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: 165

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  1. Alton

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    Rural Destinations

    Alton

    Alton is a lively market town right in the heart of Jane Austen country. The surrounding landscape is picturesque and tranquil – which makes it all the more surprising that Alton was once most famous for the brutal murder of Sweet Fanny Adams in…

  2. Burley

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    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.

  3. Winchester Cathedral Café and Gift Shop

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    Type:

    Café

    Winchester

    The Cathedral Cafe is one of Winchester’s hidden gems

    You can find the newly refurbished Cathedral Cafe sheltered behind an ancient flint wall opposite the Cathedral. Its award-winning contemporary design, large terrace with Cathedral views and…

  4. Brockenhurst

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    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.

  5. Barton-on-Sea

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    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.

  6. Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre

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    Type:

    Event Venue

    Farnborough

    Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a must-visit attraction in Hampshire. The venue is host to some of the UK’s largest events and attractions, including the British Motor Show, Homebuilding & Renovating Show, RYA Dinghy &…

  7. Keyhaven

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    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.

  8. Petersfield

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    Town

    Set in the glorious countryside of the South Downs, Petersfield is an ancient market town originally built as a Norman 'new town' at the end of the 11th Century. It is now a pleasant place for shopping and eating out.

  9. Gosport Waterfront Trail

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    Waymarked Trail

    Jetty Road, Gosport

    Gosport Waterfront Trail, a self guided walk through approximately 3km of historic Gosport. The Trail is paved with brick and stone and set into it is a chain motif which will guide you along the route. To complete the entire walk please allow…

  10. Hambledon

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    Village

    Hambledon

    Hambledon is a small village and civil parish in the county of Hampshire, situated about 15 miles north of Portsmouth.

  11. Milestones Museum

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    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! 

  12. 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.

  13. Flora Thompson Circular Walk

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    Walking

    Liphook

    Flora Thompson, of Lark Rise and Candleford fame, inspired this circular walk on Weavers Down and Holly Hills near Liphook. Flora Thompson came to Liphook in August 1916, when her husband John was appointed postmaster here. In 1926 they bought a…

  14. Hayling Island Beach

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    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…

  15. Stockbridge

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    Towns & Villages

    With its pretty high street, independent shops and tempting tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, the small Hampshire town of Stockbridge is a hidden treasure.

  16. 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…

  17. Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Portsmouth

    Distinctively situated on the water’s edge and with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and open layout, the Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar offers the best, uninterrupted views out over Portsmouth Harbour. Outside seating on the terrace puts you even…

  18. Winchester Cathedral

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    Cathedral / Minister

    Winchester

    Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, one of Southern England's most historic buildings, Winchester Cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art. Once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman…

  19. Edward Thomas circular walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Steep near Petersfield

    A 4 mile circular walk with stunning views of the South Downs

  20. Hampshire Wardrobe Costume Hire

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    Clothes & Fashion & Jewellery

    Winchester

    Hampshire Wardrobe has a collection of 6000 theatrical costumes for hire, ranging from original, vintage and historical reproductions to high-quality character costumes.