55 Things to do in Autumn in Hampshire

Including autumn activities for kids

Table of Contents

There is so much to do in Hampshire in Autumn. We have lots of bucket list items that include everything from pumpkin patch picking to board game cafes.

Get out and about this Autumn and really explore everything that Hampshire has to offer the everyone is the whole family.

If you are looking for more things to do in Hampshire hen have a look at:

The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire – This is our biggest list of things to do in Hampshire with kids. We have included everything from museums to walks to day outs.

Trampoline Parks Near Me in Hampshire – We love trampoline parks! They are a great way to get all the energy out of the kids.

52 Things to do in Hampshire this Weekend – Looking for something to do this weekend? Then use our post here to find something to do.

Things to do in Hampshire Guide

Wondering what to do today? Then our guide for ALL things Hampshire is for you!

If you are looking for things to do in Hampshire with kids then this guide is for you. We have over 200+ ideas that you can use to keep your whole family amused while exploring everything Hampshire has to offer!

Have a look at our Things to do in Hampshire Guide here.

This is an up to date spreadsheet, in activity order, that you can use when you have no clue what to do. We’ve included everything from country parks, to splash pools, lakes, castles, days out, playgrounds and walks. You get lifetime access to this spreadsheet, so any updates we do, you get them, all included in the price!

Things to do in Autumn in Hampshire

There is so much to do in Hampshire at Autumn. We have everything you need below to find something to do. Put on your wellies and explore the outdoors or stay inside and bond over a board game.

Things to do in Alton

This town not far from Basingstoke is full of local history and things to do for the whole family. Make sure you visit the local museums and enjoy as many woodlands walks as you can. If you are looking for more things to do in Alton then have a look at our post here.

1. Allen Gallery

This free museum is great for the whole family. You do have to book in advance but it’s well worth it to see all the amazing Wedgwood and hidden secrets of this amazing museum. This museum is best for older kids.

2. Alice Holt Forest Country Park

Based near Farnham, there are loads of walking and cycling trails that take you around the park. They have a great playground with loads of green areas to play.

Enjoy 6 walking or cycling trails that are a variable distance. The Easy Access Trail takes you around a pushchair and wheelchair-friendly walk where you can spot The Gruffalo characters.

The family cycle trail is a 3-mile trail that has a few steep hills but is mainly flat. It crosses the Lodge Pond Trail on the way back which means you get to enjoy the deeper forest. It starts near the entrance and takes you around and through the forest, past the meadow, and close to the lake.

3. Selbourne Common

Based west of the village, Selbourne Common has great meadows and woodlands for the whole family to explore.

4. Anstey Park

This green space is perfect for the whole family. It’s a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic or play garden games.

5. Curtis Museum

Open all year, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, the Curtis Museum houses a collection by Dr William Curtis and his associates in the local Mechanics Institute.

The museum covers 100 million years of history and displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon burials, the Battle of Alton 1643 and the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams.

6. Kings Pond

This has a great path that’s perfect for bikes or scooters. Enjoy the pond, wildlife, flowers and trees. This is the perfect place if you have mobility issues as the car park is close and the path is even.

7. Chawton House

This house, once belonging to Jane Austen’s brother is open to the public. You can visit the house, library and gardens which are ready and waiting to be explored. Tickets are annual based and you do need to book before you go but it’s so worth it.

8. Watercress Line

Day out with Thomas, Watercress Line. Thomas train

Not far from Winchester, the Watercress Line’s Day Out with Thomas is a must-see for all train fans. The Watercress Line is a 10-mile track that takes around 40 mins to travel. You can do this on a range of different steam and diesel trains that stop at different stations – Alresford, Ropley, Medstead, and Four Marks, and Alton. These aren’t your traditional stations, instead, these are well-maintained and beautifully crafted attractions in themselves.

Things to do in Aldershot and Farnborough

Farnborough and Aldershot has loads of green spaces and is parks. There are loads of places below that you can pair together for a fun day out.

9. Army Medical Services Museum

Open most of the year, the museum hosts the carriage used by Florence Nightingale during her time in the Crimea and details the story of the military and medicine.

