
The area
has been constantly populated for many thousands of years and
has several Iron-age settlements in addition to the most famous
ring at Stonehenge.

It
was an important area during the Roman period and Winchester
became the capital of the kingdom of Wessex.
Other cities of interest within easy reach include Salisbury,
Southampton, Bath and Portsmouth where you can see the Marie
Rose and Victory.
Both London and Oxford are within 1 hours drive. The area is
well known for its chalk stream trout fishing and there are many
popular beauty spots. We have details of most of the sights that
are of general interest. If your interest is visiting country
houses or gardens, there are many within a short journey, including:
Highclere Castle
- with its association with the discovery of tutenkhamun's tomb
Broadlands
- the home of Lord Mountbatten
Mottisfont Abbey
- The garden that has the National Rose Collection and the nearby
Hillier's Arboretum
Stourshead House and Garden
- a must for anyone interested in gardens