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The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire

stepping stones over the river

Days out near me in Hampshire

Looking for days out in Hampshire but unsure where to go? There’s so many places in Hampshire to visit and enjoy as a family, many of them costing a lot less than you think.

Everything is included here from local parks and walks to theme parks, farms and activities.

Family days out in Hampshire

Finding fun days out that the whole family are going to enjoy isn’t always easy but we’ve got a full list of indoor and outdoor ideas.

If you haven’t got time to go through this whole list then make sure have a look at:

The Best Guide to All the Museums in Hampshire – Hampshire has so many amazing museums and many of them are free. We have included all the museums in Hampshire that you can visit as a family.

A Huge Guide to the Best Beaches in Hampshire – Did you know that Hampshire has some amazing beaches? Make sure you visit as many of these as you can.

The Ultimate List of Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly – Put on your welly boots and explore as many of these walks as you can. Many of these are dog-friendly as well.

51 Free Days Out in Hampshire For Families – If you are looking for free days out in the Hampshire then this is the post for you. We have included everything that you can do for free in Hampshire.

The Full List of Country Parks in Hampshire – Hampshire is lucky to have a huge amount of country parks. How many have you visited?

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!

Find out more about 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.

Days out with kids in Hampshire

Here’s our full list of places to take the kids in Hampshire. We have included a mix of free and paid ideas with indoor and outdoor places to visit.

These are organized by location. Search down to find where you want to go.

This list is updated monthly, so please let us know if we need to add your favourite day out.

** Please note that we haven’t added any indoor soft play, indoor ideas or leisure centers currently. These will be added in due course**

Things to do in Alton

duck swimming in the lake

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 woodland walks as you can. If you are looking for more things to do in Alton then have a look at our post here.

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.

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.

Read more about Alice Holt Country Park here.

Selbourne Common

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

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.

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.

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.

Alton Abbey

This little abbey is a great place to enjoy the daylight hours

The Abbey grounds are open for visitors to wander around at any time in daylight hours.

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.

Watercress Line

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 which takes around 40 mins to travel. You can do this on a range of different steam and diesel trains which 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.

Read more about the Watercress Line here.

Jane Austen’s House

This huge house and gardens are great for older kids. You get a real inside into how Jane Austen lived and worked.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Princess Gardens

This is a small town centre garden right in the middle of the high street. It’s flat, so perfect for scooters and buggy’s. Have a picnic or enjoy one of the many benches.

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.

Redan Hill Gardens and Play Area

This great garden is flat and fun. It has a nice playground and is great for park games and a picnic.

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.

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 kids bikes for a ride, have a picnic in the fields and enjoy this little known park.

Aldershot Military Museum

This is a great museum for the whole family. You get to learn the basics of driving a tank and while seeing what it was really like to be in the military.

They have a great cafe on-site and have loads of interactive exhibits.

The best playgrounds in Farnborough are:

Rectory Road Recreation Ground

King George’s Field

Things to do in Andover

Hawk looking away from the camera


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.

Rooksbury Mill

Rooksbury Mill has it’s own car park and around walk around the lake. The paths are flat but bumpy and is a small work from Andover town center.

Beech Hurst Park

This is a great walk if the kids want to take their scooters. It has plenty of places to stop to spot the birds and have a picnic.

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.

Andover Museum

Andover Museum is a great place for the kids to learn about the prehistoric times all the way through to the present day.

Interactive, Andover Museum offers temporary exhibitions and has a coffee shop on site.

Museum of the Iron Age

This museum is great for all ages. You can visit the roundhouse and touch real Iron age objects. Learn more about life as a Roman and explore the hillfort.

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.

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.

Army Flying Museum

This museum hosts a range of aircrafts, uniforms and medals that really tell the story of aviation. This is great for older kids that are interested in the art of flight.

Ladies Walk

This is an uneven walk that takes you through the grassland. It’s full of dense grass and perfect to spot butterflies and other wild creatures.

Whitchurch Silk Mill

This is a great place for older kids to really get the fill of what it was like to work in a silk mill. This is a 19th-century water mill that weaves silk using the same machinery.