Think military ambulances, an Ambulance Train Ward Coach and a WWI Horse Drawn Ambulance. This museum is free but some of the others do charge an admission cost.

10. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust

The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust museum is a great indoor place for all ages. It has a collection of aircraft, satellites, simulators, and wind tunnels that show how aircrafts work.

11. Manor Park

This park is a short walk from Aldershot town center. Walk around and enjoy the flat fields. It’s perfect for small kids and buggy’s. This also has a stake park and playground.

12. Aldershot Park

This great little park is flat and perfect for ball games and a picnic. They have a playground and the paths are flat which are perfect for scooters.

13. Rowhill Nature Reserve

This is a 55-acre nature reserve on the edge of Aldershot. Enjoy the River Blackwater which runs right through the reserve. This is a woodland walk so the ground is bumpy but it’s great if you all want to explore the local surroundings.

14. Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve

This is a huge ground that has little and one big ponds. The area is flat but bumpy. Follow the trail on bikes or bring the nets for a bit of pond dipping.

15. Brickfields Country Park

This small 8 acres country park is pretty unknown unless you know where to look. Just off Boxalls Lane, this pretty area has pathways throughout the country park that are perfect for visitors with limited mobility and prams. Bring the kid’s bikes for a ride, have a picnic in the fields and enjoy this little-known park.

Things to do in Andover

We love Andover. There is so much to do for the whole family.

16. Anton Lakes Nature Reserve

This is a little known place outside of Andover. The lake is huge and a great place to spot the local wildlife. The paths are bumpy but flat and the viewing points are great for spotting the swans and hens. There is a cafe halfway around and a play park for younger kids.

17. Finkley Down Farm Park

This farm is like none you’ve been to before. You can feed the farm animals while enjoying the huge playground and indoor soft play. They are great for all ages from toddlers right up to teenagers.

18. Charlton Lakeside

This park is great for all ages. This has two large lakes and a great playground. You can do sports like canoeing on the lakes in the summer months. There are a small cafe and loads of benches to sit down and relax on.

19. The Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy is a great place to feed and see the wild birds in a woodland environment. They have a huge playground and a cafe on-site too. This really is a great family day out.

Things to do in Basingstoke

If you are looking for more days out in basingstoke then have a look at this post here for our full set of ideas.

20. Old Down Woodland Park

This is a huge green space that can see found on foot from Firecrest Road. It has a small car park next to the community building with a small playground.

Walk one of the smaller paths to enjoy the local wildlife. Bring the buggy or bikes as the route is mostly flat.

21. The War Memorial Park

This park makes a great walk for the whole family. It has flat paved paths that are perfect for scooters and the bandstand and play park make a great place for the kids to play. They also have a skate park and an all-weather tennis court.

22. The Vyne House and Gardens

The Vyne is not only a 16th-century house but also a huge garden. This is a National Trust site that also has a playground and is happy to host picnics. They do have a cafe and toliets on-site.

23. Milestone Museum

This is a great family-friendly museum. You pay once to get in for the whole year. Walk through the cobbled streets and have a look at the old vehicles that used to grace our streets.

Things to do in Brockenhurst

Close to the New Forest, Brockenhurst is full of fun things to do for the whole family. Read more about things to do in Brockenhurst here.

26. Hatchet Pond

Hatchet Pond is in the New Forest and is perfect if the kids need to let off some steam. There’s plenty of parking and it’s a great place to put your wellies on and really explore. The ground is mostly flat so great for bike riding.

27. Beaulieu National Motor Museum

Whatever age your kids are, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum is a perfect place for a day out. It’s interactive and has a stunning garden to run around too.

28. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Bolderwood Arboretum is on Ornamental Drive that leads from the A35. It’s got a huge car park and toilets close by. If you go through the gate and follow the path it leads you down to a viewing around were you should be able to see some wild deer roaming throughout the forest.

Keep walking down and you come across a light stream and a few small ponds. The path is a bit hilly and if it’s been raining you may need wellies. Saying that though, it’s fine for pushchairs and bikes.

29. Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

This museum is packed full of racing bikes over the years. This is a really interactive museum where the kids can touch and feel as they go through.

