Built to connect Basingstoke to the River Thames, 32 miles, from Greywell Village in Hampshire to Woodham in Surrey

Basingstoke Canal near Pirbright

Basingstoke, 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. Portchester

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    Towns & Villages

    Magnificent Portchester Castle overlooks the Solent near Fareham in Hampshire and is one of the best-preserved Roman fortresses in Europe.

  2. See Southampton

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    Walking

    Southampton

    See Southampton offer walking tours which begin from the lions by the Bargate, in the centre of the High Street, every Saturday and Sunday.

  3. Liphook

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    Village

    Liphook

    Rural life in Liphook has changed since the arrival of the motor car. Once, carriages carrying royalty passed through the village and the occupants would often stay overnight at the Royal Anchor Hotel.

  4. 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.

  5. 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,…

  6. Manor Farm

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    Farm

    Southampton

    Traditional Hampshire farmstead - range of buildings, farm animals, machinery and equipment, pre-1950's farmhouse and 13thC church set for 1900 - living history site.

  7. Old Thorns Championship Golf Course

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    Special Interest

    Liphook

    Old Thorns magnificent championship golf course ranges across the rolling hills of the Hampshire countryside and offers fantastic views at every turn.

  8. Houghton Lodge Gardens

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    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”.

  9. 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.

  10. Twyford Waterworks

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    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Winchester

  11. Stockbridge

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    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.

  12. Lepe Country Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Beaulieu

    Lepe Country Park has something for everyone. The long stretch of shingle beach is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers, families and holidaymakers. From the shoreline you can look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Watch yachts, ferries…

  13. Beaulieu

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    Towns & Villages

    Beaulieu in Hampshire is one of the most beautiful villages in the New Forest, offering riverside walks, lovely gardens and the famous National Motor Museum.

  14. The D-Day Story

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    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…

  15. Rockbourne Roman Villa

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    Historic Site

    Fordingbridge

    Situated in picturesque and peaceful south west Hampshire, Rockbourne Roman Villa is the largest known Roman villa in the area. The villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and its history spans the period from the Iron Age to the…

  16. Buckler's Hard

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    Museum

    New Forest

    A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.

  17. New Forest Centre

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    Museum

    Lyndhurst

    Find out what makes the Forest so special at the New Forest Centre. The Museum is great for families and there's a Gallery, Library, Visitor Information Centre and Gift Shop too!

  18. Hambledon

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    Village

    Hambledon

    Hambledon is a small village and civil parish in the county of Hampshire, situated about 15 miles north of Portsmouth.

  19. Portchester Castle

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    Castle / Fort

    Portchester

    A Roman-Saxon shore fort with Norman additions. A near-perfect keep and Norman church within the walls.