Longstock Park Water Gardens

If your family are keen gardeners then this is the place for you. This is a hidden gem that lets you explore the gardens through bridges and small paths. There is a cafe on-site but the toilets are a small walk away.

Danebury Iron Age Hillfort

This big hillfort has a dense forest with patches of clear field. This is a great place to go if your family loves hiking or even exploring the local forest. There are no paths and the ground is steep.

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.

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.

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.

Frimley Lodge Park and Miniature Railway

This is a 1-kilometer long track that loops around. This is close to Basingstoke Canal so joining the two up would make a great trip.

Black Dam Ponds

This has lovely flat and wide pathways that are perfect for scooters and bikes. Enjoy the pond while having a lovely picnic on the lush green fields. This is a great walk for younger families who need to be kept amused.

Basingstoke Knights Realm Adventure Golf

This 16-hole adventure golf is great for over 4s. There are bridges and lakes, hard and easier holes so the whole family get a chance to have a good time.

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.

Eastrop Park

Just a short walk away from Festival Place this park has everything a family could need including a huge play park, woods, flat paths and a pond for the whole family to enjoy.

Milestone Museum

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

Read more about Milestone Museum here.

Basing House

There is so much to do at Basing House. Discover and explore the ruins and visit the gardens and gatehouse. It’s great for a picnic spot or an explore on a Winter’s day.

Basingstoke Canal

The canal is a lovely 32 mile work that starts in Hampshire and stops in Surrey. The canal passes through rolling fields and beautiful cottages.

It’s the perfect play to explore or relax with a great view of the boats that are passing by. There is a picnic area, playground and a tearoom onsite.

There’s loads of parking and it’s a great place for the whole family

Wills Museum

Open all year round, this is a local working museum with galleries on local archaeology and natural science. Learn more about Basingstoke and the history around you through the ages.

Crabtree Plantation

This is a great place to fly your kites while blowing off steam. This wide open space is great for bike riding or kicking a football around with the kids.

Popley Community Park

This has two playgrounds and loads of places to have a picnic. There is plenty of parking and a field to enjoy the nice weather.

Down Grange Meadow

This beautiful site is made up of lovely fields and wildlife. Visit with your wellies and enjoy a long walk through these sweeping hills.

Basingstoke Common

Basingstoke Common is a huge area that is great for spotting the local horses. It’s a lovely picturesque location and a great place for the kids to run around.

There is a playground close by and loads of different walks for the whole family.

The Manor House

Make sure you visit the huge gardens that are in full of bloom in the summer.

Hoddington Park

Hoddington Park is a huge mansion that has sweeping fields and gardens.

Things to do in Brockenhurst

Three horses in the new forest

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.

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.

Hurst Spit Beach

With lovely views of the Isle of Wright, this beach is lovely to watch the world go by. The cafe is limited so bringing lunch is a good idea. Parking is hard to come by too so visit early to make sure you get a spot.

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.

Knightwood Oak

Knightwood Oak is along the Ornamental Drive. It has a gravel track which is great for bikes. It’s covered by large trees so if it’s raining it’s still a great place to visit.

Ober Water

This is a short circle walk that starts at the Whitefield Moor car park. It can be a bit boggy at times because of the stream.

Blackwater

Park at Blackwater car park and walk this mile route with the whole family. It’s through huge trees that takes you around the heart of this area of the New Forest. You are walking through tree’s so this isn’t very buggy friendly.

Buckler’s Hard Museum

This huge area has everything you need for a fun family day out. You park by the cafe and can visit the museum, woodland and workshop.

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.

Furzey Gardens

Find the fairies while walking around this tranquil garden. It’s got everything you need from bridges to climbing frames.

St Barbe Museum and Gallery

This local museum is great if the family are into arts. The exhibitions are interactive and change quickly so there’s always something new.

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.

