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.
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: 166
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Romsey
Three historic buildings, a tearoom and period garden.
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…
Garden
Stockbridge
A haven of peace above the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Grade II* Gardens with fine trees surround an enchanting and unique example of an 18th Century “Cottage Orne”.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Brockenhurst
Relish the indulgence of an Afternoon Tea in heart of the New Forest, with delicious finger sandwiches, speciality cakes and freshly baked scones smothered in New Forest Jam and thick clotted cream.
Boat
Portsmouth
Portsmouth International Port is perfectly positioned for ferries, cruise and cargo.
Museum
WINCHESTER
Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.
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!
Historic Site
Fareham
Fort Nelson is a superbly restored Victorian fort overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. It is home to the Royal Armouries national artillery collection with over 350 historic guns on display.
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…
Theatre
Andover
The Lights, Andover's professional arts and entertainment venue is the hub of creative activity for Andover and the north west of Hampshire.
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.
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…
Theatre
Southampton
The largest Theatre in the south, The Mayflower offers spectacular touring musicals - many direct from the West End - plus opera, ballet and comedy.
Country / Royal Park
Southampton
River Hamble Country Park is a place to play, picnic, relax and explore. Have a ramble around our ancient woodland and enjoy seasonal changes - from bluebells in spring to fantastic autumn colours.
Theatre
Portsmouth
The New Theatre Royal in the heart of Portsmouth is an iconic Victorian building and one of the remaining few Phipps / Matcham theatres in the world.
Town
Bursledon
Bursledon is a village on the River Hamble in Hampshire and is located within the borough of Eastleigh.
Walking
Chawton
Come and discover the beautiful countryside that inspired Jane Austen and take a peek inside her house where she lived and worked for 8 years.
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.
Museum
Eastney, Southsea
Visit the impressive Victorian buildings, which showcase the marvels of Victorian engineering. Get up close to some impressive machines – some of which date back to 1887 – and have been restored to their original condition.
Town
Gosport
With panoramic views across The Solent, safe swimming and great watersports, a day on the beach at Lee-on-the-Solent or Stokes Bay will delight all ages.
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
