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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

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Buckler's Hard

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Brockenhurst

    Buckler’s Hard is a place for relaxation as well as exploration.

  2. Buriton Literary Walk Inspired by W H Hudson

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    Walking

    Petersfield

    This walk starts in the village of Buriton and explores parts of the South Downs National Park. W H Hudson was an accomplished, self taught field naturalist. His first book was published in 1885 and his twenty-third a year after his death in 1922.…

  3. Burley

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    Towns & Villages

    Burley

    The picturesque village of Burley lies in the heart of the New Forest. With its pretty thatched cottages, old fashioned shops and cosy tea rooms, the village is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

  4. Bursledon

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    Town

    Bursledon

    Bursledon is a village on the River Hamble in Hampshire and is located within the borough of Eastleigh.

  5. Butser Ancient Farm

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    Farm

    Waterlooville

    Butser Ancient Farm, nestled within the Southdowns National Park, is a wonderful outdoor space showcasing Ancient Britain through experimental archaeology.

  6. Calshot Outdoor Activity Centre

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    Leisure & Activity Centres

    Southampton

    In a prime location on the shores of the Solent, Calshot Activities Centre is one of the largest outdoor adventure centres in Britain 

  7. Careys Manor Hotel

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Brockenhurst

    Relish the indulgence of an Afternoon Tea in heart of the New Forest, with delicious finger sandwiches, speciality cakes and freshly baked scones smothered in New Forest Jam and thick clotted cream.

  8. Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum

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    Museum

    Portsmouth

    Visit the first home of Britain's most famous Victorian author.

  9. Chawton

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    Towns & Villages

    Chawton

    Home of Jane Austen for the last eight years of her life, Chawton is a delightful village near Alton in Hampshire.

    You can visit Jane Austen's House, where she wrote or revised all her novels, and see the Chawton House Library where Jane's brother,…

  10. City Space at The Arc

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    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.

  11. Cumberland House Natural History Museum

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    Museum

    Southsea, Portsmouth

    See the flora and fauna of Portsmouth at Cumberland House - the Natural History Museum.

  12. Curtis Museum

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    Museum

    Alton

    The Curtis Museum in Alton is home to one of the finest local history collections in Hampshire, exploring 100 million years of the region’s past.

  13. Danebury Ring

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    Historic Site

    Stockbridge

    A fine example of an Iron Age hill fort and an excellent vantage point. Many finds shown in Iron Age Museum in Andover.

  14. East Hampshire

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    Towns & Villages

    East Hampshire is a district located between the South Coast and London. It includes the towns of Alton, Petersfield and Whitehill and Bordon, and covers a total area of 514 sq km. It is predominately a rural area.

  15. Eastleigh

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    Towns & Villages

    Near Southampton

    Eastleigh is part of the picturesque Hamble Valley area stretching along the River Hamble and Solent, including Bishop's Waltham, Bursledon, Botley, Netley Abbey, and Hamble. The Spitfire prototype was launched from Eastleigh Aerodrome back in 1936,…

  16. Eastney Engine Houses

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    Museum

    Eastney, Southsea

    Discover the marvels of Victorian engineering that both improved and lengthened the lives of city residents.

  17. Edward Thomas circular walk

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    Walking Tour

    Steep near Petersfield

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

  18. Fareham

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    Town

    Fareham

    The market town of Fareham lies halfway between the larger cities of Southampton and Portsmouth.

  19. Farley Mount Country Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Hursley, Winchester

    A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal for walking and picnicking, with fine views over central Hampshire, particularly from the interesting monument at Beacon Hill. Several car parks serve the area.

  20. Farnborough

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    Towns & Villages

    World-famous for the Farnborough International Air Show, which takes place every two years, Farnborough is a friendly Hampshire town surrounded by peaceful countryside.