Have a look at these trails:

Brockenhurst Spy Mission Treasure Trail

South Taste Trail

Burley Village of Witches Mystery Treasure Trail

The best playgrounds are:

Burley Road Play Area

Coles Mead Recreation Ground

Brockenhurst Play Park

Things to do in Burslesdon and Hamble

a family of ducks on a green field

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

Hamble Spy Mission Treasure Trail

This is a self-guided tour through Hamble. It takes about two-hours to go around the whole tour which is about 2-miles.

The trail is a great way to explore Hamble as you’ve never seen it before. You can buy the booklet for the official trail website which does give you clues and ideas for things to do for as you go.

We have done this trail but have also made up our own circular route.

Start at the top of the village and explore everything Hamble has to offer you as a family. There’s loads of great picnic spots as well.

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.

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.

Read more about what to do at Royal Victoria Country Park here.

Bursledon Windmill

This is a little known place but is great for the whole family. You can tour the windmill with a guided tour and walk through the surrounding wood and trail. Try your hand at grinding flour and how it gets turned into bread.

Things to do in Eastleigh and Hedge End

Green field with a lake

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.

Eastleigh Museum

A local museum made for families, Eastleigh Museum takes you back into the past and lets you meet Mr and Mrs Brown, a local locomotive engine driver and his wife.

The displays and exhibitions change regularly with workshops and events always going on. Open all year round, Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 430pm.

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.

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.

Read more about Itchen Valley Country Park here.

Manor Farm and Country Park

Based on the other side of Southampton, Manor Farm isn’t just a country park but a working farm as well. This is a great rural family day out that shows the inner workings a Victorian farm.

There is a charge to visit the farm but you get to learn how the farm is run including how the Victorians lived by visiting the on-site school, cottage and forge.

The country park surrounding the farm is just as fun too. Park up and walk one of the many paths and see how much wildlife we really do have in Southampton.

Read more about Manor Farm here.

The best playgrounds are:

Collins Close play park

Chilworth Ring

Hocombe Mead

Hatch Grange

Dowd’s Park Playground

Sayers Road playground

Things to do in Emsworth

Find family things to do in Emsworth regardless of the weather.

Staunton Country Park

Staunton Country Park has loads to offer the family of different ages. They have a working farm, beautiful gardens and glasshouses that are a real sight to see. Parking is close but there is a short walk to the entrance.

Stansted Park

This amazing estate includes the Stansted Park Light Railway, huge gardens, maze, play area and stunning stately home. This is a great day out for the whole family with lots to do.

Emsworth Museum

This museum has free entry and is a great rainy day activity. It goes through the history of Emsworth, transport and ways our life have changed.

Brook Meadow

Brook Meadow has over 5-acres of woodland and field. Enjoy the two streams that run through the woodland and see how many insects and birds you can spot.

Emsworth Mill Pond

Emsworth Mill Pond is a great place for a wildlife hunt. Take your nets and buckets and see what you can find. It has a lot of long grass so wellies are good in the wet.

Nore Barn Woods

This is great walk if you have a buggy. It takes about an hour and takes you through thin woods, along Emsworth waterfront and to the millpond.

Fowley Island

This little island has a bunch of walks that are great through all weather. Take the nets and see what you can catch or enjoy a welly paddle in the sea.

Emsworth Habour

Walk along the habour and see how many boats you can spot. This is great on a warmer day as there are loads of benches to enjoy the view.

Things to do in Fareham

Lee on Solent Beach

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.

Meon Shore Beach

Meon Shore is a shingle beach with a car park at one end. If you keep walking past the chalets then there is a fab spot with shingle and pebble that’s great for fossil or shell hunting.

Browndown Point Beach

Looking over the Solent, Browndown Point is a sandy and single beach owned by the MOD. They do use it as a training ground from time to time but the public are welcome to explore it as well.

It is a bit of a walk from the main car park where the toilets are.

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.

The Forest of Bere

This trail can be accessed from the West Walk Car Park or the Woodend Car Park. It lasts about 3-miles and is a loop great for the whole family. Take a picnic too as there’s plenty of logs to sit on.

Wickham Water Meadows

This is great for older kids. The walk is bumpy but great for the kids to explore. There’s bridges to cross, rocks to stand on and loads of places to sit under the trees on a hot day.

