Are you looking for a holiday with the perfect blend of city, coast and countryside? Then you should look no further than Hampshire!
With not one but two National Parks, a rich history and a flourishing culture, Hampshire has everything you would be looking for. One of the biggest appeals to the area is the beautiful unspoilt cathedral city of Winchester.
Located on the edge of the stunning South Downs National Park, Winchester is England’s ancient capital and the former seat of King Alfred the Great. With so much history to explore, including the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, coupled with the stunning countryside that surrounds it, Winchester is the perfect holiday destination.
Furthermore, holiday accommodation in Winchester and the surrounding areas are not lacking. From city centre holiday homes to countryside properties, you’ll not be short of choices for your next holiday to Hampshire. With so many great places to choose from, we at Breakfree Holidays have put together this collection of top self-catering accommodation near Winchester to help you narrow it down. We’re sure you’ll find something you love!
Breakfree Holidays’ Top 6 Holiday Cottages near Winchester, Hampshire
- The Garden Studio, Selborne
- Little Owl, Petersfield
- Red Kite Cottage, Froxfield
- Buckholt Stables, West Tytherley
- Gibson’s Hut, Alresford
- Shafts Barn, West Meon
The Garden Studio
Location: Selborne, Hampshire
Great for: A stunning newly renovated cottage close to superb nature walks
The Garden Studio is situated along a quiet lane in the picturesque and historic village of Selborne, just half an hour from the city of Winchester. The village was made famous by naturalist Gilbert White and is home to an abundance of nature walks, including the magnificent Zig Zag path. In the village itself, you will be able to visit Gilbert White’s House and Gardens with fascinating historic collections and activities for the whole family. The beautiful Saxon Church of St Mary’s is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and is also well worth a visit during your stay.
If you travel a little further afield, Winchester will make the ideal day trip. With so many family attractions to visit including the Winchester Science Centre, Winchester Castle and Marwell Zoo, this historic city has something for everyone to enjoy. The surrounding countryside and amazing views also make this the perfect place for a romantic getaway, and the Garden Studio is the ideal self-catering accommodation from which to explore it all.
Facilities: This stunning detached cottage is all located on the ground floor and has two bedrooms – one king and one single with a pull-out bed – making this the ideal base for parents and their small children looking to explore the beautiful countryside. There is an open plan living room with a study area and excellent Wi-Fi, perfect if you have to catch up on work while you are away. There’s a dining table and small kitchen area which, despite its size, has everything that you might need during your stay, including a two-ring electric hob, microwave, mini-oven and fridge.
Step outside into the beautiful garden terrace where you will find an outdoor seating area and BBQ, all ready for those warmer days and al fresco dining. The property is surrounded by 11 acres of farmland with plenty of footpaths and cycle tracks to explore throughout your stay. This is a wonderful property, and it’s easy to see why it is one of Breakfree Holidays’ favourite holiday rentals.
Little Owl
Location: Petersfield, Hampshire
Great for: A beautiful traditional thatched cottage with period features
This secluded self-catering cottage is located half an hour from the historic city of Winchester in the small village of High Cross. High Cross is just two miles from the market town of Petersfield which has all the local amenities you might need, including several pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as a wide selection of independent and high street shops. With weekly markets as well as several fairs and festivals, Petersfield is a lovely town to visit during your stay. With all of its charm, character and attractions, Winchester is a perfect day trip for the whole family from here.
If you take the short trip to Winchester, not only can you visit the cathedral but you can also visit the Great Hall, which is regarded as one of the greatest surviving aisled halls of the 13th Century. Best of all, it contains one of the greatest historical artefacts of all time – King Arthur’s Round Table!
Facilities: This stunning holiday home is bursting with character and period features. The timber property with a thatched roof sits on the grounds of a larger property and is surrounded by 11 acres of farmland. Sleeping up to six guests in three beautifully decorated bedrooms, this self-catering accommodation is the perfect choice for both families or groups of friends looking to explore the area. Despite the traditional look of the exterior, the interior of the house is very modern with lovely decor. The living room has a wood-burning stove and plenty of seating, making it the ideal location for a relaxed evening with friends. The kitchen has all the appliances you would expect in a self-catering accommodation of this quality, including a washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher. The next-door dining room has a wonderful fireplace and large dining table which can comfortably seat six people, making it the perfect place for your lavish dinner parties!
