Built to connect Basingstoke to the River Thames, 32 miles, from Greywell Village in Hampshire to Woodham in Surrey

Basingstoke Canal near Pirbright

Basingstoke, Hampshire

Things To Do in Hampshire

Share this with

x

  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 160

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Lymington

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Lymington

    The Georgian market town of Lymington is set on the coast in the beautiful New Forest National Park, between Southampton and Bournemouth. Famous for its sailing history, there are two large marinas filled with fishing boats and yachts, as well as…

  2. Hayling Island

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    South Front, Hayling Island

    Hayling Island is an island east of Portsmouth in Hampshire with plenty of things to do, seaside fun & blue flag beaches, all in a peaceful environment

  3. Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Portsmouth

    Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is the museum of and for the people of Portsmouth, featuring exciting and varied displays.

  4. Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Petersfield

    Situated at the foot of the South Downs, Petersfield Museum tells the story of Petersfield and the surrounding villages through an exciting mix of archaeology, art, historic dress, literature, photography, poetry and social history.

  5. Bishops Waltham Palace

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Winchester

    Remains of Bishop of Winchester`s palace are mainly 12th and 14thC consisting of buildings around a courtyard and moat. Remains include the Great Hall and 3-storey tower.

  6. Romsey

    Type

    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.

  7. Winchester's Military Museums

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Winchester

    Five splendid military museums on an historic site with Visitor Centre, café displays and activities to interest all the family.

  8. Bordon and Whitehill

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Hampshire's Green Town, Whitehill & Bordon is set in the Woolmer Forest, an area of heathland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and ecologically outstanding as a wildlife sanctuary.

  9. Manor Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    Southampton

    Traditional Hampshire farmstead - range of buildings, farm animals, machinery and equipment, pre-1950's farmhouse and 13thC church set for 1900 - living history site.

  10. The Emsworth Business Association

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Emsworth

    Tucked away in the south east corner of Hampshire on the shore of Chichester Harbour, Emsworth is a quiet and attractive, yet vibrant and dynamic town, where residents wouldn’t live anywhere else and visitors can be sure of a friendly welcome…

  11. Wickham

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    The village of Wickham in the Meon Valley is home to the second largest medieval square in England. The bustling village centre is filled with interesting buildings and a selection of tea rooms, restaurants and independent shops.

  12. The D-Day Story

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Portsmouth

    The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in June 1944. It tells the unique personal stories behind this epic event. Also, home to the new fully restored only surviving D-Day Landing Craft LCT 7074, which is…

  13. Hayling Island Beach

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  14. Forest Arts Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    New Milton

    Forest Arts Centre is the leading venue for live arts events in the New Forest. A former military drill hall in New Milton, it has a 146 capacity air-conditioned theatre, dance studio, workshop room and licensed café-bar with gallery space.

  15. Fareham

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Fareham

    The market town of Fareham lies halfway between the larger cities of Southampton and Portsmouth.

  16. The Lights Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  17. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

    Type

    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…

  18. Old Thorns Championship Golf Course

    Type

    Type:

    Special Interest

    Liphook

    Old Thorns magnificent championship golf course ranges across the rolling hills of the Hampshire countryside and offers fantastic views at every turn.

  19. Ringwood

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Ringwood

    The western gateway to the New Forest National Park, Ringwood is an ideal touring base. This unspoilt market town is situated on the River Avon and has plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

  20. Lavender Fields

    Type

    Type:

    Special Interest

    ALTON

    Growing and harvesting lavender, used to produce a wide range of products. Essential Oils, Body Care, Home Fragrance and more. Farm shop open all year round. Field is open to visitors every day during the flowering season (June-August)