Browndown Point Beach

Looking over the Solent, Browndown Point is a sandy and single beach owned by the MOD. They do use it as a training ground from time to time but the public are welcome to explore it as well.

It is a bit of a walk from the main car park where the toilets are.

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.

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.

Read more about Holly Hill Woodland Park here.

Titchfield Haven Country Park

This little country park is has parking on-site with a small cafe and toilets. Enjoy the long grass, the lake and the tall trees that are great to spot wildlife.

The Alver Valley Country Park

Full of lovely wildflowers and sweeping trees, this country park has a great playground. Take a walk and see how much of the local wildlife you can see. It is a bit stony but great for walks with the whole family.

Swanwich Lakes Nature Reserve

They have a car park on-site which isn’t big but is free. The lake is huge and great for a circular walk with the kids. It can be uneven but is great if your kids love walking off the beaten trek.

Portsdown Hill

This gives you a brilliant view of the local area. The greenland is hilly and full of wild flowers which is great for a picnic and a walk around the hill.

Lee On Solent Beach

There’s always loads on at Lee-On-Solent. This is a shingle beach with a grassy area great for games and picnics. There’s a tarmac walkway right by the beach, perfect for bikes and scooters.

When the tide is out you can go crabbing among the many rock pools.

If it’s raining, have a look at the Hovercraft Museum which is open to the public on Saturdays.

Food wise; the beach is only a small road away from the town centre so there’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or get an ice cream.

Stokes Bay

Stokes Bay is a shingle beach with great views of the Isle of Wight. There’s a large grassy area right by the  beach, with a place for barbecues or a picnic.

There’s loads of parking along the beach and a cafe and toilets nearby.

We think the best playgrounds are:

Cosham Playground

Seafarers Play Area

Harbour View Playground

Holly Hill Leisure Center Playground

Rowledge Recreation Ground Play Area

Newman Collard Play Area

Blackbrook Play Area

Things to do in Farnham

Parrot looking at the camera

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

Birdworld

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

The Farnham Mystery Treasure Trail

This trail takes about 3-hours to complete and is about two and a half miles. You can print off the full map from the official site or start at St Andrew’s church and take the circular route to explore this amazing town.

Rural Life Centre

Surrounded by woodland and barns, this is great place for kids of all ages. They have a great children’s play area, train and learning about the past through this interactive museum is so much fun.

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.

Bourne Woods

This woodland is great for the whole family that love to explore off-trail. The path is soil so you go need a good pair of walking boots. There are great bird-watching opportunities throughout the woodland. You can find Bourne Woods next to Farnham Heath.

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.

Farnham Park

This is a huge playground with mature trees in a deer park. There’s loads of grassland, woodlands and the stream is great for pond dipping.

Gostrey Meadow

This little meadow has a lovely stream running down the side. It’s flat with loads of grass and is perfect for a bike ride or scooters with the kids.

Frensham Great Pond

This huge common is perfect for a family day out. Take a picnic, ride around the pond and enjoy the small beach area. It has toilets and a cafe on-site.

Things to do in Havant & Hayling Island

Coastal beach

If you’re looking for a big day out in Havant or Hayling Island then this list is for you. We’ve also listed smaller places to do if you are short of time.

Hayling Billy Trail

The trail takes you through the coastal path. It’s a great and easy walk for the whole family. The rote starts at North Hayling Halt.

Hayling Island Beach

This is a shingle beach that has some sand parts. You get great views of the Isle of Wright and is close to local shops and shelter on windy days.

Funland

This is a funfair perfect for all ages. It offers outside and indoor rides with a mix of the traditional arcade games too.

Staunton Country Park

Staunton Country Park has loads to offer the family of different ages. They have a working farm, beautiful gardens and glasshouses that are a real sight to see. Parking is close but there is a short walk to the entrance.

Havant Museum

This museum walks you through the history of Havant, the mills and gives you a real feel for what it was like to live in the town.

Things to do in Romsey

Pumpkins on the grass in Paultons Park

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.

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.

Parking is on-site but is a small walk away from the entrance.

