natural Beauty 
  2. Free-Roaming Wildlife 
  3. Outdoor Activities 
  4. Charming Villages 
  5. Family-Friendly Fun 

What is on in Hampshire in the summer holidays? 

Hampshire offers various activities and events during the summer holidays, making it a fantastic destination for families and visitors of all ages. Here are some highlights: 

  1. Family-Friendly Attractions: Paultons Park, Hurst Castle and The Watercress Line 
  2. Festivals and Cultural Events: Wickham Festival, Boomtown Festival and New Forest Show
  3. Outdoor Adventures: Beaulieu Supercar Weekend and Portsmouth Kite Festival.  
  4. Our Hampshire resorts Sandy Balls and Mill Rythe have plenty of fantastic activities, events, and entertainment over the summer, including the famous Away Resorts custard pie fight, colour throw festival, the classic outdoor cinema, and much more. 

What are the best holiday parks in Hampshire for couples? 

  1. Both of our holiday parks in Hampshire offer accommodations and facilities perfect for a couple's getaways. For a more tranquil luxury retreat, we  recommend Sandy Balls, set in picturesque surroundings and highly rated by couples.  You can also enjoy the fantastic Spa Retreat and experience treatments & therapies designed to bring you the ultimate relaxing experience.  

What are the best holiday parks in  Hampshire for families? 

Both of our holiday parks in Hampshire provide a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that both adults and children will love. If you're planning a family getaway packed with activities and entertainment for the kids, we've got you covered. 

At Sandy Balls, families can enjoy various activities, including arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, watersports, a classic arcade, seasonal entertainment, a soft play area, a cycle centre, and you can even meet the resident Alpacas.  

At Mill Rythe, you can experience fantastic family-friendly evening entertainment, plenty of fun activities, a seasonal outdoor cinema, an indoor pool and access to the stunning Hayling Island beaches

Travelling to Hampshire

How long does it take to get to Hampshire from London? 

The travel time from London to Hampshire depends on the mode of transportation and the exact destinations within Hampshire and London.  

  1. By Car: The driving distance from central London to Hampshire (e.g., Winchester) is around 70-90 miles, and the journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and starting/ending points. 
  2. Winchester is a stunning city to explore if you fancy a stop, including a beautiful Cathedral and Castle. 

Where is the New Forest? 

  1. The New Forest is located in the county of Hampshire in southern England. It spans parts of southeastern Wiltshire and even extends slightly into Dorset. Here are some key details: 
  2. Location: The New Forest lies south and west of Southampton and east of Bournemouth. 
  3. Towns and Villages: Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Ringwood, Lymington and Hythe. 

What village is near Sandy Balls? 

Godshill is the village near Sandy Balls, a popular holiday park in the New Forest. This charming village is on the western edge of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire. 

  1. Godshill - Known for its traditional thatched cottages and beautiful countryside, offers easy access to walking and cycling routes in the New Forest. 

Other Nearby Villages and Towns: 

  1. Fordingbridge - A small riverside town just a few miles away with shops, pubs, and the historic seven-arched Great Bridge over the River Avon. 
  2. Woodgreen - Another picturesque village with a traditional English pub and views of the surrounding countryside.

Where is Hayling Island?  

Hayling Island is located off the southern coast of Hampshire, England. It lies between Portsmouth and Chichester, connected to the mainland by the A3023 road bridge. It is known for its stunning golden sandy beaches and is where our fantastic resort, Mill Rythe, is located!  

Dog-friendly Hampshire

Is Hampshire dog friendly?

Hampshire is very dog-friendly, and there are plenty of dog-friendly attractions you and your four-legged friend can visit as part of your trip.  

Both of our resorts are dog friendly, each offering pet-friendly accommodations, facilities and even a doggy menu in some of our restaurants!  

Check out our list of dog friendly beaches in Hampshire. 

Hampshire holiday costs

How much does it cost to stay in a caravan in Hampshire? 

In Hampshire both our resorts offer a wide variety of static caravans to match different preferences and budgets.  

Our comfort caravans are excellent for those seeking great value, with affordable options perfect for short breaks.  

Self-catering holidays provide the freedom to save during your stay, and our caravans come with fully-equipped kitchens for your convenience. For those wanting extra space and luxury, we also offer extra-wide caravans and premium models, which are ideal for your next getaway. 

How much does it cost to stay in a Lodge in Hampshire? 

We provide a range of lodges across both of our Hampshire holiday parks, designed to suit all budgets. Whether you prefer cost-effective lodge-style accommodations or spacious, high-end lodges, there’s something to match your needs.  

Our last-minute breaks in Hampshire offer great savings, while those seeking added luxury can opt for a roomy, extra-wide lodge to enjoy the ultimate retreat. 

Hampshire holiday park amenities

Does my accommodation come with a hot tub?   

Our holiday parks in Hampshire that offer hot tubs are Sandy Balls and Mill Rythe. The resorts have plenty of accommodations with hot tubs, including our fantastic exclusive range, such as the incredible Rockstar at Sandy Balls

Which holiday parks in Hampshire have WiFi? 

Both of our holiday parks in Hampshire offer free WiFi in select facilities. Additionally, WiFi is available in some of our exclusive accommodations for your convenience; check out our ways to stay page for more information! 

Which holiday parks in Hampshire are dog friendly? 

At Away Resorts, we love dogs, which means both of our Hampshire resorts are dog-friendly, offering pet-friendly accommodation, facilities, plenty of space to walk and even a doggy menu in some of our restaurants. 

Which holiday parks in Hampshire have swimming pools?  

Both of our holiday parks in Hampshire include swimming pools, and Mill Rythe even has a fantastic outdoor splash pad.

Holiday parks with indoor swimming pools:   

  1. Sandy Balls 
  2. Mill Rythe 

Holiday parks with outdoor swimming pools:   

  1. Sandy Balls 
  2. Mill Rythe (outdoor splash pad) 

Which resorts have entertainment and activities? 

At Sandy Balls, families can partake in various activities, from arts and crafts to swimming in indoor and outdoor pools, enjoying watersports, exploring a classic arcade, and participating in seasonal entertainment. There’s also a soft play area, a cycle centre, and the chance to meet the friendly resident alpacas

At Mill Rythe, families can enjoy incredible evening entertainment suitable for all ages, engage in a variety of exciting activities, relax at a seasonal outdoor cinema, swim in the indoor pool, and visit the beautiful beaches of Hayling Island

Explore our Hampshire locations...

Explore Hampshire Resorts

Whether you're looking for all-action, time to relax, an escape to the seaside, fancy a walk in the forest, or have something to celebrate, we've got a holiday resort to suit everyone’s taste.

Map of the UK showing our park locations
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Explore Hampshire

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Whilst you wait... just think about being in your swimmers, the sun's out and the smiles are big