It's undeniable that Hampshire is one of the best, if not the greatest, county in England.

It has everything: Beaches, forests, curious wildlife, pretty villages, buzzing towns and bustling cities. 

Last month, The Telegraph revealed its list of the best and worst counties in England. The 48 counties were ranked on criteria including natural wonders, history and culture, luxuries, and peace and quiet.

The national newspaper has ranked Hampshire as the eighth-best county in England.

READ MORE: Four attractions shortlisted for Beautiful South Tourism Awards

Winchester Cathedral, the New Forest, and Hampshire's 105 museums impressed The Telegraph's judges, ensuring the county remained in the top 10 this year. 

Describing the county, The Telegraph writes: "Hampshire has never quite made it onto Britain’s tourism hotlist – which is a surprise when one examines the stats that propelled it into our top 10. It has two national parks and three National Landscapes, worth a total of 90 points.

"Thanks largely to the New Forest, it comes third for woodland as a percentage of its total area, raising its score by 46. It has two cathedrals, worth 40 points. It is one of only three counties with not one but two International Dark Sky Reserves, adding 40 points.

"There’s culture too, with 105 museums and galleries, 15 English Heritage properties, and both First Class Cricket and Premier League football (step forward, Southampton – for now)."

SEE MORE: Five best Hampshire Christmas markets to visit in 2024

The best county in England, according to the ranking is Devon, followed by Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

The City of London, Bristol and Bedfordshire were all ranked at the bottom of the Telegraph's list as some of the worst counties in England. 

The full ranking can be viewed online at The Telegraph