Read more about Sir Harold Hillier Gardens here.

Romsey Mystery Treasure Trail

This is a trail that takes you through this old city. You can do this at your own pace and really have some family fun. If you decide to buy the trail map off the website then it comes as a Murder Mystery. It’s perfect for kids six-years-old and up and takes about 2-hours to complete.

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.

Read more about Paultons Park here.

Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens

Enjoy this huge abbey and gardens as a family. This is perfect for ages as the kids can run about the huge garden while exploring the abbey’s many floors.

Romsey War Memorial Park

This park is right in the middle of Romsey. It has a river flowing through the side with a big field, play park and bandstand.

Things to do in Totton

Regardless of the weather, there are loads of things to do in Totton for the whole family, regardless of the weather.

The Eling Experience

This versatile day out gives you everything from the history of the mill to riverside walks and local history. Is perfect for older kids who love an interactive experience.

The best playgrounds are:

Old red bridge play area

Testwood Park

Radleigh Gardens play area

King George play area

Calmore community centre park

Eling park

Eling riverside play area

Hanger farm play park

Testbourne play park

Things to do in Southampton

Three trees leading to the lake

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.

The Outdoor Sports Centre

Based near Bassett in Southampton, this huge outdoor space has big fields and small hills that are perfect for running around.

Parking is at the top of the hill but it’s free to use. All the paths are paved as via the huge hill at the start, the rest is flat and perfect for bikes and scooters or anyone with mobility issues.

There’s toilets by the tennis courts, plenty of space for a picnic or games and if your kids are older, have a look at the Active Nation website as they offer a range of sports during the summer months including dry skiing.

Keep walking to the back of the park and you’ll come across The Pleasure Park, which hosts small kids rides for very low prices. Our favorite is the huge wavy slide.

There’s a playground by The Pleasure Park too which is gated.

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.

Read more about Telegraph Woods here.

Weston Shore

Plenty of parking either end, this is a shingle beach with a playground on the beach and a tarmac path that is perfect for scooters and bikes.

Toilets and the cafe are open seasonally.

You can park along the road or in one of the two free car parks.

Take the kids scooters or bikes as the ground is flat. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon walk.

SeaCity Museum

This museum is great for colder or rainy days when you need to do something inside. This opened on the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s departure from the city.

The museum is based on the Civic Centre which also holds the police station and court.

You can watch re-enactments from survivors while really seeing what it was like to be on the Titanic. There are loads for the kids to do too. This is interactive and a great way to introduce the story to the younger generation.

Southampton Art Gallery

Family-friendly, the gallery is home to over 3,500 works, ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary video art.

Exhibitions change regularly so there’s always something to do and see. Opening times are Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.

The Southampton Treasure Hunt Trail

Like the two above, this is a hunt that takes you through the old city of Southampton. This is self-guided and shows you the old walls and buildings of this great city. It’s not very assailable though as there’s loads of stairs and small walk ways.

Historic Southampton Guided Walks

This can be guided or self-guided. You’ll be surprised where the old walls can take you. Many of the old buildings have arrows and signs that lead you on to the next building.

Start at the Bargate at walk the old paths towards the ancient monuments, Georgian houses and medieval churches. Don’t forgot to walk along the old walls too.

Tudor House and Garden

Built-in the 15th century, Tudor House is half-timbered and was renovated to show the world how the Tudors lived and worked.

Every room in the house is dedicated to showing what the Tudor times were like for different families. Make sure you visit the gardens too as they show a stunning side to such a dark piece of our history.

Solent Sky Museum

Back in the 20th century, Southampton was a huge aviation manufacturer. Solent Sky Museum is a great place to come and explore the very best in aviation.

With over 15 complete airframes which include the Spitfire and Supermarine, you can really get a fill for what these planes were like.

This is an interactive museum with accounts of what it was like to build these planes and fly them.

Southampton Common Country Park

This lovely common just outside of the main city is a green getaway. Parking can be found throughout the outer rim of the country park. It’s perfect for bikes, prams and those with limited mobility as the paths are all paved. The country park has a cafe and toilets near the playground plus a huge amount of space for the whole family to explore.

