What are the best garden/natural environment/stately homes to visit near Winchester?

Hello again Mary , I was just wondering where you ended up on your trip.

Exbury Gardens, then drive back through Lepe, by the sea, some of the original Mulberry harbours have their remnants there and you can see the Isle of Wight. In Winchester, you can go to the Cathedral and behind there is a lovely walk through the water meadows, follow the river.

Danebury hill fort is worth a visit, near Stockbridge.

Stockbridge is also worth a look with trout in the stream by the pavement. Good place for lunch.

Hillier Gardens are glorious. They are Ampthill/ Romsey. Romsey is worth a visit. The Abbey has a signed letter by Henry viii promising not to destroy the Abbey of the townspeople gave him £100.

If you go to Mayflower park in Southampton a lot of the cruise ships are in Dock ( see the local Daily Echo to see the timings).

Drive to Calshot and go around the Castle

And of course the New Forest.

Mottisfont Abbey,

Then go to Romsey visit Romsey Abbey and walk down to the park, the river Test runs through it.

I met friends for a walk at Hilliers gardens this morning then went with another friend to Mottisfont - NT property - this afternoon having first enjoyed a light lunch together at Kimbridge Barn. Both places require to be pre booked ATM.

St Catherine's Hill.

Or walk along the river to St Cross.