Hampshire is an area of England currently buzzing with life and potential. It has a population of more than 1 million people; around 200,000 of these are in Portsmouth and Southampton. This county is no stranger to fame either, Southampton is the home of the Spitfire Aircraft where it was built and tested. The very first Sherlock Holmes novel was written in Southsea and a new line of clothing was created by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke. In fact the list of celebrities who came from Hampshire is quite long and a testimony to the area.

Hampshire is a mix between urban and rural with some beautiful unspoilt countryside and some fascinating exciting cities such as Portsmouth and Southampton. The best area to visit for an amble is the New Forest designated by William the Conqueror as a hunting ground. It was in fact here, near Stoney Cross that one of his sons died under suspicious circumstances in a hunting accident. You can even visit the Rufus Stone which marks the spot where he died if you dont mind the morbidity of it. On a lighter note, this area also boasts various plentiful walks and cycle tracks to peruse at your leisure. You can also visit some historical and architectural wonders such as the Beaulieu Abbey and Winchester Cathedral.

If you prefer, you can visit one of Hampshires cities such as Southampton where the Mayflower set sail in 1620 for the New World. Southampton has remained a strong port throughout the ages since it was founded 2000 years ago as an established seaport by the Romans and currently boasts cruise ships as an important location for the cruise ship industry. Holidays from Southampton are not just limited to the seas either; you can drop by from Southampton International Airport.

If its the night life you are after Southampton is no stranger to bars, pubs, clubs and cinemas. If you would rather digest some culture you can visit the Eastleigh museum which is open all year round four days a week or the Southampton Maritime Museum. You could even visit the Museum of Archaeology where you can discover the story of Southampton from birth to present day.

Hampshire is home to a novel feature in the form of a man who has been dubbed Britains kindest boss Colin Potter. Although he hopes his latest adventure will land a profit of around 25 million over the next three years he has already pledged every penny of his profit to be distributed to various charities. Hampshire business is booming and churning out success stories. Many businesses are now reaping the benefits of Hampshire culture and taking their clients out to a lunch with style.

Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour

Culture, couture, and colour; the ostensible vibrancy and spirit of London permeates every aisle, nook and cranny of the city, and will corner you at some point in time. The eternal revelry, in its myriad hues and shades, ensures that every day of your vacation is an experience.

London is probably the only metropolitan that makes holidays a ‘cakewalk’, literally! The famous walking tours in London are a phenomenon wherein you are almost transported to a different era or experience. One of the most popular walking tours being the ‘Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour’.

This tour is a must-do for any Sherlock Holmes aficionado (or if you are not, and still want to be part of this walk, ensure you educate yourself about this legendary detective, or else you might feel like you stick out like a sore thumb).

Not surprising, this ‘elementary’ walk begins at Baker Street, home to Holmes since his inception. During the next hour and a half, you shadow the path taken by Holmes and Watson years ago, through the Holmes Statue, Sherlock Holmes Hotel, Sherlock Holmes Museum and Kendal Place the site of the story of the ‘Empty House Adventure’. You will relive the mystery of sites used in the stories such as the ‘Devil’s Foot’, the ‘Final Problem’, the ‘Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax’, the ‘Sign of Four’ and many other popular Conan Doyle stories.

From Charing Cross to Strand’s gas-lit alleys, and Covent Garden with its Opera House and colourful market stalls, the journey will probably give you an adrenaline rush similar to what the Detective felt while solving a mystery.

Following a peek into Dr Watson’s home, both addresses of Arthur Conan Doyle, and Sherlock Holmes pub in Northumberland Avenue, the walk will end at the Sherlock Holmes memorabilia shop.

After such an exhilarating experience, and feeling one with London, the perfect way to unwind would be to relax, and continue feeling like a ‘Londoner’ at your private holiday home, carefully chosen from a website such as holiday-rentals.co.uk.

With plenty of space and privacy, you can relax with your own kitchen and living room while striking out to explore your surroundings feeling fresh every morning.

A trip to London during summer will ensure that you return with a suitcase full of lifelong memories.