Oasis Down to Earth Farm

This small community led farm is a great place for all ages. The opening times can differ so please do check before you travel. They have a small car park on-site but have a great selection of animals and can show the kids how to really look after their local wildlife.

Aldermoor Community Farm

This is a small farm that grows food in a sustainable way. Please check the opening times before you visit. This farm is a great way to show the kids how to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Longdown Activity Farm

This farm is great for all ages. It has all the farm animals you’d expect from a working farm that you can feed and help look after.

They have great indoor activities as well for raining days.

Our favourite playgrounds are:

Octavia road play area

Kathryn close play area

Doorstep play area

Mansel park

St Denys road play area

Albany play area

Sholing road park

Peartree road play area

Weston parade play area

St James Park

Houndwell play park

Holy rood play park

Mayflower park

Milton road play area

Wittering road play area

Mayfield park

Freemantle Lake park

Shirley pond park

Things to do in Portsmouth

The Victory in Historic Dockyard

Never be stuck for what to do again. Here are loads of things to do in Portsmouth that are fun for the whole family. Find more things to do in Portsmouth here.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

This country park lies within the South Downs National Park. It offers loads of family fun into loads of walks, cycle paths and playgrounds. Car parking charges do apply but it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Porchester Castle

Porcester 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.

Read more about Porchester Castle and what to do here.

Southsea Sea Front

Southsea Sea Front is a great if your family want to go scootering or for a bike ride on a flat surface. Opposite the Seafront there is a huge green field that hosts a great playground as well as a great space for picnics and games.

Walk along the seafront a bit more and you’ll come to the lighthouse and Henry 8th Fort that the kids can walk around. The fields this side are hilly but they are great to stand atop to watch the incoming ships come in.

Wherever you park along the seafront you have to pay but they do have toilets either end of the piers and plenty of places to sit down if the kids get tired.

All the paths are flat and there are so many ways you can go!

Read more what to do at Southsea Sea Front here.

Royal Armouries Fort Nelson

Open all year round, let your kids run free in this amazing 19 acres of grass ramparts, underground tunnels and views.

Home to the over 350 guns that tell our history through the ages. Live firing takes place every day and professional actors recreate history and are happy to answer any questions you may have! Free guided tours are also available.

Read more about what to do at Fort Nelson here.

Charles Dickins Museum

This museum is great for all Dickins fans. They offer loads of family events including a self-guided trail around the house.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

This dockyard is a full day out for the whole family. It’s interactive and really digs deep into navel history.

The Portsmouth Mystery Treasure Trail

This trail takes about 2-hours to complete. It takes you around the city in a “murder mystery” course. This is great for older kids who love to work things out.

Portsmouth City Museum

Reminiscent of a fairy tale castle, with turrets and pointed roofs, Portsmouth City museum may look like something out of a story but it’s actually a former barracks.

It’s a great place to visit to get an idea of what it was like to live in the city and how things have changed over the years.

It’s open daily from 10am to 530pm

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.

Clarence Pier

Visit this old style funfair right on the beach. It has arcades and loads of rides for different ages.

D-Day Museum and Overload Embroidery

This is a great museum for the whole family that walks you through what happened during the World War and gives you a real insight into what life was like. This is right on the seafront and is paired great with a walk on the beach.

Portsmouth Natural History Museum

This free museum houses a huge butterfly collection and walks you through the history of the city. This is a great rainy day venue!

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.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a public park by the Portsmouth Guildhall. It’s a huge grass area that is perfect for picnics and playing outdoor games with the family.

Our favourite playgrounds are:

Leesland park
Megson park
Southsea common play area
Landport Adventure playground
Cosham park
Southsea Skatepark

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Things to do in Winchester

Giraffe in the blue sky

Here are things to do in Winchester that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy whatever the weather. Read more about what to do in Winchester here.

