- Winchester/
- Camping
Campsites near Winchester
95% (1.9K) • 1,213 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Winchester
Woodlands Camping
1. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
9.2km from Winchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Old Litten
2. Old Litten
99%
(60)
19km from Winchester · 1 unit
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
Stockbridge View Campsite
3. Stockbridge View Campsite
93%
(90)
22km from Winchester · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Small Trees Campsite
4. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
23km from Winchester · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
ShelleyOaks Farm Camping New Forest
5. ShelleyOaks Farm Camping New Forest
100%
(42)
24km from Winchester · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family-friendly camping on a Hampshire farm, edging the New Forest National Park.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
6. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(34)
25km from Winchester · 1 unit
The Shepherd's Hut at Coombe Farm Glamping is only an hour or so from London and within easy reach of Goodwood, Cowdray and the south coast; yet once you're here, you'll feel as if you've stepped through the back of the wardrobe and into the ancient woodland that surrounds, unimpeded views towards the South Downs and barely another soul around. The hut stands alone in the field, so you will exclusively enjoy the tranquility the land has to offer.
The Hut is equipped with fresh linen and towels, made extra cozy and warm with a beautiful flame and clean burning bio ethanol burner which creates a relaxed ambience, providing amazing heat for the chillier season stay.
The wash area is compact with everything you will need for alfresco catering and dining, including a great camp compressor fridge. We also provide equipment to cook on the ample fire pit for an authentic camp experience. We have a revitalizing, hot and spacious shower, all run from our off grid system. We also provide luxury toiletries.
Our loo is composting, extremely clean and freshly set up for every new guest and in keeping with our off grid, low-fi ethos.
Our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm is in Rogate, 5 min drive from Rake or about an hours walk through the woodland south from the hut. The popular Tea room offers a great breakfast and lunch menu. Booking is advisable.
Between the nearby traditional market towns of Petersfield and Haslemere you will discover a diverse choice of places to shop, dine and drink.
The site is encompassed by beautiful walks and trails taking you further into the heart of the South Downs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£108
/ night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
7. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
27km from Winchester · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Lordington Park Camping
8. Lordington Park Camping
100%
(45)
28km from Winchester · 19 units
Set on glorious parkland in the middle of the South Downs National Park, Lordington Park really is a wonderful countryside escape. A 15 minutes’ drive from Chichester, our rustic camping field has views over rolling countryside. Spectacular sunsets and sunrises can be expected on cloudless days.
Escape the hustle and bustle of every day life in our peaceful rural campsite, with spacious grass pitches big enough for you to have lots of private space. Each pitch has a firepit for barbecues, and there is access to composting toilets, a shower block with warm water, and fresh drinking water. Please note there is no electricity on this simple site.
Vehicles are not allowed to park on the camping field, but parking is provided a stone’s throw away. Wheelbarrows are provided to help you get your kit from car to tent.
Countryside walks and cycle paths lead directly from your pitch. There are several pubs in the local area – the nearest being 10 minutes’ stroll away. We have a tea room on site, open Thursday - Sunday 10am-3pm.
Near by local attractions:
Goodwood
Weald and downland museum
West wittering beach
Hayling island
Portsmouth historic dockyard
Chichester festival theatre
Arundel castle
Cowdray park
Various national trust property’s
And many more…
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Spring Hill Wild Camping
9. Spring Hill Wild Camping
97%
(86)
28km from Winchester · 15 units
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas.
The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water.
