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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: 160

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Rockbourne Roman Villa

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    Type:

    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…

  2. Farley Mount Country Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Hursley, Winchester

    A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal for walking and picnicking, with fine views over central Hampshire, particularly from the interesting monument at Beacon Hill. Several car parks serve the area.

  3. Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson

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    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.

  4. Gosport Discovery Centre

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    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.

  5. Bishop's Waltham

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    Towns & Villages

    Bishop’s Waltham is a historic market town with a foot in the South Downs National Park. It was named after the brother of King Stephen, Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester. He founded Bishop’s Waltham Palace here in the 12th century; the…

  6. Eastney Engine Houses

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    Type:

    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.

  7. Army Flying Museum

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    Museum

    Stockbridge

    The Museum of Army Flying is an award-winning British military aviation museum about the history of flying in the British Army.

  8. Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age

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    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.

  9. The Lights Theatre

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    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.

  10. 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.

  11. Portsmouth

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    Cities

    Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth

    With a rich maritime and naval history, Portsmouth's fortunes have long been intimately tied to the sea. Even today, many of Portsmouth's most stunning features and most popular attractions are found near the harbour.

  12. Oakley Hall Hotel

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    Restaurant

    Basingstoke

    Take time out to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in our 2 AA Rosette Glasshouse Restaurant or on the garden terrace with stunning views over the back lawn.

  13. The Emsworth Business Association

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    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…

  14. West End Centre, Aldershot

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    Type:

    Theatre

    Aldershot

    Aldershot's West End Centre is a friendly, intimate venue that hosts classes, workshops, art exhibitions, music performances and stand-up comedy, and also has an on-site, small scale theatre.

  15. Stokes Bay

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    Type:

    Beach

    Gosport

    Next door to Lee-on-the-Solent town and beach is Stokes Bay beach and seafront which was voted one of the 10 best places for a picnic in the UK.  You'll find an adventure golf course, kayak & paddleboard hire, children’s splash park, and plenty of…

  16. SeaCity Museum

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    Type:

    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…

  17. Beaulieu

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    Towns & Villages

    Looking over the mill pond at Beaulieu in Hampshire towards the famous Palace House is one of the most stunning views in the New Forest. Beaulieu village itself, at the head of the tidal Beaulieu River, is charming, with its lovely old houses, small…

  18. Portsmouth International Port

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    Type:

    Boat

    Portsmouth

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

  19. Marwell Zoo

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    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Winchester

    Embrace your wild side at Marwell Zoo! Home to hundreds of endangered and exotic species in 140 acres of beautiful parkland, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy and admire. From Amur tigers to brilliant birds, Marwell offers you the chance…

  20. Southampton Stories

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    Type:

    Museum

    Southampton

    Southampton Stories is an exhibition inside SeaCity Museum, that tells the stories of the city's rich maritime history, its local history, its people, archaeology, and the events and activities that have impacted the city through time.