Hurst Castle & The Solent: Closer to home, we have the meeting of solent and sea. The Solent – the strait separating mainland Hampshire from the Isle of Wight – is a fascinating waterway rich in maritime history and natural beauty. A unique adventure we’ll detail is the walk (or boat ride) to Hurst Castle, located at the end of a long shingle spit near Lymington. The castle itself is an artillery fort established by Henry VIII, but equally impressive are the panoramic views you get from its ramparts: you can gaze across the Solent to see the Needles (the famous chalk stacks off the Isle of Wight) seemingly within arm’s reach. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunset. We’ll describe the experience of this walk – about 2 miles each way on gravel (sturdy shoes needed!) – where on one side you have the open sea, and on the other the calm waters of the Keyhaven salt marshes teeming with birdlife. And once you reach the castle, you can enjoy a cup of tea in the little cafe before heading back or catching the ferry shuttle.

For those craving sand between their toes or ocean breezes, fear not – we have wonderful beaches within reach, each with its own character. Our Journal will soon publish a “Beach Day” guide, including the best family-friendly beaches (like the gentle shallows of Mudeford Sandbank or Milford-on-Sea’s pebbles with an epic view of the Isle of Wight), water sports hubs (Bournemouth and Sandbanks are great for paddle-boarding, kayaking, even surf lessons for beginners), and secluded coves for a romantic picnic (we might divulge a secret spot or two around Studland’s nature reserve). Additionally, the coastal hiking trails in Dorset – such as the clifftop path from Old Harry Rocks to Swanage – offer invigorating walks with stunning sea panoramas. We’ll give you trail info, difficulty level, and perhaps where to reward yourself with fish & chips or local Purbeck ice cream afterwards!

Step back in time at this preserved 18th-century shipbuilding village on the Beaulieu River. Once a thriving dock where ships for Nelson’s navy were built, Buckler’s Hard is now an open-air museum with Georgian cottages, a maritime museum, and lovely river views. Stroll the lane to imagine sailors’ lives centuries ago, and enjoy a pint at the Master Builder’s House hotel pub by the riverside.

Overlooking the coast near Christchurch, Highcliffe Castle is a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion with spectacular sea views. It was called “the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque era” for its architecture. Tour the restored staterooms, then wander the grounds down to Highcliffe Beach – on a clear day, you can see the Isle of Wight across the water. The castle often hosts weddings, events, and exhibitions, and guided tours share fascinating insights into its past.

A hidden gem, Breamore is an Elizabethan manor (1583) near Fordingbridge, still privately owned and filled with period furniture, tapestries, and paintings. It’s like walking onto a period drama set. There’s also a countryside museum on site showcasing rural life. Open on select days, usually with guided tours – call ahead for times.

In the town of Romsey lies Broadlands, the stately home of the late Lord Louis Mountbatten. Broadlands opens for tours on limited summer dates – if you’re lucky to be here then, you can see its lovely grounds and the elegant house where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip honeymooned. Just up the road is Mottisfont Abbey, a National Trust estate famed for its rose gardens. Once a medieval priory, the house was later converted into a Tudor manor and then an 18th-century country home – today it blends charming historic rooms with an ever-changing art gallery. The river-side gardens at Mottisfont are stunning year-round (don’t miss the walled rose garden in June!).

Crossing into Dorset near Wimborne, Kingston Lacy is another fantastic National Trust mansion. This Italianate-palazzo style house is filled with global art treasures (the owner in the 1800s went on an Egyptian artifact shopping spree!). Outside, the extensive parkland and formal gardens are perfect for a leisurely walk, featuring an ancient Egyptian obelisk and herds of cattle grazing under oak trees.

Ferndown’s “Old Course” is a mature heathland gem designed by the great amateur golfer-designer Harold Hilton, set amid sandy soil, heather and tall pines. It has host-venue status, having staged events including a Women’s British Open qualifier. The routing keeps interest high: dog-leg par-4s, beautifully bunkered par-3s and undulating greens make the round engaging for all levels. The presentation is often superb—firm fairways, immaculate bunkers and a setting that many compare favourably with some top heathland jobs.

Hedgerows’ Tip

• Visitors should check out which of the loops will be played (Old vs newer parts) and wear appropriate clothing – the course expects a certain standard.

Moving into Hampshire, North Hants is a fine example of classic English heathland golf—laid out in 1904 by James Braid, then reshaped by Harry Colt in 1913 and refined further later. Set on 140 acres of woodland, heather and pines, the course is known for its natural hazards (heather, gorse) rather than dramatic man-made bunkers. The sand-belt terrain ensures excellent drainage and year-round playability, a feature of the best heathland courses in the region. It carries prestige: one of its junior members was the future major-winner Justin Rose.

Hedgerows’ Tip

• Because of its elevated status and limited visitor tee-times, calling ahead is wise; also check for any society bookings that may limit availability.

Liphook is another excellent heathland course in Hampshire, founded in 1923 and acclaimed as one of the best inland heathland layouts in the UK. The club embarked on a major remodelling under architect Tom Mackenzie around its centenary, including new holes and improved routing. The setting features heather, gorse, mature trees and tactical holes that reward accuracy and strategic play over sheer length.

Hedgerows’ Tip

• For non-members planning a round, check visitor conditions (handicap, dress code) and consider playing from the forward tees if distance is a challenge.

If you’re visiting with children, Paultons Park is a must – consistently voted the UK’s number-one family theme park and home to the world-famous Peppa Pig World. Perfect for younger children, this colourful themed land includes gentle rides, playgrounds, and plenty of chances to meet favourite characters. But Paultons is far more than Peppa: spread across beautifully landscaped gardens, the park offers over 70 rides and attractions, from family-friendly coasters to water rides, adventure play areas, and seasonal shows.

Thrill-seekers will love the Lost Kingdom, an immersive dinosaur-themed zone featuring two exhilarating junior roller coasters and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs lurking among the trees. For quieter moments, wander through the park’s aviaries, gardens, and peaceful lakes. The atmosphere is exceptionally clean, friendly, and well-run — no wonder families return year after year. It’s the perfect full day out, and being just 20 minutes away makes it wonderfully convenient.