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Hampshire

Things To Do in Hampshire

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There are so many top things to do in Hampshire, a county famous for the home of Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, and the iconic Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.  A county where Bombay Gin is made and where Jane Austen lived, wrote and is now laid to rest.  Visit Hampshire and discover its rich with beautiful countryside, vibrant cities and towns and a diverse coastline providing dramatic views, great walks and places to enjoy tranquillity and nature.  

Hampshire is home to the New Forest National Park, which stretches across 140,000 acres of ancient woodland and unspoilt grassland. It's one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK and home to the famous New Forest ponies, with dozens of walking and cycling trails to explore.  The South Downs National Park lies at the heart of the county, with its rolling green pastures, ancient woodlands and river valleys.  It is the newest of the National Parks, stretching from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east.

Hampshire is a county full of hidden gems and new discoveries, with its clear chalk streams, thatched cottages and cosy pubs, historic buildings, fascinating interactive museums, bustling market towns and three cities.

Portsmouth, the UK's only island city with its rich maritme history, award-winning attractions, historic fortifications and busy year round events calendar.

Southampton, this South coast port city  with links to the infamous Titanic and famous Mayflower. Home to the internationally renowned Boat Show with a large shopping and cultural centre, one of contenders for City of Culture 2025.

Winchester, once the ancient capital city of the UK with its cobbled streets, historic Winchester Cathedral, links with Jane Austen and King Alfred the Great, one of England's smallest cities making it ideal to explore on foot.

East Hampshire includes the famous village of Chawton, home of Jane Austen and her brother Edward, and the ancient market town of Petersfield formally an important coaching stop between Portsmouth and London.

Find out more about the county's towns and villages including Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent, with its 24 miles of waterfront, Basingstoke the largest town in Hampshire and many more using our interactive map of Hampshire.

Things to do in Hampshire this weekend

Many of Hampshire's tourist attractions and points of interest are open all year round making it an ideal location to visit any time of the year.  Find something to do today with activities listings each showing a map and opening times for your convenience. Or why not browse our events guide to find out what's on in Hampshire today or this week.

If you love to events, head to Farnborough International Exhibiton and Conference Centre.  Marvel at the supercars, be wowed by the stunt displays at The British Motor Show Live (15th - 18th August 24) or take in the awesome Farnborough Airshow that returns in 2024 (22nd - 26th July 24) - a definite date for the diary. 

Top 10 things to do in Hampshire

From period dramas such as the hit ITV show Downton Abbey, to action movies including James Bond, Hampshire has set the scene for a wide variety of productions. Take a tour and find out more about some of the county's best known film locations.

For ideas and inspiration on where to stay, what's on and things to do in Hampshire visit the official website, Visit Hampshire.

List of things to do & places to visit for days out in Hampshire

For more information about Hampshire, including ideas for days out, attractions and events, view the list below for information on things to do and towns and villages in Hampshire. Use the 'map view' button to find something near you.

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Number of results: 168

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  1. Flora Thompson Circular Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Liphook

    Flora Thompson, of Lark Rise and Candleford fame, inspired this circular walk on Weavers Down and Holly Hills near Liphook. Flora Thompson came to Liphook in August 1916, when her husband John was appointed postmaster here. In 1926 they bought a…

  2. Hampshire Wardrobe Costume Hire

    Type

    Type:

    Clothes & Fashion & Jewellery

    Winchester

    Hampshire Wardrobe has a collection of 6000 theatrical costumes for hire, ranging from original, vintage and historical reproductions to high-quality character costumes. 

  3. Basingstoke Leisure Park

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure & Activity Centres

    Basingstoke

    Whether you are looking to spend the day or a quick time out, Basingstoke Leisure Park is packed with activities to enjoy leisure time on your own or with family and friends. 

  4. Stockbridge

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    With its pretty high street, independent shops and tempting tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, the small Hampshire town of Stockbridge is a hidden treasure.

  5. Ashcroft Arts Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Fareham

    Offering comedy, theatre, music, festivals and classes for all ages, there is something for everyone on offer at Fareham’s Ashcroft Arts Centre.

  6. Sparsholt

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Spharsholt

    Sparsholt is a village and civil parish in Hampshire and lies to the west of Winchester, and has a population of 967.

  7. Lee-on-the-Solent

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Gosport

    With panoramic views across The Solent, safe swimming and great watersports, a day on the beach at Lee-on-the-Solent or Stokes Bay will delight all ages. 

  8. City Space at The Arc

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    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Winchester

    A vibrant and versatile gallery space hosting a changing programme of exhibits to celebrate the best of Winchester's thriving arts and heritage scene.

  9. Westgate Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Winchester

    Winchester's Tudor and Stuart past is revealed in this beautifully refurbished listed monument, the last of the main medieval gates into the city.

  10. Milestones Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Basingstoke

    From cobbled streets to a seaside pier, teddy bears, vintage vehicles, an operating pub, sweet shop and more, there is so much for everyone to see, do and enjoy at Milestones, Hampshire’s museum of living history! 

  11. Hampshire Cultural Trust

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    WINCHESTER

    Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.

  12. Houghton Lodge Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Stockbridge

    A haven of peace above the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Grade II* Gardens with fine trees surround an enchanting and unique example of an 18th Century “Cottage Orne”.

  13. Edward Thomas circular walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Steep near Petersfield

    A 4 mile circular walk with stunning views of the South Downs

  14. Winchester College

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Winchester

    Founded in 1382, Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country.

  15. The New Theatre Royal

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Portsmouth

    The New Theatre Royal in the heart of Portsmouth is an iconic Victorian building and one of the remaining few Phipps / Matcham theatres in the world.

  16. Royal Victoria Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Southampton

    Once the site of one of the largest Victorian military hospitals, view images & information about Royal Victoria Country Park, set in 200-acres of parkland

  17. The D-Day Story

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Portsmouth

    The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in June 1944. It tells the unique personal stories behind this epic event. Also, home to the new fully restored only surviving D-Day Landing Craft LCT 7074, which is…

  18. Twyford Waterworks

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Winchester

  19. The Pyramids Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure & Activity Centres

    Southsea, Portsmouth

    One of Portsmouth’s largest health and wellbeing centres, located just off Southsea Beach.

  20. Forest Arts Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    New Milton

    Forest Arts Centre is the leading venue for live arts events in the New Forest. A former military drill hall in New Milton, it has a 146 capacity air-conditioned theatre, dance studio, workshop room and licensed café-bar with gallery space.