Campsites near Southampton

·

Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest passenger ports, with ferries setting sail for France, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Wight. This port town is more than just a travel hub, though—it’s also a buzzing cultural hub filled with shopping centres, museums, restaurants, and great nightlife. Watch the ships come in from the portside Mayflower Park, walk the old city walls up to Bargate, then hit the shops at the Westquay Shopping Centre. Urban camping options are limited, but you’ll find spacious campsites along the River Hamble to the south, as well as in the nearby New Forest National Park.

Southampton is all about the water and always has been. It should come as no surprise then to know that most of its sights and attractions have a watery appeal. If visiting Southampton on a camping holiday, you might like to head for the Seacity Museum, which tells the maritime history of the town, from where the Titanic launched on her ill-fated voyage. You may also want to take a cruise on the Solent or catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. Although the docks are now a thoroughly modern affair, Southampton old town still offers reminders of times gone by, including the Tudor House and Gardens, which reveals 800 years of history.

Away from the sea, Southampton’s other appeal is its location in the middle of the Hampshire coastline. It’s easily reached from London and just a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Winchester, which is a nice place to visit on a camping holiday. It’s also a gateway to the New Forest National Park, where walking, cycling, and horse-riding opportunities abound. Within the boundaries of the national park, Beaulieu’s country house, gardens, and National Motor Museum are additional popular places to visit.

For families with kids who love theme park rides, Paultons Park which includes Peppa Pig World, is hard to beat. For more information and ideas of things to do on a camping or glamping holiday in Southampton, head to Lyndhurst’s New Forest National Park visitor centre.

93% (1.8K) 1,197 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Southampton

Radcot Leisure on Thames

1. 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
Stockbridge View Campsite

2. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
23km from Southampton · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

3. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
62km from Southampton · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

4. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

120km from Southampton · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, a tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm. At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night. Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature. We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire. If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace. January Booking Special: Save 10% on all stays booked in January for any dates later this year with CODE: TSWVL3G2
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
The T Barn

5. The T Barn

99%
(90)
98km from Southampton · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£29
 / night
Chalky Downs

6. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
93km from Southampton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / 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
Lepe Beach Campsite

8. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
15km from Southampton · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
The Barn KT9

9. 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
The Nut Plat Retreat

10. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
125km from Southampton · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£88
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

11. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
108km from Southampton · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

12. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
86km from Southampton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

13. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
67km from Southampton · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
The Pig Place Campsite

14. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
121km from Southampton · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Camping5Acres

15. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
110km from Southampton · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Old Litten

16. Old Litten

99%
(60)
34km from Southampton · 1 unit · Tent
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

17. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
124km from Southampton · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
Cotswolds Glamping

18. Cotswolds Glamping

100%
(6)
123km from Southampton · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£96
 / night
Walltree House Camping

19. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
124km from Southampton · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Brig's Farm

20. 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

Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest passenger ports, with ferries setting sail for France, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Wight. This port town is more than just a travel hub, though—it’s also a buzzing cultural hub filled with shopping centres, museums, restaurants, and great nightlife. Watch the ships come in from the portside Mayflower Park, walk the old city walls up to Bargate, then hit the shops at the Westquay Shopping Centre. Urban camping options are limited, but you’ll find spacious campsites along the River Hamble to the south, as well as in the nearby New Forest National Park.

Southampton is all about the water and always has been. It should come as no surprise then to know that most of its sights and attractions have a watery appeal. If visiting Southampton on a camping holiday, you might like to head for the Seacity Museum, which tells the maritime history of the town, from where the Titanic launched on her ill-fated voyage. You may also want to take a cruise on the Solent or catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. Although the docks are now a thoroughly modern affair, Southampton old town still offers reminders of times gone by, including the Tudor House and Gardens, which reveals 800 years of history.

Away from the sea, Southampton’s other appeal is its location in the middle of the Hampshire coastline. It’s easily reached from London and just a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Winchester, which is a nice place to visit on a camping holiday. It’s also a gateway to the New Forest National Park, where walking, cycling, and horse-riding opportunities abound. Within the boundaries of the national park, Beaulieu’s country house, gardens, and National Motor Museum are additional popular places to visit.

For families with kids who love theme park rides, Paultons Park which includes Peppa Pig World, is hard to beat. For more information and ideas of things to do on a camping or glamping holiday in Southampton, head to Lyndhurst’s New Forest National Park visitor centre.

93% (1.8K) 1,197 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Southampton

Radcot Leisure on Thames

1. 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
Stockbridge View Campsite

2. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
23km from Southampton · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

3. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
62km from Southampton · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

4. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

120km from Southampton · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, a tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm. At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night. Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature. We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire. If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace. January Booking Special: Save 10% on all stays booked in January for any dates later this year with CODE: TSWVL3G2
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
The T Barn

5. The T Barn

99%
(90)
98km from Southampton · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£29
 / night
Chalky Downs

6. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
93km from Southampton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / 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
Lepe Beach Campsite

8. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
15km from Southampton · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
The Barn KT9

9. 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
The Nut Plat Retreat

10. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
125km from Southampton · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£88
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

11. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
108km from Southampton · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

12. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
86km from Southampton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

13. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
67km from Southampton · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
The Pig Place Campsite

14. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
121km from Southampton · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Camping5Acres

15. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
110km from Southampton · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Old Litten

16. Old Litten

99%
(60)
34km from Southampton · 1 unit · Tent
Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

17. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
124km from Southampton · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
Cotswolds Glamping

18. Cotswolds Glamping

100%
(6)
123km from Southampton · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£96
 / night
Walltree House Camping

19. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
124km from Southampton · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Brig's Farm

20. 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

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Campsites 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.