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| Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay |
I absolutely love going away for the weekend, or any other time to be
truthful; a short break is my idea of heaven. I don't even mind who I'm away
with - my husband, mum, daughter or a friend. As long as there is great food
to eat, new places to explore and a cheeky Baileys in the bar before bed I'm a
happy girl.
When I go away for the weekend I like to head somewhere new but to be honest,
I don't particularly like travelling too far, so anywhere within about a
150-mile radius works for me. For some reason, I have been conditioned to
believe that you either go to the coast or to a big city like London or Bath
for your short break, but in recent times I've been questioning this.
I think the last year and the lockdowns particularly, have taught us all there
is so much beauty and unexplored places on our doorsteps and as such, I am
keen to explore some new places closer to my home, rather than spending lots
of time in a car or on a train. Hampshire isn't a county I have explored much
before and having lived in Surrey all my childhood/ teen years and now Sussex
for the last seven years I'm not sure why, as it is pretty close-by.
I'm trying not to dwell too much on how much we have missed out on in the last
year or so, but instead, focusing on the future and the excitement of new
trips away. Last April I was chatting to a PR Manager acting on behalf of two
areas of Hampshire - The Test Valley and the Hampshire area of the South Downs
National Park and we were planning that I'd take a couple of short breaks to
try out what these areas have to offer.
Of course, the trips didn't happen, but I am feeling much more positive that
short breaks will be back on the agenda later on this year. As such I've been
having a virtual search to see which area might suit me best to go and visit.
My Mum and I will have our annual London trip this year and therefore this
trip will be for my husband and me.
The Test Valley
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| Image of Romsey Abbey from Visit Hampshire |
This is in the West of Hampshire and is most famous for fly fishing on the
River Test, but it won't be fishing that attracts me there, it is more likely
to be the picturesque market towns like Andover or Romsey, and the 44 mile
Test Way that you can walk along through countryside, woodland and beautiful
quaint villages.
My husband and I will happily stroll around the
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, or the
Longstock Park Water Garden
and my highlight will be a visit to
National trust Mottisfont
as I adore National trust sites and my teenage girls never seem to grow out of
enjoying all that outdoor space. I am hoping that by the time we visit the
house and gallery will be open again
I'm also hoping we can stay at
Michelmersh Manor Farm
in Romsey. Their strapline is 'enjoy the farm life' and I know my girls will,
they adore getting up close with animals and it sounds as if they can help
with the twice-daily calf feed whilst we are there. They have a variety of
self-catering options on the farm, all with parking and free Wi-Fi, so they
sound perfect.
We've stayed in self-catering or Air BnB type accommodation a lot in the last
few years as it works so well with a family with older children. Trying to
cram us all in a hotel room leads to a few tense moments I can tell you! lol
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| Image Credit: Michelmersh Manor Farm |
The attraction that my husband has picked for our stay is the Hawk Conservancy Trust, as he is a keen wildlife photographer and will take great joy in
spending a few hours there observing the birds as they fly.
For more information check out the
Visit Hampshire website and you'll find loads more things to do in the Test Valley, like
visiting the Bombay Sapphire distillery, heading to
Paultons Park
or visiting Whitchurch Silk Mill.
South Downs National Park (the Hampshire end)
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| Photo by Keith Potts on Unsplash |
We live in East Sussex and thus the end of the South Downs way is pretty close
to us and somewhere that we visit regularly. I have to admit though, that I
don't have any plans to walk the full 100 miles of the Way and as such, we'll
probably take the car when we head over to Hampshire to explore more of the
beautiful South Downs National Park.
The hilly terrain of the national park makes for amazing panoramic views that
take your breath away. I can just picture us on a late Spring day walking and
exploring the area stopping at a village pub along the way for a home-cooked
meal or maybe a cream tea. This area really is a dream for amateur
photographers like my husband and me, as we can potter at our own pace and
enjoy what we see.
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| Winchester Cathedral Image by Marius Mangevicius from Pixabay |
I've never explored the historic city of
Winchester
and this is where the South Downs Way starts, so it will be a good place for
us to start our trip. As Christians, the Catherdral is a big pull and if we
bring the children I know they'll enjoy the Science Centre & Planetarium
as well as
Marwell Zoo, which we have visited before. A spot of shopping, taking in the local
art and street theatre scene and enjoying the ancient architecture will all be
highlights for me on this trip.
Another delight for me would be visiting a National Trust site, as I love the
combination of history and beautiful grounds. I have Uppark and
Hinton Ampner
to choose from, or maybe I'd make it to both during our short stay.
I've enjoyed looking at the options for places to stay in this area, but I've
fallen in love with the 2 bedroom apartments at Old Thorns overlooking the
golf course at this luxury 4-star hotel and spa. With super modern furnishings
and floor to ceiling glass windows, they are the height of luxury for a night
away with the family.
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| Image Credit: Old Thorns |
Do have a look on the
Visit Hampshire website
for all sorts of ideas for places to stay, visit and eat if you head to the
South Downs National Park area.
I might not be at the point to book anything as yet but it is thoroughly
enjoyable for me to while away a couple of hours planning where we might go
once life becomes more normal again. I've been impressed with what I've seen
online for the county of Hampshire and I'd happily take a visit there.
I'm ready now, goodbye Covid and roll on normality!!
Where are you planning to go once things start to open up again?
