Basingstoke, Hampshire
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.
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.
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.
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: 159
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Venue Provider
Southampton
O2 Guildhall Southampton is the South's largest multipurpose entertainment venue. Hosting some of the biggest names in music from Pink Floyd & David Bowie in the 70's to present day bands such as Hard Fi, Manic Street Preachers and The Killers. With…
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.
Farm
Waterlooville
Butser Ancient Farm, nestled within the Southdowns National Park, is a wonderful outdoor space showcasing Ancient Britain through experimental archaeology.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Andover
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a full day out for the whole family where you can get close to some of the world’s most incredible birds of prey! Come see our brilliant birds at some of the most spectacular flying displays in the UK, changing with the…
Leisure & Activity Centres
Southsea, Portsmouth
One of Portsmouth’s largest health and wellbeing centres, located just off Southsea Beach.
Towns & Villages
Information about places to visit, towns and villages within the Hampshire area of the South Downs National Park. Official tourist information
Distillery
Whitchurch
Based at Laverstoke Mill in rural North Hampshire, just 15 miles from Winchester, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is in a conservation area with over 1000 years of history.
Towns & Villages
Situated on the River Test and surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside, Whitchurch is Hampshire’s smallest town; it is also the first Walkers are Welcome town in North Hampshire. Early settlements here date from around 400BC, and there is also…
Towns & Villages
Near Southampton
Eastleigh is part of the picturesque Hamble Valley area stretching along the River Hamble and Solent, including Bishop's Waltham, Bursledon, Botley, Netley Abbey, and Hamble.
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.
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.
Town
Gosport
With panoramic views across The Solent, safe swimming and great watersports, a day on the beach at Lee-on-the-Solent or Stokes Bay will delight all ages.
Historic Site
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the UK’s premier destination for exploring 500 years of naval history and a must-see for anyone visiting the South of England.
Cities
Southampton
The outward-looking city of Southampton is as inclusive as it is diverse with a range of attractions, activities and events to rival anywhere on the coast.
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…
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.
Towns & Villages
Spharsholt
Sparsholt is a village and civil parish in Hampshire and lies to the west of Winchester, and has a population of 967.
Country / Royal Park
Havant
With a farm full of friendly animals, the south coast’s largest ornamental glasshouses, beautiful gardens and 1,000 acres of country park to explore there’s something for everyone.
Town
Bursledon
Bursledon is a village on the River Hamble in Hampshire and is located within the borough of Eastleigh.
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