Things to do in Hamble

You’ll find loads of things to do in Bursledon and Hamble. Close to the sea, you can pair these days out to ones in Southampton too.

30. Royal Victoria Country Park

Right on Netley seafront, this country park has everything you need for a fun day trip out for the whole family. Enjoy the seaside views from the stony beach or play on one of the three massive green fields. It has a huge adventure playground, a steam train, and a great little cafe with toilets on site.

31. Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum

This museum is perfect for the whole family in all weathers. Explore the old working machinery and try out the old arcade games.

Things to do in Eastleigh and Hedge End

There’s loads of things to do in Eastleigh and Hedge End regardless of the weather. Read more about things to do in Eastleigh here.

32. Lakeside Country Park

Lakeside is off of Wide Lane in Eastleigh. There is plenty of free parking and it was a cafe and toilets. They also have a small train that runs around the country park (charges do apply.) There’s two or three ways you could walk but we normally go to the left through the second gate. This takes you through a small forest of trees that are on the outer ring of the country park.

This path also takes you to the small play park at the back of the country park to your right or to the huge lake which would be on your left. There are loads of places to have a picnic and it’s great if your kids love to spot wildlife. The paths are stony but are ok for pushchairs and bikes.

33. Itchen Valley Country Park

A start drive from the center of town, Itchen Valley Country Park has everything you need for a great day out. Bring a picnic and park in one of the five car parks (parking charges apply.) Walk-in one direction and enjoy the huge field that also hosts a playground and woods that are waiting to be explored. The other way hosts a smaller park with a cafe and toilets.

34. Manor Farm Country Park

Sat in River Hamble Country Park, Manor Farm is a great place to visit for the whole family. You will find family-friendly farm animals, soft play, and playgrounds that are great for younger kids. Manor Farm is in Hedge End, near Southampton which is to the south of Hampshire.

There is so much to do at Manor Farm. it is great for all ages of kids. It normally takes us about four to five hours to get around the farm but you could easily spend longer.

35. River Hamble Country Park

Just off of the M27 junction 8, River Hamble Country Park is a great place to visit for the whole family. There is so much to do at River Hamble Country Park. This includes:

The playground – Right by the Barnfield car park, The Grace Dieu shipwreck playground is a great place for the kids to play. It has two ships, one for younger children and one for older kids. It has slides, climbing equipment, and holes to hide in.

Walks and trails – With over 400 acres of woodland, River Hamble Country Park has loads of different trails and forests you can walk through and enjoy. If you are looking to get closer to the river, then follow the trail near the playground. It will take you directly to the river.

HMS Cricket – HMS Cricket was built in 1943 and used to have 120 buildings to its name. While you are out walking, you may be lucky to see some of the remnants of HMS Cricket still today.

Things to do in Fareham

Here are loads of fun things to do in Fareham that the whole family can discover together. Find more things to do in Fareham here.

36. Little Woodham Living History Village

This lovely little village really shows you how a 17th-century family lived. All the huts are authentic and you can walk through and around the houses. There’s plenty of space for a picnic and the staff are great when the kids want to ask questions. They do loads of special events on Bank Holidays and summer holidays.

37. Hill Head Beach

Hill Head is a shingle beach with a tarmac walkway. It’s a great place to spot the boats coming in and out on the Solent. There is a cafe nearby and Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, which is home to a vast array of birdlife.

38. Holly Hill Woodland Park

Holly Hill is a woodland park in Fareham near Portsmouth. There are toilets at the top of the main car park, which is on Barnes Close. You can take a picnic as there are loads of benches or places to lay a rug.

Depending on how long you would like to walk, you can pick a trail that takes you through the enchanted forest, over bridges, and stepping stones.

39. Portchester Castle

Portchester Castle is in Church Lane in Portchester. There are two small car parks that do get busy in the summer months so go early if you can. The castle is surrounded by the sea and it’s a great place to spot incoming boats. Inside the castle grounds, which are free to enter, are two huge fields. This is a great place to find hidden stones (they have a great Facebook page here) and let your kids run off some steam. Their cafe is great and they do have public toilets on site.

