- Family And Glamping
Family glamping near Southampton
93% (241) • 98 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Southampton
Teddy's Farm
1. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
19km from Southampton · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Charisworth Farm
2. Charisworth Farm
97%
(99)
57km from Southampton · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Caalm Camp
3. Caalm Camp
100%
(27)
61km from Southampton · 6 units
Caalm by name, calm by nature. This blissfully chilled-out Dorset hideaway promises a relaxing stay for all
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£156
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
4. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
68km from Southampton · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
88km from Southampton · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Wild Boar Wood Campsite
6. Wild Boar Wood Campsite
97%
(68)
96km from Southampton · 9 units
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
7. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
97km from Southampton · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Tomkins Farm
8. Tomkins Farm
96%
(164)
98km from Southampton · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Brig's Farm
9. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
108km from Southampton · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
10. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
113km from Southampton · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Hale Farm
11. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
113km from Southampton · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Homemade Holidays
12. Homemade Holidays
100%
(19)
120km from Southampton · 2 units
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis.
Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces.
Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley.
Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees.
Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars.
Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding.
Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉
Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice.
Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views.
Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾
Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display.
Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc.
Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park.
By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
Beech Estate Campsite
13. Beech Estate Campsite
97%
(185)
129km from Southampton · 57 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
Glassenbury Camping
14. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(65)
135km from Southampton · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£14
/ night
Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
15. Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
100%
(94)
142km from Southampton · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£16
/ night
The Old Airfield
16. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
26km from Southampton · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
17. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
87%
(39)
75km from Southampton · 51 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months.
Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£18
/ night
Radcot Leisure on Thames
18. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
87km from Southampton · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire
19. Riverside Farm experience camp fire
84%
(25)
133km from Southampton · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter.
NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .
Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£68
/ night
Haybridge Wharf Farm
20. Haybridge Wharf Farm
100%
(9)
137km from Southampton · 1 unit
Our meadow in the rolling Oxfordshire hillside has a beautiful view of fields and the Oxford canal. It has dark skies and a stunning show of stars. Peaceful, quiet and secluded, a perfect place to escape from the pressures of daily life.
The field is fenced in and has hedgerows and a baby woodland.
You can enjoy hiking, walking, cycling and exploring this interesting part of the world, or head to any of the local pubs to refresh.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£125
/ night
93% (241) • 98 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Southampton
Teddy's Farm
1. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
19km from Southampton · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Charisworth Farm
2. Charisworth Farm
97%
(99)
57km from Southampton · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Caalm Camp
3. Caalm Camp
100%
(27)
61km from Southampton · 6 units
Caalm by name, calm by nature. This blissfully chilled-out Dorset hideaway promises a relaxing stay for all
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£156
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
4. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
68km from Southampton · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
88km from Southampton · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Wild Boar Wood Campsite
6. Wild Boar Wood Campsite
97%
(68)
96km from Southampton · 9 units
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
7. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
97km from Southampton · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Tomkins Farm
8. Tomkins Farm
96%
(164)
98km from Southampton · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Brig's Farm
9. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
108km from Southampton · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
10. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
113km from Southampton · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Hale Farm
11. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
113km from Southampton · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Homemade Holidays
12. Homemade Holidays
100%
(19)
120km from Southampton · 2 units
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis.
Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces.
Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley.
Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees.
Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars.
Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding.
Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉
Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice.
Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views.
Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾
Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display.
Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc.
Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park.
By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
Beech Estate Campsite
13. Beech Estate Campsite
97%
(185)
129km from Southampton · 57 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£22
/ night
Glassenbury Camping
14. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(65)
135km from Southampton · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£14
/ night
Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
15. Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
100%
(94)
142km from Southampton · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£16
/ night
The Old Airfield
16. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
26km from Southampton · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
17. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
87%
(39)
75km from Southampton · 51 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months.
Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£18
/ night
Radcot Leisure on Thames
18. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
87km from Southampton · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire
19. Riverside Farm experience camp fire
84%
(25)
133km from Southampton · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter.
NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .
Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£68
/ night
Haybridge Wharf Farm
20. Haybridge Wharf Farm
100%
(9)
137km from Southampton · 1 unit
Our meadow in the rolling Oxfordshire hillside has a beautiful view of fields and the Oxford canal. It has dark skies and a stunning show of stars. Peaceful, quiet and secluded, a perfect place to escape from the pressures of daily life.
The field is fenced in and has hedgerows and a baby woodland.
You can enjoy hiking, walking, cycling and exploring this interesting part of the world, or head to any of the local pubs to refresh.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£125
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Dom
November 2025
4 nights at Homemade Holidays
Absolutely amazing Holiday, Jan was super helpful and we will definitely be back
See more
A
Alex
November 2025
Group trip
Morag went above and beyond to make myself, my partner and my pals comfortable although only there for a night we had an unforgettable evening and morag most definitely aided in that- thank you so much ❤️
See more
C
Christine
September 2025
With kids
My recent glamping trip in a bell tent was absolutely great, perfectly blending tranquil nature with a comfortable double bed; soft blankets and pillows and the spacious and thoughtfully decorated bell tent ready and waiting for us. We were able to immediately relax and enjoy our surroundings. It was the perfect escape for anyone who has had a long week at work and loves camping with a touch of luxury.
The sun was shinning and it was wonderful to lie hammock! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
See more
S
Shila
August 2025
With kids
We loved camping in the bell tents. The views were amazing. We loved that the sheep and donkey roam around the campsite area. The kids activities were a lovely touch and my son enjoyed taking the goat for a walk. We will be back some day!
See more
H
Hubert
August 2025
With kids
I had the most amazing camping experience here after not camping for 10 years, and it couldn’t have been better! 🏕️ The view is absolutely stunning, and the bell tent was a great size – clean, comfortable, and really cosy. The toilets and showers are quite basic, but honestly perfect for this kind of stay.
The host was super helpful with excellent communication throughout, which made everything easy and stress-free. I especially loved the firepit, and wood was available, which made the evenings extra special. 🔥✨
Overall, this place exceeded my expectations and gave me the perfect return to camping. Highly recommended!
See more
D
Dave
August 2025
With kids
Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop
See more
S
Selma
August 2025
With kids
This is a place to feel connected to the land and to completely let go of all the pressures of modern living. Jan is passionate about bio diversity and I loved walking up to the yurt, brushing past lavender and sage and wild flowers full of bees and butterflies, picking an apple on the way - and having it for breakfast whilst looking over a most glorious sunrise view from Buzzard Yurt. Then a walk in the woods and chilling in the hammock reading and soaking up the birdsong and the sound of the buzzard up above. At night - lying on the deck looking up at a starry sky and sitting round the fire toasting marshmallows. A truly relaxing and healing few days. Thank you Jan.
See more
H
Hannah
August 2025
Group trip
Wow, wow, wow.
So we had a fantastic time at Kingfisher Yurt, relaxing under the Oak and Ash trees. Swimming pond was perfect.
Yurt was really comfortable and the kitchen was fab for dining and playing games, We hired the hot tub, which was also lovely.
Jan was a perfect host. We shall be back.
See more
Philippa
August 2025
With kids
Beautiful spot! I love that each plot has it's own BBQ and fire pit, this really made a difference to our stay. The games are a great touch and being able to walk to the cafe for a coffee and sausage roll in the morning was the icing on the cake. Honesty box for wood and coal, drinking water, clean (flushing!) toilets and showers, everything you could need. Can't wait to come back.
See more
E
Ellie-Jane
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
Absolutely amazing ! Welcoming and had everything and more! Been multiple times and plan on going back next summer!
See more
M
Michele
August 2025
With kids
We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!
