Marine House

Marine House enjoys a fabulous location, close to the beach in Southsea. Southsea is a seaside resort with a thriving, cultural force and is bursting with independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. It emerged as a popular tourist destination during the Victorian era. The entire Southsea area is walkable with plenty of attractions to enjoy. Southsea Castle was reportedly built to specifications set out by King Henry VIII. It stands at Portsmouth’s most southerly point, overlooking the Solent. The D-Day Museum is very interesting, the only one of its kind in Britain. You will be fascinated by the Overlord Embroidery which features embroidered panels replicating a series of watercolours that hang in The Pentagon in America. Canoe Lake sits in a popular park dating from 1886, surrounded by mature evergreen oaks planted in 1910. It is very pretty and has pedal boats for hire. Children love the play area with its zip wire, sand pit and water fun. Next to the lake are the remaining walls of Lumps Fort which is home to the Southsea Rose Gardens and the Southsea Model Village. There are two piers, South Parade Pier and Clarence Pier, both enjoying typical seaside fun. When you are walking around Southsea you will notice many blue plaques on display. These showcase the area’s famous former residents including Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Rudyard Kidling and Peter Sellers. There is an excellent selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

From Southsea Hoverport, just a  five minute drive from the house, you can catch a hovercraft which reaches Ryde on the Isle of Wight in just ten minutes! It is a very popular excursion. Ryde offers fabulous stretches of sandy beaches, a thriving independent shopping scene, wonderful dining opportunities and a quirky mix of traditional seaside entertainment. The town is brimming with Victorian architecture and unexpected hidden gems. It was one of the UK’s original seaside destinations, much loved by Queen Victoria. To the east of the pier you will find Appley Beach bordered by a wonderful park. There is also go-karting, golf, bowling, lazer quest, a cinema, a waterside pool, the Isle of White Bus and Coach Museum and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Portsmouth itself and its popular Gunwharf Quays is where many guests head. Gunwharf Quays boasts an excellent selection of designer stores at outlet prices and a wonderful array of family-friendly restaurants. It is less than a ten minute car journey from the house. For those with a strong head for heights, Gunwharf is home to Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, a one hundred and seventy metre tall observation tower complete with a glass floor. It enjoys breathtaking views across the Solent. You can book additionally for an afternoon tea experience or a one hundred metre abseil!  For those with an interest in history, the Historic Dockyard which is home to HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860 is also just ten minutes from Marine House.

The glorious Cathedral City of Chichester, one of the great well-preserved Georgian cities in the UK, is a thirty minute drive away. With its gorgeous architecture, ancient city walls, beautiful Cathedral, canal, harbour, parkland and cobbled streets lined with independent shops, restaurants and galleries, it is well worth a visit. The city of Winchester, on the edge of the rolling South Downs Nationa Park, is also within easy reach of Marine House, home to one of Britain’s greatest Cathedrals, the country’s largest farmers market and the popular Marwell Zoo. It is England’s ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. It is also the resting place of the author Jane Austen and the inspiration to the many craft makers and artists that live there.  

The Georgian market town of Lymington is another beauty on the coast within the New Forest National Park. It is famous for its sailing history and boasts two gorgeous marinas, two sailing clubs and picturesque narrow streets filled with pretty period cottages, independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Its Saturday market dates back to the thirteenth century.

Read more about Hampshire

Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Hampshire

Welcome to a treasure trove of wonders, the legendary land of Hampshire! Nestled snugly on the southern coast of England, this county is rich in history, natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene. The county is sprinkled with wonderful Oliver’s Travels properties, from cute cottages to seaside wonders, luxurious manor houses and contemporary architectural gems.

Winchester Cathedral, a medieval masterpiece stands tall and proud in the historic city of Winchester. It is the rockstar of cathedrals, dating back to the 11th century, boasting stained glass windows that will make your jaw drop, medieval carvings that tell tales of yore and even the resting place of the legendary Jane Austen. Winchester is brimming with cobbled streets lined with indie shops and historic buildings that create an inviting ambiance. The Great Hall, with King Arthur's Round Table, adds a dash of myth and legend to this already enchanting city.

Portsmouth, a vibrant waterfront city is all about maritime glory. The Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, is a treasure trove of naval history. If you want a bird's-eye view of the action, the Spinnaker Tower is your ticket to panoramic views of the city and the mighty Solent. Next stop, Southampton, a bustling port city that offers more maritime adventures. The SeaCity Museum dives deep into the city's seafaring past while the Tudor House and Garden explore Southampton's rich history. The waterfront is alive with shops, restaurants and cultural hotspots.

If you venture into the Test Valley, villages like Stockbridge and Longstock offer a taste of quintessential English countryside. Thatched cottages, charming pubs and the soothing River Test meandering through offering soothing serenity and picturesque photo shots. The New Forest National Park is an ancient woodland haven where you can walk, cycle and encounter free-roaming ponies, deer and wildlife galore. It is nature's playground and you are invited to join the fun.

For the culture vultures, Hampshire has your back. The Winchester Festival is an annual arts extravaganza, with music, literature and visual arts. The Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham and The Anvil in Basingstoke are stages for the county's artistic soul, showcasing everything from live music to theatre productions.

Hampshire is the ultimate blend of history, modern vibes and natural beauty. Whether you are exploring cathedrals, wandering through quaint villages or embracing your inner adventurer in the great outdoors, Hampshire promises a fabulous time. Prepare to be bewitched by the diversity and charm of this southern English gem, it is a journey you won't soon forget!