If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
10. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
30km from Winchester · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
11. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
90%
(20)
35km from Winchester · 3 units
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£128
/ night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite
12. Glamping Retreat & Campsite
95%
(10)
36km from Winchester · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
Teddy's Farm
13. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
36km from Winchester · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Harry's Meadow
14. Harry's Meadow
97%
(73)
37km from Winchester · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
Hollington Park Glamping
15. Hollington Park Glamping
95%
(11)
37km from Winchester · 6 units
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£105
/ night
Tom's Field (New Forest)
16. Tom's Field (New Forest)
99%
(44)
38km from Winchester · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Croft Cottage Camping
17. Croft Cottage Camping
98%
(80)
39km from Winchester · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Small-time camping with a family-friendly buzz, a walk away from the beautiful New Forest
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£32
/ night
Harry's Field New Forest
18. Harry's Field New Forest
92%
(60)
39km from Winchester · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Woodfire at Westerlands
19. Woodfire at Westerlands
99%
(51)
41km from Winchester · 22 units
A foodie campsite with outdoor feasts, set in the heart of the South Downs
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Muddycreek Farm (New Forest)
20. Muddycreek Farm (New Forest)
95%
(151)
41km from Winchester · 40 units
A 28 day August pop-up, offering traditional Hampshire camping on a New Forest Pony farm
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
95% (1.9K) • 1,213 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Winchester
Woodlands Camping
1. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
9.2km from Winchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Old Litten
2. Old Litten
99%
(60)
19km from Winchester · 1 unit
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
Stockbridge View Campsite
3. Stockbridge View Campsite
93%
(90)
22km from Winchester · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Small Trees Campsite
4. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
23km from Winchester · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
ShelleyOaks Farm Camping New Forest
5. ShelleyOaks Farm Camping New Forest
100%
(42)
24km from Winchester · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family-friendly camping on a Hampshire farm, edging the New Forest National Park.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
6. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(34)
25km from Winchester · 1 unit
The Shepherd's Hut at Coombe Farm Glamping is only an hour or so from London and within easy reach of Goodwood, Cowdray and the south coast; yet once you're here, you'll feel as if you've stepped through the back of the wardrobe and into the ancient woodland that surrounds, unimpeded views towards the South Downs and barely another soul around. The hut stands alone in the field, so you will exclusively enjoy the tranquility the land has to offer.
The Hut is equipped with fresh linen and towels, made extra cozy and warm with a beautiful flame and clean burning bio ethanol burner which creates a relaxed ambience, providing amazing heat for the chillier season stay.
The wash area is compact with everything you will need for alfresco catering and dining, including a great camp compressor fridge. We also provide equipment to cook on the ample fire pit for an authentic camp experience. We have a revitalizing, hot and spacious shower, all run from our off grid system. We also provide luxury toiletries.
Our loo is composting, extremely clean and freshly set up for every new guest and in keeping with our off grid, low-fi ethos.
Our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm is in Rogate, 5 min drive from Rake or about an hours walk through the woodland south from the hut. The popular Tea room offers a great breakfast and lunch menu. Booking is advisable.
Between the nearby traditional market towns of Petersfield and Haslemere you will discover a diverse choice of places to shop, dine and drink.
The site is encompassed by beautiful walks and trails taking you further into the heart of the South Downs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£108
/ night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
7. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
27km from Winchester · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Lordington Park Camping
8. Lordington Park Camping
100%
(45)
28km from Winchester · 19 units
Set on glorious parkland in the middle of the South Downs National Park, Lordington Park really is a wonderful countryside escape. A 15 minutes’ drive from Chichester, our rustic camping field has views over rolling countryside. Spectacular sunsets and sunrises can be expected on cloudless days.
Escape the hustle and bustle of every day life in our peaceful rural campsite, with spacious grass pitches big enough for you to have lots of private space. Each pitch has a firepit for barbecues, and there is access to composting toilets, a shower block with warm water, and fresh drinking water. Please note there is no electricity on this simple site.
Vehicles are not allowed to park on the camping field, but parking is provided a stone’s throw away. Wheelbarrows are provided to help you get your kit from car to tent.
Countryside walks and cycle paths lead directly from your pitch. There are several pubs in the local area – the nearest being 10 minutes’ stroll away. We have a tea room on site, open Thursday - Sunday 10am-3pm.
Near by local attractions:
Goodwood
Weald and downland museum
West wittering beach
Hayling island
Portsmouth historic dockyard
Chichester festival theatre
Arundel castle
Cowdray park
Various national trust property’s
And many more…
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Spring Hill Wild Camping
9. Spring Hill Wild Camping
97%
(86)
28km from Winchester · 15 units
Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas.
The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water.