To go inside the castle there is a charge but it’s so worth it. Built-in the late 11th century, Portchester Castle can give you an insight into it’s Saxon history.

40. Fort Nelson

This is one of our favourite days out! They have a huge car park which is easy to find. It’s free to enter the museum. It’s a fully interactive museum that is great for the whole family. Make sure that you visit the tunnels as they are great fun to explore on even a rainy day.

Things to do in Farnham

Here are fun days out in Farnham that include free days out and rainy day ideas.

41. Birdworld

This huge park is a great day out. It has a large selection of animals and other attractions that all ages will love.

42. Waverley Abbey

This old castle is great for a morning walk. The car park is free and there’s plenty of grass for the kids to play on too.

43. Museum of Farnham

This lovely museum is free to enter and is packed full of Farnhams local history. This is great for older kids who want to know all about their town.

Things to do in Romsey

If you are looking for nearby things to do in Romsey that are perfect for the whole family then we have you covered. Find more things to do in Romsey here.

44. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Sir Harold Hillier’s Gardens is like no other gardens. it’s great for the whole family to explore. It is a bit hilly but all the paths are flat. It takes more than a day to walk around the whole park but why would you want too when you can stop off at their wooden playground or visit the treehouse slide.

45. Paultons Park

This amusement park is great for toddlers upwards. The park is home to Peppa Pig World for the small kids and huge rollercoasters for the bigger kids. They have play parks, splash parks, and loads of places for a picnic too.

Things to do in Southampton

If you are looking for days out with kids in Southampton then this is the list for you. It covers everything from indoor to outdoor activities. If you are looking for more things to do in Southampton then have a look at our post here.

47. Telegraph Woods

Telegraph Woods is located in Telegraph Road in West End, Southampton. Parking is on the road and is free! There’s so many ways you can walk. We started by walking along the main path through the middle of the woods.

If you turn to the right then you’ll find a hill that takes you deeper into the woods. Turning left into the tress takes you down further by the pond which, in the summer, is covered with lily pads. Keep walking further down and you’ll find the Ages Bowl peaking through the trees too.

Things to do in Portsmouth

We love Portsmouth and Southsea. There is so much to do for the whole family. These are the best top attractions in Portsmouth for families. Portsmouth is in East Hampshire, just 25 minutes from central Southampton and 40 minutes from New Forest.

56. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is right on the Portsmouth seafront, just along from Gunwharf Quays. It’s a full day of fun and adventure for the whole family. The dockyard features HMS Warrior, HMS Victory, the Mary Rose museum, and everything you need to know about Lord Nelson.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit when a huge Royal Navy ship was in so keep a lookout as the dock is still actively used as a naval base.

57. Blue Reef Aquarium

Take a deep dive into our oceans and enjoy what they have to offer. See the sharks swimming over your head, see the rays and enjoy their stunning view of the seafront.

What we love the most is that they have a little splash park running outside in the summer months which is great as it overlooks the beach and they have a little cafe that has sweet treats and drinks. With it being right on the seafront you can pair it with going to the beach or one of the many piers along the seafront.

58. Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Spinnaker Tower gives you great views of Portsmouth harbor and the South Coast. The Spinnaker Tower is based in Gunwharf Quays which is an outside shopping center that has some great cafes, restaurants, and shopping outlets.

Going up the tower normally takes about an hour and is great when paired with shopping at Gunwharf or boat spotting along the seafront.

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59. Southsea Castle

Southsea Castle is based right on the seafront. While it does cost to go in, running around the outside of the fort is great fun for all the family. It’s on a big hill with loads of green space, perfect for a picnic and a fun afternoon by the seafront.

If you do decide to go in then be prepared to be amazed. Built by King Henry VIII in 1544, this was a fort that was made to protect the country! Walk around the keep and learn about what life was like to live in the castle. The ramparts give you the best views of the common and that’s where the cannons are housed. The tunnels were our favourite though as you can really imagine what it was like to have to run up and down them while under attack.

Laura x

If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.

There is so much to do in Hampshire in Autumn. We have lots of bucket list items that include everything from pumpkin patch picking to board game cafes by Laura at Things to do in Hampshire with kids

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