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.

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 61 to 80.

  1. 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…

  2. Aldershot Military Museum

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    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Aldershot

    Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, Aldershot Military Museum tells the story of daily life for both soldier and civilian in the town since 1854. 

  3. Basing House

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    Type:

    Historic Site

    Basing, Basingstoke

    Discover the many stories of Basing House, a nationally important historical site. This magnificent attraction dates from the Norman period and was the site of the largest private house in Tudor England.

  4. The Pyramids Centre

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    Type:

    Leisure & Activity Centres

    Southsea, Portsmouth

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

  5. Mountbatten Leisure Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure / Swimming Pool

    Portsmouth

    The Mountbatten Leisure Centre is set in an attractive park adjacent to Portsmouth's northern shore. The centre is the city's premier sports facility and has a long reputation for hosting a wide variety of national and international sporting events.

  6. City Space at The Arc

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    Arts Centre

    Winchester

    A vibrant and versatile gallery space hosting a changing programme of exhibits to celebrate the best of Winchester's thriving arts and heritage scene.

  7. Old Thorns Championship Golf Course

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    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.

  8. 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…

  9. Manor Farm

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    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. 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.

  11. Portchester

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    Towns & Villages

    Magnificent Portchester Castle overlooks the Solent near Fareham in Hampshire and is one of the best-preserved Roman fortresses in Europe.

  12. 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.

  13. Bishop's Waltham

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    Type:

    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…

  14. Winchester

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    High Street, Winchester

    Visit England’s ancient capital and you will savour a wealth of history, from the 900-year-old cathedral and Arthurian round table to the many fine medieval buildings, experience and explore Winchester’s rich heritage.

  15. The Arc

    Type

    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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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…

  18. Lymington

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    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…

  19. Edward Thomas circular walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Steep near Petersfield

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

  20. Harbour Tours

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    Trips & Tours

    Portsmouth

    Portsmouth is still the home of the modern Royal Navy and taking the Harbour Tour offers unrivalled views of Britain’s modern frigates, destroyers and helicopter carriers, as well as historic buildings and the dramatic skyline.