If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
10. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
30km from Winchester · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
11. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
90%
(20)
35km from Winchester · 3 units
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£128
/ night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite
12. Glamping Retreat & Campsite
95%
(10)
36km from Winchester · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
Teddy's Farm
13. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
36km from Winchester · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Harry's Meadow
14. Harry's Meadow
97%
(73)
37km from Winchester · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
Hollington Park Glamping
15. Hollington Park Glamping
95%
(11)
37km from Winchester · 6 units
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£105
/ night
Tom's Field (New Forest)
16. Tom's Field (New Forest)
99%
(44)
38km from Winchester · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Croft Cottage Camping
17. Croft Cottage Camping
98%
(80)
39km from Winchester · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Small-time camping with a family-friendly buzz, a walk away from the beautiful New Forest
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£32
/ night
Harry's Field New Forest
18. Harry's Field New Forest
92%
(60)
39km from Winchester · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Woodfire at Westerlands
19. Woodfire at Westerlands
99%
(51)
41km from Winchester · 22 units
A foodie campsite with outdoor feasts, set in the heart of the South Downs
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Muddycreek Farm (New Forest)
20. Muddycreek Farm (New Forest)
95%
(151)
41km from Winchester · 40 units
A 28 day August pop-up, offering traditional Hampshire camping on a New Forest Pony farm
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Top camping destinations around Winchester
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
c
chris
2 weeks ago
Tent
Was greeted by a friendly and helpful site warden.
Excellent service thank you
See more
B
Bryn
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
A beautiful location and lovely shepherds hut. Very private and romantic. I particularly loved the outdoor kitchen and sitting by the fire bit in the evening. Lovely walks through woodlands easy to get to with no need to drive.
See more
A
Alex
November 2025
2 nights at Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
We had a great stay! Would highly recommend.
Everything you need is there and the hut is so cosy and the beds super comfy. The views around are beautiful and it feels very secluded. Amazing walks straight from the hut! Thank you
See more
O
Oscar
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Charlotte’s land was a brilliant spot perfectly located with a beautiful view. Had everything we needed for our one night stay and we had a great time thanks to it.
See more
K
Katie
October 2025
Tent
I honestly couldn’t recommend this place enough it’s so gorgeous and secluded. The pitch areas are very well spaced out. Jay is also extremely lovely and helpful! The amenities are well maintained and easy to find all over the area. I will absolutely be returning again.
See more
I
Ian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
What an incredible find!
Lovely views, lovely people nearby and the host was so friendly and welcoming.
We will absolutely be back!
See more
H
Harry
October 2025
Tent
A great camp and we would definitely stay here again!
See more
G
Geert
October 2025
Tent
A truly beautiful place to stay – so charming and full of character. And then there’s Charlotte, the hostess: such a warm and welcoming person, with a genuine passion that shines through in her wonderful camper spot. The surrounding region is perfect for both walking and gravel riding. For food and drinks, head to the pub just around the corner (“The Pub with No Name” aka The White Horse). It’s incredibly authentic and serves excellent cuisine.
See more
C
Caro
October 2025
Tent
Site was great, bare minimum and eco-friendly which we loved. Unfortunately weather got the best of us and we left a day early since it was only our first time camping.
Saw lots of Pheasants and heard them running outside our tent in the morning which was wonderful, host was great and incredibly helpful too.
See more
A
Andy
October 2025
With kids
Really nice unit, cosy, but with all mod cons for a couple of nights.
Get the hot tub option, you will regret it otherwise!
See more
A
Andrew
October 2025
Tent
Excellent spot. Big field with individual plots, most had benches. Excellent pub a short walk down the hill.
See more
T
Ty
October 2025
Tent
Great views, simple back to basic's camping. Friendly host, would highly recommend
See more
R
Richard
October 2025
2 nights at Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
Off grid, basic and rustic shepards hut. Very relaxing, and comfortable,
Excellent communication from Alice on finding the feild and lots of good information about the local area.
Really enjoyed my time here.
See more
V
Victoria
October 2025
5 m Class B
What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!
See more
A
Abi
October 2025
5 m car
Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers.
Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need.
There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing!
Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here.
(There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.)
The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!
See moreC
Crystal
October 2025
With pets
We had a really lovely stay in the Bustard Hut. It was peaceful, quaint, and beautifully designed. The interior was unique and thoughtfully put together, and the hut had great facilities considering its limited kitchen space.
The little touches like the marshmallows, bread, and condiments were very much appreciated.
The only downsides were that the hut wasn’t quite as private as it appeared in the pictures, as we could see and be seen by the neighbouring hut from the hot tub, which wasn’t quite what we imagined. Also, there weren’t any trolleys available on arrival, so there was a lot of back and forth with bags since you can’t park next to the hut.
A few things that would be useful to have are some barbecue tools and maybe a fire mitt, as we had to use kitchen utensils to manage the fire. Overall, we had a lovely stay and really enjoyed the thoughtful touches throughout.
See more
S
Sabine
October 2025
With pets
We had the most amazing overnight stay at the Shepherd’s Hut with our three young children and our dog. Laura gave us the warmest welcome - she was so friendly, helpful, and made us feel completely at home right away. The hut itself was spotless, beautifully presented, and thoughtfully equipped with everything we could possibly need.
The kids absolutely loved exploring the surroundings, and it was such a safe, peaceful space for them to run around and enjoy the fresh air. Our dog was just as happy - plenty of room for walks and a truly pet-friendly atmosphere.
Evening by the firepit under the stars was magical, and waking up to the sound of birds and stunning countryside views was the perfect escape from everyday life.
Laura went above and beyond to make our stay special. We honestly didn’t want to leave!
See more
K
Katie
October 2025
Tent
The space is really beautiful and the views are great. It has very basic amenities but it’s the kind of place I like. Being next door to the animals was also a great and entertaining bonus. It’s a short walk to the local village entirely down forest paths if you wish, with a fantastic pub.
It’s a particularly nice place to stay out of season when the autumn colours settle in.
See more
R
Ross
October 2025
Tent
Lovely site for nearly wild camping, had the place all to ourselves, and the view was incredible. Charlotte was a lovely and helpful host, would definitely recommend.
If it helps anyone find the site in future, the what3words is ///deeper.perfumes.hiked
See moreK
Katie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.
See more
Campsites near Winchester guide
Where to go
South Downs National Park
A significant natural area near Winchester, South Downs National Park boasts diverse outdoor activities that immerse campers in England’s pristine countryside. Tread the 100-mile South Downs Way by foot or mountain bike, or marvel at the majestic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Ascend to the summit of Ditchling Beacon for panoramic views at sunrise or sunset, or head to River Itchen for tranquil trout fishing. Whether campers are looking for rustic tent pitches, well-appointed caravan sites, or luxurious glamping yurts, South Downs delivers.
The Isle of Wight
For an island camping adventure, head to the Isle of Wight. Relish in country campsites nestled amid pastoral farms, enjoy peaceful strolls on serene footpaths, and look out for red squirrels, peregrine falcons, and Glanville fritillary butterflies. Newtown National Nature Reserve is a noteworthy tidal estuary and wetland for spotting wading birds and wildfowl. Nearby holiday parks with fully serviced caravan pitches or safari tent rentals offer easy access to Shanklin Beach or Hale Manor Lakes so campers can beat the crowds.
New Forest National Park
Thousands of New Forest ponies freely roam throughout New Forest National Park, about 20 minutes west of Winchester. The semi-feral ponies are owned by members of the common community, and their presence creates one of the most unique camping experiences in England. Enjoy a more rustic forest camping trip at one of the park’s tent pitches, or have a more comfortable holiday at glamping pods and shepherd’s huts. Remember to watch for vulnerable wading birds like stonechats and Dartford warblers that may be nesting in the heathlands.
When to go
The area around Winchester is generally driest and warmest from May to September. Summer months average temperatures around 22°C and are especially popular due to school holidays, so be sure to book pitches at camping parks well in advance. For cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, April and October offer a serene setting. Spring and fall also delight campers with blooming flowers, fall foliage, migratory birds, and excellent fishing opportunities.