Step outside and you will find a stunning enclosed garden with its very own thatched summerhouse and outdoor dining area, ideal for enjoying the long summer evenings. There’s a croquet set and plenty of private parking for added entertainment and convenience. The property is also pet friendly, so your four-legged friends are also welcome to enjoy your holiday too. All of these enticing features undeniably make this one of our favourite Winchester holiday homes.
If you’re looking for a dog friendly holiday home but this doesn’t quite meet all your criteria, check out these 4 Best Dog Friendly Cottages for more inspiration.
Red Kite Cottage
Location: Froxfield, Hampshire
Great for: Perfect for those looking for a peaceful location close to the cultural cities of Winchester and Salisbury
This detached cottage is located in a peaceful location in the beautiful hamlet of Froxfield and would make the perfect holiday home for those looking to explore the area from a peaceful property. Froxfield is an excellent location, situated approximately 30 miles from the stunning city of Winchester. A trip to Winchester is a must during your stay, with so much to see and do in the city including visiting the stunning Winchester Cathedral, exploring the ruins of Wolvesey Castle and wandering the streets lined with independent shops and boutiques. Staying closer to home, there is plenty to explore in the hamlet itself including The Trooper Inn and the 17th-century White Horse pub which serves classic British food.
The property has a great location right in the heart of the South Downs National Park, where keen walkers and cyclists will find plenty of footpaths and cycle trails through the incredible countryside. For those in your party who enjoy a slightly slower pace of activity, you can head to the Meon Springs Fly Fishery for a day of fishing, or have a few rounds of golf at one of the many local golf courses. There really is something for all ages to enjoy here.
Facilities: Red Kite Cottage has a traditional rustic exterior with a modern and luxurious interior. Sleeping up to four guests in two lavish bedrooms with soft velvet bed linen, this property does not disappoint. The open plan living space has well-defined areas including a comfortable sitting room with sofas surrounding a woodburning stove, a dining area and a well-equipped kitchen with all the essentials you might need during your stay. This includes a washing machine, dishwasher and the all-important coffee machine! With a smart TV, great Wi-Fi internet access and a whole selection of books to choose from, you’ll not be bored in the cold dark evenings, and if you’re lucky to be staying during the spring and summer, then step outside to enjoy even more.
Once outside, you’ll find uninterrupted rural views from the enclosed private garden. With a lawn and patio wrapping around the house, you will find plenty of sunny spots to enjoy an evening aperitif or dine al fresco.
Buckholt Stables
Location: West Tytherley, Hampshire
Great for: The perfect self-catering accommodation for large groups looking for an active holiday
Situated on a working farm in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, this property is ideal for a large group of friends or multigenerational families looking for an active holiday. With the New Forest National Park and Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close by, there are plenty of superb footpaths and cycle tracks to explore. Also nearby, the village of West Tytherley has a wonderful pub serving great food as well as a well-stocked convenience store.
11 miles away you will find the Medieval city of Salisbury, which is a must-see visit during your stay with so much to see and do. Visit Salisbury Museum or one of its several art galleries, as well as the Gothic Cathedral which houses Europe’s oldest working clock. The City of Winchester is equally close by and is well worth a trip. With so much to do in the area, there is something for everyone, both young and old, and Buckholt Stables is the perfect self-catering accommodation from which to experience it all.
Facilities: This superb barn conversion is tucked away on a working farm and can accommodate up to 18 guests in nine superb bedrooms. With some bedrooms on the ground floor and some on the first floor, this property is ideal for multigenerational family holidays or for those who are slightly less mobile. Originally built in the 1820s, the property has undergone major renovation work and has been beautifully converted into a stunning self-catering accommodation with a mix of contemporary and traditional design. The ground floor sitting room has an open fire, ideal for relaxing during the cold dark evenings. There’s also a beautiful snug area for you to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the other guests. There is a huge commercial style fully-equipped kitchen which is ideal for creating exquisite dinners for your guests. It has everything you might ever need during your stay. Enjoy your delicious feast around the huge wooden table that can easily seat all 18 of your guests. Downstairs, you will also find a large boot room, offering plenty of space for everyone’s boots and coats as well as plenty of room for your four-legged friends to stay because this property is also dog friendly!
