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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Historic Site
Basing, Basingstoke
Discover the many stories of Basing House, a nationally important historical site. This magnificent attraction dates from the Norman period and was the site of the largest private house in Tudor England.
Towns & Villages
Bishop’s Waltham is a historic market town with a foot in the South Downs National Park. It was named after the brother of King Stephen, Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester. He was the bishop and founded Bishop’s Waltham Palace here in the 12th…
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Brockenhurst
Buckler’s Hard is a place for relaxation as well as exploration.
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.
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.
Theatre
Aldershot
Aldershot's West End Centre is a friendly, intimate venue that hosts classes, workshops, art exhibitions, music performances and stand-up comedy, and also has an on-site, small scale theatre.
Museum
Beaulieu
Come to Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest and discover the many delights that one of the UK’s leading Tourist Attractions has to offer.
Shopping Centre
Emsworth
Tucked away in the south east corner of Hampshire on the shore of Chichester Harbour, Emsworth is a quiet and attractive, yet vibrant and dynamic town, where residents wouldn’t live anywhere else and visitors can be sure of a friendly welcome…
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
Restaurant
Basingstoke
Take time out to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in our 2 AA Rosette Glasshouse Restaurant or on the garden terrace with stunning views over the back lawn.
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.…
Historic Site
Fareham
Fort Nelson is a superbly restored Victorian fort overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. It is home to the Royal Armouries national artillery collection with over 350 historic guns on display.
Towns & Villages
New Milton
New Milton is a market town in south west Hampshire situated on the edge of the New Forest.
Towns & Villages
Romsey
Medieval streets, a Norman Abbey and new heritage centre add to the charm of the Hampshire market town of Romsey in the stunning Test Valley.
Farm
Waterlooville
Butser Ancient Farm, nestled within the Southdowns National Park, is a wonderful outdoor space showcasing Ancient Britain through experimental archaeology.
Science Centre
Morn Hill, Winchester
Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, this exciting family destination…
Theatre
Fareham
As part of Ferneham Hall's 30th Anniversary Celebrations we will be presenting some extra special shows that have never appeared in Fareham before.
Tower
Portsmouth
View things differently at the top of Britain’s best viewing tower – the stunning 170 metre tall icon on the South Coast.
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.
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)