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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

, currently showing 121 to 140.

  1. Gosport Discovery Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Gosport

    In Gosport town centre you will find The Discovery Centre, where there is a surprising range of things to see and do, including art exhibitions, events, special activities for children and families.

  2. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

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    Type:

    Science Centre

    Morn Hill, Winchester

    Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, this exciting family destination…

  3. Steventon

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    The village of Steventon is best known as the birth-place of the author Jane Austen, who lived in the village from 1775 to 1801, after which she moved to Bath.

  4. The Pyramids Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure & Activity Centres

    Southsea, Portsmouth

    One of Portsmouth’s largest health and wellbeing centres, located just off Southsea Beach.

  5. Lepe Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  6. Wightlink Ferries

    Type

    Type:

    Boat

    Portsmouth

    Wightlink is the largest ferry operator to the Isle of Wight, operating round the clock, 365 days a year, and offering a choice of three routes across the Solent.

    Car ferries operate between Portsmouth and Fishbourne on the east of the Island.…

  7. Buriton Literary Walk Inspired by W H Hudson

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    Type:

    Walking

    Petersfield

    This walk starts in the village of Buriton and explores parts of the South Downs National Park. W H Hudson was an accomplished, self taught field naturalist. His first book was published in 1885 and his twenty-third a year after his death in 1922.…

  8. 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.

  9. Brickworks Lounge and Grill

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Fareham

    Welcome to BRICKWORKS Lounge and Grill, where classic flavours meet contemporary style. Inspired by the region’s rich brickwork heritage, our restaurant is a vibrant social hub offering an evolving menu throughout the day.

  10. Buckler's Hard

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    New Forest

    A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.

  11. Romsey

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    Type:

    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.

  12. Careys Manor Hotel

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    Type:

    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.

  13. The Arc

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    Type:

    Venue Provider

    WINCHESTER

    The brand-new place to experience live performance, library and community services, art, classes and talks, all together, under one roof in the heart of Winchester.

  14. Test Valley

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Test Valley is Hampshire’s best kept secret, characterised by its wonderful countryside and attractive villages, the famous River Test and bustling market towns.

  15. Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  16. SS Shieldhall

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    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Southampton

    Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954 and entered service in October 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co of Renfrew, she is of special interest as she was built on older classic lines with a traditional wheelhouse, of riveted and welded construction with

  17. The Great Hall with Westgate Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  18. Itchen Valley Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Eastleigh

    Itchen Valley Country Park is set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows situated beside the River Itchen and has been recognised with ten Green Flag Awards®

  19. Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age

    Type

    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Andover

    Housed in a Georgian town house built in the 1750s, Andover Museum tells the story of the town and its surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day.

  20. Gosport Waterfront Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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…