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: 166

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  1. Romsey

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    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.

  2. Chawton

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    Towns & Villages

    Chawton

    Home of Jane Austen for the last eight years of her life, Chawton is a delightful village near Alton in Hampshire. You can visit Jane Austen's House, where she wrote or revised all her novels, and see the Chawton House Library where Jane's brother,…

  3. Cumberland House Natural History Museum

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    Museum

    Southsea, Portsmouth

    See the flora and fauna of Portsmouth at Cumberland House - the Natural History Museum.

  4. Quob Park Estate

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    Type:

    Hotel Spa

    Fareham

    Experience the ultimate wine-tasting journey with our advanced Enomatic and Podbar wine-tasting machines.
    At every Quob Park location, our wine-tasting machines provide access to a universe of exquisite wines, with over 150 varietals available to…

  5. 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.

  6. 878 AD

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    History and Heritage

    Winchester

    Step into Anglo-Saxon Winchester!

    Experience the sights and sounds of Anglo-Saxon Winchester and discover the stories of the people who lived there, brought to life with the spectacular world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Discovery Tour: Viking…

  7. Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum

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    Museum

    Portsmouth

    Pay a visit to the small, terraced house where, in 1812, the famous novelist Charles Dickens was born. The home in which he lived for a short time has been lovingly restored and furnished to illustrate middle-class tastes of Dickens' era.

  8. Portsmouth International Port

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    Boat

    Portsmouth

    Portsmouth International Port is perfectly positioned for ferries, cruise and cargo.

  9. Alver Valley Country Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Lee-on-the-Solent

    The Alver Valley is Gosport's wildlife haven, and there's always something to see and do throughout the through the changing seasons. It’s a great place to go for a walk, with plenty of routes and different landscapes. 

  10. The Great Hall with Westgate Museum

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    Historic Site

    Winchester

    Built by William the Conqueror, Winchester Castle was the seat of power of medieval monarchs. The Great Hall, one of the finest medieval halls in England, and the Westgate, which served as the castle’s primary defence, are now the sole survivors of…

  11. Stansted Park

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    Historic House / Palace

    Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion for a real sense of a bygone era.

  12. South Downs - Hampshire area

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    Towns & Villages

    Information about places to visit, towns and villages within the Hampshire area of the South Downs National Park. Official tourist information

  13. St Mary's Church, Itchen Stoke

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    Church / Chapel

    Alresford

    St Mary's Church, Itchen Stoke

  14. Buckler's Hard

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Brockenhurst

    Buckler’s Hard is a place for relaxation as well as exploration.

  15. The 1642 Living History Village

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    Museum

    Gosport

    A representational Hampshire village set in the year 1642. Timber and thatched buildings, occupants dressed and speak in 17thC style.

  16. 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! 

  17. Edward Thomas circular walk

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    Walking Tour

    Steep near Petersfield

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

  18. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Romsey

    The world famous Gardens near Romsey. The Victorian manor house Tea Rooms is nestled in an idyllic setting within the 180 acre Gardens