Adjutant General’s Corps Museum The Guardhouse (Winchester)

This museum is in the Guard House of Peninsula Barracks in Winchester and is great if your kids are learning about The Second World War. It holds personal accounts of the time plus the Queens own driving permit which is on loan to the museum

The Winchester Treasure Trail

This trail takes a couple of hours and takes you through the old city. You can walk through some historic gardens and really get a fill of the city as a whole.

Marwell Zoo

This zoo is great for the whole family. It takes a full day to get around the whole park which is full of animals from all over the world.

Winchester Science Centre

This interactive museum is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Let the kids touch and play with all the exhibits while learning how things really work. They have an outdoor play area, soft play inside, and a huge planetarium for those who love space.

Winchester Cathedral

This huge cathedral not only has beautiful gardens but is also a wonder in itself. Walk around the accident rooms and let your kids explore this age-old building by touch and sight.

Winchester Castle and Great Hall

Right in the center of Winchester, this crown jewel is steeped in history. Look around the great hall and let your kids run outside to the full view of the city center.

National Trust City Mill

This museum really goes into detail on how flour is turned into bread and how the machines work. They go through the history of the mill while making it interactive and fun.

Wolvesey Castle

Close to Winchester Cathedral, this castle is great for kids who love exploring. Parts of the castle are uneven but it’s a great place to pair with exploring the main city.

Winchester City Museum

This interactive museum walks you through the Iron Age and what it was like to live in that time. You can handle real artifacts and try your hand at being an archaeologist.

The Royal Green Jackets Museum

This small museum is great for rainy days. It’s close to the city center and has a great cafe on-site too.

The Gurkha Museum

This museum goes through the history of the Gurkha’s. There’s so much to see and do here and it’s perfect if you are looking for something to do with older kids.

Westgate Museum

Set in the middle of Winchester, this museum gives you a real insight into Tudor life. Walk around and explore the halls and really get to know what life would have been like.

Winnall Moors Nature Reserve

This is a great bike trail for the whole family. The paths are surfaced and overlook the water meadow. The full walk is about 5-miles long.

Queen Eleanor’s Gardens

Right by The Great Hall, these gardens are beautiful and fun to run around. Great to walk around on a sunny day.

Keat’s Walk

This walk is about two hours long. It starts at the Winchester Tourist Information Centre and passes through St Cross. The river is a great place to relax for a picnic and the path is mostly stone and paved so fine for buggies or bikes.

Farley Mount Country Park

On the downs, a few miles west of Winchester lies Farley Mount Country Park. This is a large area of open countryside and woods, including chalk down grassland, Forestry Commission plantation and the Ancient woodland Nature Reserve, Crabwood. Here you will find plenty of trails, wooden play areas hidden within the trees, den building and beautiful wildlife to take in. There are plenty of areas to park up and at and walk from so you may want to do a little research prior to visiting so you can pick the perfect spot for you and your family.

River Itchen

Running through the city of Winchester is the River Itchen. As it leaves the city it passes by St. Catherines Hill and continues onto Southampton. You can follow it via different trails and each are just as interesting as the others.

As I said, you can head towards St.Catherines Hill (also a great place for the kids) and follow it along the footpath here, past St.Catherines Wheel and up to the viaduct. You could also enjoy sitting by it on the opposite side of the road where there is a large green area with tennis courts.

This is a popular spot in the summer and the river provides the best way to cool off on a hot day. I have seen people bring their inflatables down to enjoy the summer in a typically British fashion! A little further down the road is a more secluded walkway which I only discovered myself just last year.

The path runs parallel to the one at St.Catherine’s Hill and eventually brings you to The Church of the Hospital of St.Cross. There are free roaming cows here so do be cautious with your smaller children. However, just around the side of the church you could set up a picnic on the grassy area and enjoy soaking up some of the history that this city has to offer.

Winchester City Museum

Explore the rich history of Winchester in the three galleries that take you through time. Family friendly, there are loads of hands on activities to keep all ages amused from becoming a detective and solving the museum spotter trail to dressing up as a Roman and finding out what life was really like as a solider back then.

Open times are Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Our favourite playgrounds are:

Bradley road play area
Olivers battery Rec
Oram’s Arbour park

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.

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