What's new in Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset in 2023

21st March 2023

As the tourism industry comes together to celebrate English Tourism Week (17th - 26th March), there's no better time to celebrate all of the fantastic new things to do across South East England.  Our latest blog explores some of the new attractions and hotels that have opened and new events that are being launched, across Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset in 2023.  If you are already thinking - I've been there, done that!' keep reading a little longer, there may be a few surprises that will just spark an idea and get you planning your next South East adventures.

What’s new for 2023 in Hampshire, Isle of Wight & Dorset 

Dive to the Mary Rose, Portsmouth

A brand-new 4D experience opens at the Mary Rose Museum, part of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, on the 31st March 2023, giving visitors the chance to experience what it was like to dive the Mary Rose.  The 30-minute show will be included with a valid Mary Rose ticket, including Ultimate Explorer tickets.  

The Great White Bite Food Festival, Cowes

This September, 9th & 10th, a new food festival will be held in the grounds of historic Northwood House in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Celebrating the Island produce and makers with a celebrity chef or two, cooking demos, and a host of stalls, the Great Wight Bite will be a foodies paradise!

Step into Anglo-Saxon Winchester!

Winchester has welcomed its latest visitor attraction - 878AD.  This two-part visitor experience begins with stunning video projections and live performance, followed by an augmented reality adventure around the city of Winchester.  Discover the sights and sounds of Anglo-Saxon Winchester, -  the future of the Kingdom of Wessex hangs in the balance, the fate of the people depends on their king, Alfred!

Telling Tales, Southampton Art Gallery

A brand-new exhibition 'Telling Tales: The Story of Narrative Art' comes to Southampton City Art Gallery from 17th March - 1st July.  This new exhibition is in collaboration with the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth and explores Victorian attitudes, including love and loss, the perils of being a woman and how war and Empire were legitimised.  

Brand-new family fun in Poole, Dorset

Opening May 2023, Poole will be welcoming Flip Out and Putt Putt Noodle to the Dolphin Centre. Flip Out brings family fun with e-karting, Cannon Blast Arena, Laser Tag, soft play and more, whilst Putt Putt Noodle is a blend of pan Asian-themed adventure golf with 27 holes over three courses and an exquisite sushi and noodle offering.

New Cultural Hub, Gosport, Hampshire

The Gosport Museum and Art Gallery has opened it doors following a £1.4m refurbishment.  Located on Gosport High Street in the former Old Grammar School, the Grade II listed building has been transformed into a cultural hub for the whole community, blending history, heritage, arts, education and culture all under one roof.  

Flying high in Portsmouth, Hampshire

This September see's the Formula Kite European Championships come to Portsmouth, Hampshire from 19th - 24th September 2023.  Some of the world's best racers will take to the water off Eastney for the title of European Champion and to bid for Olympic qualification. The event is the first international Formula Kite regatta to be hosted in the UK since the exciting new discipline was added to the Olympic roster for Paris 2024. 

Film night out, Winchester, Hampshire

Bombay Sapphire Distillery located between Winchester and Basingstoke is now offering a regular programme of movie nights in its brand-new Sapphire cinema.  This intimate cinema with luxurious cosy seats also forms part of there new daytime visitor experience.

Nutcracker-esque Wonderland, Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wights oldest attraction, Shanklin Chine will soon be home to three new residents who might have visited the Chine 130 million years ago. Three large scale dinosaur models will be placed in the Chine, which also also remain open for this first time this winter and be transformed into a magical Nutcracker-esque Wonderland!

Walk this way, England's Coast Path, Hampshire

Did you know that you can now walk from Calshot to Portsmouth along the first completed section of the England Coast Path in Hampshire. These sections will eventually form part of the 2700-mile-long England Coast Path, which will become the longest walking route in the world. More sections of the path are due to open in 2023 across the UK. 

Walking trail celebrates the 50th anniversary of the publication of Watership Down, Whitchurch, Basingstoke

A brand-new 24 mile walking trail has been created to mark the 50th anniversary of the publication Watership Down, the much loved modern classic and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the setting for the story.  The trail starts from Whitchurch Railway Station in Basingstoke and Deane and was created by a collaboration between two local community groups, the 'Whitchurch Conversation Group' and 'Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome' group.

Mediterranean Vibes, Cowes, Isle of Wight

A brand-new brasserie, by local restaurant stars Smoking Lobster, will open on the 7th April at Foresters Hall, Cowes, Isle of Wight.  The menu will emphasise Mediterranean influences and seasonal product, with a focus on locally sourced seafood and freshly made pasta. Lunch and dinner is available Wednesday - Sunday. 

Indulge in some five star luxury, Bournemouth, Dorset

Enjoy a touch of luxury at The Nici Hotel.  This stylish, fun, contemporary hotel is perched on Bournemouth's West Cliff and offers superb sea views, has premium toiletries, a Nespresso machine and the fluffiest of bathrobes in its 80 rooms.  With its own swimming pool and new spa that opens in April 23, it has all the little luxuries you’d expect from a boutique hotel.

Explosive Art and Culture, Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cowes Fringe comes to the Isle of Wight this summer from the 26-28 May 23. This first ever event will deliver an explosion of art and culture through performances and workshops. Hosted in unique venues throughout the town, it guarantees a memorable weekend for all.   Confirmed acts already include actress and singer Claire Sweeney and Radio 4’s Alfie Moore.

The Wheel Turns again, Whitchurch, Hampshire

From the 1st April the waterwheel at Whitchurch Silk Mill will turn again for the first time after three years of painstaking repair.  Bringing it back to life enables visitors to understand the advancements in engineering since the Georgian era. Located on the banks of the River Test in rural Hampshire, the mill is one of the UK’s last working silk mills, it has been making silk for over two centuries. Many TV and film stars have worn silks woven by the Mill in popular period dramas, including James Cameron’s classic film ‘Titanic’.

Coronation Garden Trail at the Vyne, Basingstoke

A brand-new garden trail comes to the Vyne in Basingstoke as part of its celebrations for the Kings Coronation from the 6th May - 4th June.  Search out 74 crowns one for each of the Kings life around the nine hectars, look out for the 600-year-old oak tree, summerhouse, lakes, walled and formal garden on your wanders. 

Discover Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset

The county of Hampshire is full of history and heritage, with charming villages, rolling countryside with a delightful coastline to explore.  Home to the vibrant cities of Portsmouth, Winchester and Southampton, the towns of Basingstoke and Gosport, it is a county rich in diversity and with its all year-round events program, there are lots of reasons to visit time and time again.

Only 2 hours from London and just off the South Coast, the Isle of Wight is simple to get to and is a wonderful year round holiday destination. Known for its beautiful beaches, spectacular downland, rugged cliffs and hidden coves, its the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are popular family holiday destinations with miles of award-winning sandy beaches, easy access to the New Forest National Park, a host of nature reserves, heritage attractions and coastal paths to explore.  These destinations are the gateway to the Jurassic Coast and a great choice for those who love exploring.