Day Trip to PortsmouthHow to get to Portsmouth from London:
Beaulieu Motor Museum is here. Beaulieu is another town not far from Portsmouth worth visiting, and has more visitors than Beaulieu Abbey itself. As you can imagine, Beaulieu, is one of the South of England’s top London day trips from the capital, and is set in the heart of the New Forest, the UK’s newest National Park.
Beaulieu is a guaranteed great family day out with lots for everyone to enjoy including the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House, home of the Montagu family, and historic Beaulieu Abbey. Beaulieu Abbey is located within easy reach of the popular tourist destinations of Bournemouth, Southampton and Winchester. The New Forest is close by, my favourite area on the way to Bournemouth riding my Triumph motorcyle as I mentioned earlier, the New Forest covers more than 90,000 acres, two thirds of which are open to the public, beeches, oaks and birches providing a richness of color which is rare in Britain. In the vast woodlands deer, ponies and donkeys run wild and, for the adventurous walkers, there's a chance of coming across on of the 22 lost Saxon villages which, according to legend, lie buried beneath the thick undergrowth. 
The New Forest in Hampshire is one of my favourite places to visit, and is England's newest National Park which was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. Today the deer, ponies and cattle continue to roam free in its ancient heaths and woodland. You can take a stroll around the quaint traditional villages, explore the dusty antique shops or enjoy a pint of locally brewed cider or beer in one of the many friendly pubs. If you're looking for a relaxing holiday with fine food, beautiful gardens, historic houses and fascinating museums, visit Hampshire for top attractions. For energetic kids and fun loving families there are nature trails, sports activities, wildlife parks, theme parks, interactive museums and much more. There are miles of tempting trails for cycling, from safe routes through country lanes to off road tracks, while Hampshire is also a paradise for walking and horseriding, with guided walks as well as long distance trails such as the Test Way. Hampshire's biggest country park, the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, has 1,400 acres of open access woodland and downland within the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while other country parks, such as Manor Farm, with its working farm from a bygone age, are also well worth a visit. The Solent coastline borders some beautiful countryside and offers many opportunities for walkers, including the spectacular Solent Way, linking Milford on Sea and Emsworth. Also on the coast, birdwatchers and nature lovers can marvel at the variety of wildlife at Titchfield Haven nature reserve, where there may be sightings of roe deer, Mediterranean gulls, black-tailed godwits and hawkmoths. While in the Portsmouth area, don't miss the lively country shows in the New Forest, Alton, Romsey, or Alresford. Step back in time and discover the charm and natural beauty of this unique destination. Clear rivers and shady groves provide tranquillity and a car-free haven for walking, cycling and horseriding. There are plenty of opportunities to hire a bike if you're coming from quite a distance. If you prefer coast to countryside, why not head for the cliff tops at Barton-on-Sea, take a ferry from Hurst Castle at Milford-on-Sea to Keyhaven harbour or watch the boats come into Lymington Quay? Or if you are feeling more energetic, The New Forest offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities on the gentle Beaulieu River. And with the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, the 18th Century village of Buckler's Hard and Exbury Gardens nearby, there's fun for all ages. Maps and guides can be purchased online or see the interactive map for further details on what to do and where to stay. 
Charles Dickens the famous writer was born in this modest house in Portsmouth, England in 1812. The house has miraculously survived and is now preserved as a museum furnished in the style of 1809 which is when John and Elizabeth Dickens set up the first home of their married life there. They had no idea that their eldest son would go on to become one of the most internationally famous writers popular across the world for his novels and short stories. John Dickens came to Portsmouth when his job in the Navy Pay Office was transferred from London. They stayed here until 1815 when his job demanded that he return to London. Charles Dickens only lived in Portsmouth for the first three years of his life but he returned to the town on three occasions. Once he returned to research background information for his novel 'Nicholas Nickleby', and on two occasions later in life when he was a famous writer to give public readings of his work. On his last visit in 1866 he tried to find his birthplace but was unsuccessful, however it is now clearly signposted so visitors can find it easily! Even though Dickens' popular writing career ran from 1836 to 1870 his characters live on as familiar friends to many people all over the world. Millions of people sympathise with Oliver 'asking for more' or Sydney Carton declaiming 'it is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done'. He is best known for his evocations of Victorian Christmas celebrations in his many Christmas stories - who can forget the three Spirits of Christmas who appeared to Scrooge? 
The South Downs is a good option. Experience some of the finest countryside between Winchester, first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. If you are interested in great views and attractive wildlife, visible prehistory and fine pubs and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a great challenge, then biking the South Downs Way awaits you. The South Downs Way Randonnée is so popular they have to run two of them! This long distance bike ride is a test of endurance and self-sufficiency. Experienced off-road bikers absolutely love the challenge. You have a choice of distances and can choose between 35 miles, 65 miles or the ultimate challenge - 100 miles! The route follows the South Downs Way from its start near Winchester taking in the beautiful Hampshire and Sussex countryside and finishes in Eastbourne. The first ride is held at the end of June and if you miss that ride they have exactly the same ride at the end of July. Or perhaps you want to do both of them!! An off road bike challenge along the South Downs Way, now in its eleventh year. If you're contemplating the full 100 miles, remember it is also 10,000ft of climbing! To leave Portsmouth to return to London....Click
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Hampshire is just an hour from London and its excellent transport links make it an easy destination to reach, whether you are travelling by road, train, ferry, coach or bus.
