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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 168
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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”.
Towns & Villages
Southampton
Visit the pleasant village of Hythe for its historic Pier with electric train, fantastic views of the cruise liners in Southampton Water, and interesting shops.
Country / Royal Park
Eastleigh
Itchen Valley Country Park is set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows situated beside the River Itchen and has been recognised with ten Green Flag Awards®
Walking
Chawton
Come and discover the beautiful countryside that inspired Jane Austen and take a peek inside her house where she lived and worked for 8 years.
Museum
Alton
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire is the picturesque country cottage where Jane Austen lived. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world. It was here that Jane’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised and had published all her…
Towns & Villages
Keyhaven
This small, quiet village overlooks the Solent and has lovely views of Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. Although there are no shops, there are two sailing clubs and a small pub.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Romsey
Three historic buildings, a tearoom and period garden.
Special Interest
ALTON
Growing and harvesting lavender, used to produce a wide range of products. Essential Oils, Body Care, Home Fragrance and more. Farm shop open all year round. Field is open to visitors every day during the flowering season (June-August)
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.
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…
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.
Village
Liss
The parish of Liss consists of 3,567 acres of semi-rural countryside, and is one of the largest in East Hampshire.
Escape Room
SOUTHAMPTON
Locked In A Room offers large scale escapism for all sized parties, making us perfect for any type of occasion. Offering head to head rooms, in-house actors and a venue surrounded by restaurants and bars, we’re sure to make your event one to…
Wildlife
Southampton
There’s farming fun for everyone at Longdown Activity Farm with a fabulous daily schedule of animal activities including bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, as well as the Animal Encounter Barn. There are so many exciting play areas too, including…
Towns & Villages
Lymington
The Georgian market town of Lymington is set on the coast in the beautiful New Forest National Park, between Southampton and Bournemouth. Famous for its sailing history, there are two large marinas filled with fishing boats and yachts, as well as…
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.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Winchester
Embrace your wild side at Marwell Zoo! Home to hundreds of endangered and exotic species in 140 acres of beautiful parkland, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy and admire. From Amur tigers to brilliant birds, Marwell offers you the chance…
Theatre
Southampton
The largest Theatre in the south, The Mayflower offers spectacular touring musicals - many direct from the West End - plus opera, ballet and comedy.
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!
Towns & Villages
Milford-on-Sea
Situated on the south coast with stunning views across the Isle of Wight and the Needles, Milford on Sea has an extensive beachfront that is enjoyed by water sport enthusiasts, walkers, beach lovers and swimmers.