To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
There are so many top things to do in Hampshire, a county famous for the home of Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle to one of the UK's tallest publicly accessible buildings outside of London at Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower.
From the picturesque rolling countryside of the New Forest to the lively coastal cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, you'll never be short of ideas of what to do in Hampshire. The New Forest 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 dozens of fascinating historic villages.
Hampshire is also home to Winchester. Most famous for one of the country’s oldest cathedrals, Winchester Cathedral, this ancient city was once the capital of England. Find out more about the county's towns and villages with our interactive map of Hampshire.
With its clear chalk streams, thatched cottages and cosy pubs, Hampshire’s countryside is a hidden gem for visitors. Here you’ll find historic buildings, fascinating interactive museums and bustling market towns, together with delicious local produce and gentle scenic walks.
Many of Hampshire's tourist attractions and points of interest are open all year round so 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 shop, Gunwharf Quays is one of Hampshire's best days out and is far more than shopping. With over 90 premium retail outlets and up to 60% off the RRP, plus over 30 delicious restaurants, Gunwharf Quays really will leave you spoilt for choice.
Visit today to experience the idyllic South Coast setting while you save on your favourite designer brands. But it doesn’t stop there…on top of late-night shop and restaurant opening there is a Vue Cinema, Bowlplex and Grosvenor Casino. You many come for the shopping, but you’ll stay for the views.
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: 169
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Towns & Villages
Milford-on-Sea
Milford-on-Sea is a traditional village with spectacular views, great beaches and thriving wildlife. Part of the New Forest National Park, this area is perfect for exploring cliff top walks and wildlife.
Towns & Villages
Barton-on-Sea
Barton-on-Sea boasts superb coastal walks, including the start of the Solent Way which spans the length of Keyhaven Nature Reserve.
Towns & Villages
Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park situated between Lyndhurst and Lymington, Brockenhurst is a bustling village, one of the largest in the area.
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.
Historic Site
Winchester
Great Hall and Sally Port are the only surviving parts of Winchester Castle, also home to King Arthur's Legendary Round Table
Towns & Villages
The village of Steventon is best known as the birth-place of the author Jane Austen, who lived in the village from 1775 to 1801, after which she moved to Bath.
Museums & Galleries
Andover
Housed in a Georgian town house built in the 1750s, Andover Museum tells the story of the town and its surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day.
Country / Royal Park
Beaulieu
Lepe Country Park, with a mile of beach, pine fringed cliffs and historic D-day remains, has stunning views across the Solent from Hurst Castle to Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.
Opera House
ALRESFORD
The Grange Festival is dedicated to performing world-class opera in the heart of Hampshire. Our 2019 season promises a mixture of well-loved operatic gems and rarely-seen treats, the return of Dance@TheGrange, and The John Wilson Orchestra.
Forest
Situated on the northern side of the New Forest, this former manorial waste is still grazed under the traditional commoners’ rights and is made up of dry and wet heath and mires and woods such as Millersford Plantation. This is a strip of woodland...
Museums & Galleries
Basingstoke
A trip to Milestones, Hampshire's living history museum in Basingstoke, brings the past to life. The museum is home to over 20,000 objects that were either made or used in Hampshire, and is a record of the county's social, industrial and transport...
Museum
Alton
Historic house and garden, home of Gilbert White, author of 'The Natural History of Selborne'. Exhibition on Frank Oates, explorer and Capt Lawrence Oates of Antarctic fame.
Towns & Villages
Fordingbridge
Situated on the edge of the New Forest, Fordingbridge is a small country town situated on the banks of the River Avon. Fordingbridge is famous for The Great Bridge with its seven graceful arches spanning the river.
Beach
Hayling Island
Hayling Island has over 3 miles of beaches along the seafront facing the Solent and many more miles of shore around the Harbours of Langstone and Chichester. The three main beaches of the Island have won both the European Blue Flag and the Keep...
Water Mill
Whitchurch
A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a 19th century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th century machinery. The Mill is open to the public and is one of Hampshire's hidden gems.
Historic House / Palace
Romsey
Stunning pictures of a romantic house & gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens. Find out why it's become one of Hampshire's most gorgeous places to visit
Fishing
Nether Wallop, Stockbridge
Try your hand at trout fishing at the Fly Fishing School at Nether Wallop Mill. Qualified instructors, tackle provided. Novices welcome. April to October.
Country / Royal Park
Petersfield
Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers
Harting Down nature reserve in West Sussex is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland cared for by us. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with...
Towns & Villages
Escape to the South Downs and become revitalised in this peaceful and relaxing part of Hampshire. Hampshire’s South Downs has quite a different feel from the rest of the new National Park. With its steep wooded hills and hidden valleys of watercress...