Hampshire
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 shop, head to Gunwharf Quays for one of Hampshire's best days out, its far more than shopping. With over 90 premium retail outlets and up to 60% off the RRP, plus over 30 delicious restaurants and bars. 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: 162
, 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
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
The attractive village of Selborne is famous for its association with the 18th Century literary naturalist Gilbert White.
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.
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…
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.
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.
Museum
Stockbridge
The Museum of Army Flying is an award-winning British military aviation museum about the history of flying in the British Army.
Gallery
Southampton
Explore Southampton City Art Gallery’s diverse collection of fine art, which can tell the story of European art from the Renaissance through to the present day. The gallery has regularly rotating displays feature works from the collection, national…
Towns & Villages
Basingstoke
In Basingstoke you'll find a rich heritage dating back to Roman times and beyond and also the best that a modern town has to offer. Basingstoke has many attractions for visitors, from pavement cafes and bistros to one of the south's best shopping…
Historic Ship
HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
HMS M.33 is not only the sole remaining British veteran of the bloody Dardanelles Campaign of 1915-1916, but also of the Russian Civil War which followed. The ship is one of just three British warships from World War I still in existence.
Windmill
Bursledon
Bursledon Windmill is currently closed for restoration until November and so not currently open to the public.
Nature Trail / Watching
Stockbridge
Explore this isolated island of characteristic chalk downland set in a sea of intensively farmed land.
Museum
Winchester
Five splendid military museums on an historic site with Visitor Centre, café displays and activities to interest all the family.
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 Site
Fordingbridge
Situated in picturesque and peaceful south west Hampshire, Rockbourne Roman Villa is the largest known Roman villa in the area. The villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and its history spans the period from the Iron Age to the…
Towns & Villages
High Street, Winchester
Visit England’s ancient capital and you will savour a wealth of history, from the 900-year-old cathedral and Arthurian round table to the many fine medieval buildings explore Winchester’s rich heritage.
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.
Escape Room
SOUTHAMPTON
Locked In A Room offers large scale escapism for all sized parties, making us perfect for any type of occasion. Offering head to head rooms, in-house actors and a venue surrounded by restaurants and bars, we’re sure to make your event one to…
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.
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