Outside, you will find a private walled garden, perfect for al fresco dining, as well as a large lawn that’s ideal for the kids or dogs to play on during a summer’s day. You can enjoy sitting around the wonderful sunken fire pit in the evening – perfect for catching up on the day’s events and creating memories with your friends and family. What more could you want from a self-catering holiday near Winchester?
Gibson’s Hut
Location: Alresford, Hampshire
Great for: A perfect romantic retreat in an idyllic location
Gibson’s Hut is the ultimate romantic bolthole. Located in a private and peaceful location, it is just a 15-minute walk to the award-winning village pub, The Yew Tree, where you can spend an afternoon spectating the local cricket match while enjoying some amazing food. For a good day out, head to the town of Alton to discover the history surrounding the Civil War and Jane Austen, as well as explore its museum and art gallery. For the more active in your group, you can head into the heart of the South Downs National Park for superb walking, amazing views and outstanding vineyards.
If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, head to the City of Winchester, with its selections of shops, boutiques and cafes. This area of the United Kingdom has so much to offer, and Gibson’s Hut is the ideal self-catering accommodation from which to enjoy it.
Facilities: Set in a peaceful Hampshire village with stunning views, this gorgeous shepherd’s hut may be small, but it offers superb luxury to make your stay perfect. When you step inside, you will find yourself in a beautifully decorated open plan studio layout. There is a king-size bed with beautiful crisp white bed linen and a comfortable dining area where you can enjoy wonderful meals prepared on the small Belling cooker or outside on the open fire pit. The wood-burning stove will keep you nice and cosy no matter what the weather is outside, and with a smart TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi internet access and DAB radio, you will certainly not be bored.
Outside, you will find a lawn and gravel garden with plenty of outside seating and a fire pit, so you can dine al fresco in the summer months. If you’re up for a stroll, you can join the footpath at the end of the garden and walk straight into the beauty of the countryside.
Shafts Barn
Location: West Meon, Hampshire
Great for: A stunning property with direct access to superb walking and cycling tracks
Situated in the picturesque village of West Meon, Shafts Barn is just a few minutes’ walk from the local village store, café and butcher, as well as the Thomas Lord pub. You really do have everything you need on the doorstep of this wonderful self-catering accommodation. With the cathedral cities of Winchester and Chichester both nearby, this is the perfect spot for your next family holiday.
The holiday home also offers direct access to many superb walking tracks and cycle paths on the South Downs Way and the disused Meon Valley railway, which stretches for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon, so there are plenty of chances to get out and explore the stunning scenery.
Facilities: Inside this gorgeous property, you will see that it has kept all of its original timber structure, giving it a lovely cosy atmosphere. With two bedrooms – one king-size and one twin – it is perfect for a small family or a group of friends looking to explore Hampshire. The living room has a lovely wood-burning stove, TV and Wi-Fi, making it the perfect place to settle down for a movie after a busy day in the countryside. Open the French doors, and you’ll find the superb private garden with a paved seating area, BBW and even a children’s sandpit. Additionally, there is plenty of private parking available, making this one of our favourite self-catering holiday lettings in the area. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with it too.
Book Your Stay in Winchester Today!
Is your heart calling you to the beautiful Hampshire countryside and the stunning cities nearby? Looking for holiday cottages in Winchester but the above options don’t tick all your boxes? Don’t panic! At Breakfree Holidays, we know how important it is to find your perfect holiday home. Just head over to our main website, and explore the full range of properties and destinations available to you. Whether you’re looking for self-catering accommodation in the countryside for a peaceful getaway or a city centre apartment for something a bit more exciting, we’re sure you’ll find something you love. Book your next holiday with Breakfree Holidays, and start making unforgettable memories today!