7 of the best Hampshire villages to visit according to locals

Outside of the major hubs Hampshire offers a number of serene and chocolate-box-pretty villages where people can enjoy tranquil living.

We asked Daily Echo readers what village they thought was the best in the county, with a number of places receiving multiple mentions.

Here are seven of Hampshire's best villages to visit or live in as voted for by you.

Hampshire's best villages as voted for by readers

Beaulieu

Beaulieu (Image: Google Streetview)

Beaulieu's charming high street with artisan shops and its overall picturesque surroundings make the village a favourite among locals.

With a population of just over 800, it is home to the National Motor Museum as a major attraction.

It was also named one of the most desirable villages to live in in the UK for 2023, according to a list from The Telegraph.

Chilworth

On the northern edge of Southampton, you can find the village of Chilworth which has a population of around 1,200.

It is known for having some very expensive houses, being home to the University of Southampton Science Park and Chilworth Manor.

The surrounding area also offers plenty of green space for walking and jogging, whilst The Chilworth Arms is a highly regarded pub in the area.

The Chilworth Arms pub is well regarded (Image: Google Streetview)

Additionally, it has some historical selling points too, with the Anglican Church of St Denys lying on its border.

Exbury

Exbury is a village that's fairly close to Beaulieu and another that offers beautiful surroundings for everyday life.

It is known for its famous Exbury Gardens and as the location of Exbury House, built by the Rothschild family.

Part of the civil parish of Exbury and Lepe, the area is estimated to have a population of between 150-170.

Hamble

Providing a mixture of countryside and coastal living, Hamble has earnt a good reputation for its cobbled streets and quality dining experiences.

A view out onto the River Hamble (Image: Google Streetview)

On Visit Hampshire it says: "Visitors can sit and watch boats cruise along the river from one of the many pubs and restaurants which serve up a delicacy of local flavours.

"There is also the opportunity to spot prestigious cruise ships sailing along the Solent, from various locations nearby."

Kingsclere

Located in the northern part of Hampshire, Kingsclere is a fairly large village compared to some on this list, with a population of over 3,000.

It is a place that is rooted in history and was identified as belonging to King Alfred in his will between 872 and 888.

There are also a few places to enjoy seasonal fresh cuisine in the village, such as the Bel and the Dragon.

The Bel and the Dragon restaurant (Image: Google Streetview)

Milford-on-Sea

Located in the southwestern part of Hampshire, Milford-on-Sea is a coastal village that has a population of around 4,600.

It is known as a somewhat popular place to retire and offers great opportunities for bathing at sea due to its calm waters.

Additionally, it has a few luxury hotels and plenty of quaint shops on its high street which clusters around a village green.

Milford-on-Sea Village Green (Image: Google Streetview)

Twyford

Located on the left bank of the River Itchen, Twyford is just a few miles away from Winchester and has a population of around 1,500.

Its downland landscape gives it a rich biological diversity and its water meadows are of European and national importance.

Additionally, Twyford is steeped in heritage with there being around 70 listed buildings in the nearby area.