Route Planner: Our Guide to the South

Is a motorhome holiday in your diary this year? 

Where would you like to go? We understand you might have already planned your trip out. But if you haven’t, this is where we’d like to come in…

Abacus Motorhomes is based in Andover, Hampshire - it’s the perfect destination to start your adventure exploring the heart of the South! We also have our sister companies based in Ferndown, Dorset, so we have an excellent overview of some of the South’s best spots. 

So today, we want to take you through some of those spots - welcome to our guide to the South! 

Hampshire and Dorset are home to a wide variety of picturesque landscapes, bustling towns and breathtaking beach views. Home to one of the largest national parks, and part of the historic Jurassic Coast - these two counties are a true staycation dream. Plus we’ll also be stopping through Wiltshire to visit some mysterious sites and historical towns!

Hampshire

Our adventure begins at Abacus Motorhomes, based in Andover, Hampshire. We’re situated right next to the A303, the perfect destination to begin your road trip. To get this route started, we’ll start by hopping Westbound towards Amesbury! 

Wiltshire

Stonehenge

Although we’re predominantly exploring Hampshire and Dorset today, if you’re travelling on the A303, why not take a detour just outside of Amesbury and visit Stonehenge? This mysterious prehistoric monument to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages is a must-visit if you can!

Salisbury 

Head further south to visit the historical city of Salisbury, full of English heritage and modern creativity. Salisbury Cathedral is the heart of the city, surrounded by a hub of independent retailers, and an enticing range of cafes, restaurants and bars.  

Hampshire

The New Forest 

Heading even further south, we have the gateway to the New Forest - Ringwood. Situated on the Avon River, this quaint market town is a great base for anyone wanting to tour the New Forest! 

The New Forest is a hub for all things outdoors. The beauty of nature, expansive landscapes perfect for casual walking, hiking, cycling - you name it! Full of charming towns and villages, this national park is a must-visit for your motorhome holiday this year. 

If you’re visiting in the warmer Summer months, a fun family activity is the New Forest Water Park. Waterboarding, kayaking, even an inflatable aqua park course - endless fun for the whole day, or even a few hours! Located just outside Ringwood, this makes the perfect stop as you travel through the South.

(Image: The New Forest Water Park)

Dorset 

Bournemouth 

For a nostalgic, seaside experience, Bournemouth Beach is a great coastal destination to visit! Walk along the pier, challenge each other in the arcades, and enjoy the variety of fresh restaurants the city has to offer. 

Jurassic Coast 

If you’re travelling through Dorset, you have to visit the Jurassic Coast! 95 miles of diverse geology, stretching from Dorset through to Devon, showcasing three time periods of English history - it’s truly one of the most exciting features in the South. 

There are many amazing coastal walks along this extensive coastline, but in Dorset specifically, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are two key locations that are worth visiting. The natural arch of Durdle Door, and Lulworth Cove’s perfect circle are two examples of the amazing geological features along this coastline, offering stunning views and fascinating examples of history all in one.

So there is your whistle-stop tour of the South! 

Keep an eye out for more route planners and guides from us here at Abacus Motorhomes, and make sure you tag us on Instagram if you visit any of these locations. 

We can’t wait to see where you’ll go next!