Jane Austen House in Chawton, East Hampshire, home of the literary great, writer of Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park

Jane Austen House

East 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.

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: 161

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  1. Fareham

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    Town

    Fareham

    The market town of Fareham lies halfway between the larger cities of Southampton and Portsmouth.

  2. Butser Ancient Farm

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    Farm

    Waterlooville

    Butser Ancient Farm, nestled within the Southdowns National Park, is a wonderful outdoor space showcasing Ancient Britain through experimental archaeology.

  3. Spinnaker Tower

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    Tower

    Portsmouth

    View things differently at the top of Britain’s best viewing tower – the stunning 170 metre tall icon on the South Coast.

  4. Hythe

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    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.

  5. SeaCity Museum

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    Museum

    Southampton

    Based at the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea. Visit SeaCity Museum and Southampton to discover how they bring maritime history…

  6. Gosport

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    Town

    Gosport

    Located on England’s south coast, Gosport offers an irresistible mix of fascinating places to visit and things to do for all ages. With its 24 miles of waterfront, safe panoramic beaches, impressive naval heritage, scenic countryside walks and…

  7. Bordon and Whitehill

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    Towns & Villages

    Hampshire's Green Town, Whitehill & Bordon is set in the Woolmer Forest, an area of heathland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and ecologically outstanding as a wildlife sanctuary.

  8. New Milton

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    Towns & Villages

    New Milton

    New Milton is a market town in south west Hampshire situated on the edge of the New Forest.

  9. Houghton Lodge & Gardens

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Stockbridge

    Idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test with untouched views across the valley and water meadows. After a walk around the glorious gardens enjoying the peaceful Walled Garden with rose arbours and peony walk, visit the quaint Tea…

  10. City Space at The Arc

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    Arts Centre

    Winchester

    A vibrant and versatile gallery space hosting a changing programme of exhibits to celebrate the best of Winchester's thriving arts and heritage scene.

  11. 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…

  12. 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.

  13. The Hanger Freehouse

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    Serves Local Produce

    Bordon

    The Hanger is located amidst the beautiful countryside in the village of Oakhanger, Hampshire. It is thought that the pub dates back as far as 1550 and was previously known as The Red Lion & The Rising Sun Inn.

  14. Yateley Common Country Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Yateley

    476 acres of heathland, woodland, grassland and ponds providing walking, cycling and fishing in natural surroundings.

  15. King John's House & Heritage Centre

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    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Romsey

    Three historic buildings, a tearoom and period garden.

  16. Aldershot Military Museum

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    Museums & Galleries

    Aldershot

    Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, Aldershot Military Museum tells the story of daily life for both soldier and civilian in the town since 1854. 

  17. Tudor House and Garden

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    Historic Site

    Southampton

    Uncover over 800 years of history in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town. Tudor House and Garden gives visitors an insight in to the lives and times of its residents with informative displays and hands on interactive experiences.

  18. Winchester's Military Museums

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    Museum

    Winchester

    Five splendid military museums on an historic site with Visitor Centre, café displays and activities to interest all the family.

  19. Wickham

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    Towns & Villages

    The village of Wickham in the Meon Valley is home to the second largest medieval square in England. The bustling village centre is filled with interesting buildings and a selection of tea rooms, restaurants and independent shops.