See more
I
Ilona
August 2025
With kids
This is glamping at its most peaceful! simple, natural, and a chance to switch off and just be. We loved the freedom, the beauty, and the little sense of wilderness while still having a few comforts to make it easy with kids.
Sarah added so many extra thoughtful touches, the shower had great pressure and was hot and the beds were snuggly and comfy!
Would we go back? 100% yes. Iris stole our hearts. 🚌💚
See more
J
Jade
August 2025
With kids
Great little campsite! Richard welcomed us and asked if we needed anything. We asked for a firepit and logs which he brought over straight away. Showed us where everything was and we saw him round the site regularly.
We saw many animals from sheep to cows, to geese.
It was a quiet site when we first arrived midweek.
See more
R
Rachel
August 2025
1 night at Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
This is a lovely place to stay. The railway carriage was very comfortable and very well laid out, packing a lot of functionality into a cozy space. The grounds are beautiful and quiet. It’s just a short drive to several must see places like Bath and Avebury henge.
See more
T
Timothy
August 2025
With kids
Iris is a First Class Bus!
Truly a wonderful pitch, which had everything there we could possibly have needed and much more! Definitely worth a visit!
See more
P
Penny
August 2025
With kids
We had a wonderful time, excellent location by the river, pub and town. It was very quiet and we had enough space for our three families to run around and enjoy all the nature available! We hired the canoe and paddle boards which were fab. The beds were very comfortable and warm, toilets and showers were decent enough but did get messy quickly with all the usage. The wash up station was very basic and some of the outside benches were a bit tatty so because of that, probably an 8/10 BUT great for families.
See more
K
Kelvin
August 2025
With kids
Teddy was an amazing host, and was so helpful on every occasion. I thouroughly enjoyed cooking the lamb sausages made at the farm. Well deserving of any campsite awards they earn.
See moreB
Benjamin
August 2025
With kids
Great spot. Teddy and Mrs Teddy (sorry!) were incredibly welcoming and helpful.
Massive fields. Load of space. Good showers and toilets.
👍
See more
K
Kamlesh
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Second time here. Fantastic place. Must try. Ever so helpful. Great access to Ashford Common.
See more
P
Piyush
August 2025
With kids
Wonderful campsite with thoughtful touches, as well as cool little forests, paths, dens and swings for the kids to explore
See more
Family glamping near Southampton guide
Where to go
South-West Hampshire
A 10-minute drive west of Southampton, the New Forest National Park has endless options for campers, from family-friendly holiday parks to glamping in the woods. Walking and cycling trails lead the way to wildlife reserves and forest hideaways, and you’re never far from a country pub. To the south, the beach resorts of Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea are a favourite for summer campers.
Isle of Wight
Ferries set sail from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, where rugged sea cliffs and golden sands provide a spectacular backdrop for campers. Hike along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, marvel at the multi-colored cliffs of Alum Bay, and ride the chairlift over the white chalk rocks of The Needles. Or perhaps time your visit for annual events like the Isle of Wight Festival or Cowes Week yachting festival.
South Downs
North of Southampton, the cathedral city of Winchester sits on the western edge of the South Downs AONB, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along more than 2,000 miles of trails. Explore the chalk hills and ancient yew forests, trek along part of the South Downs Way, or head down to the coast to admire the white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Whether backcountry camping or sleeping in a luxury yurt, plan for a late night—stargazing in this International Dark Sky Reserve is an unmissable experience.
When to go
Southampton is a year-round destination, whether dining alfresco in summer or browsing the Christmas markets in winter. July and August are busiest, with a steady flow of travellers arriving at the port, and it’s best to book ahead if visiting at this time. Time your visit for springtime to enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding AONBs, or head to the New Forest in autumn to admire the colourful fall foliage.
Know before you go
- Southampton has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
- Southampton has public transport links to many surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
- Most campsites require advance booking. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
- Wild camping is illegal throughout Hampshire.