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73 Free Days Out in Hampshire For Families

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Free Days Out in Hampshire which includes beaches, museums and quirky ideas

We all have months where money is tight and needing free days out ideas for the whole family is a must. Staying in can be fun but when the kids are bouncing off the way, there’s only one thing for it, to get out!

There’s no need to spend your monthly wage on a trip out. We have loads of free days out in Hampshire ideas for the whole family that will keep you all busy and amused, no matter the age!

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

The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire – This is our biggest guide to things to do in Hampshire. Find a day out here and enjoy a day with your family.

A Huge Guide to the Best Beaches in Hampshire – Hampshire has so many amazing beaches that are just waiting for you to explore.

The Full List of Country Parks in Hampshire – This is our full list of country parks in Hampshire. Enjoy a day out and explore everything that Hampshire has to offer.

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!

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.

Have a look at our things to do in Hampshire guide here.

Outside Free Days Out

A duck family in a field

Hampshire Country Parks

Explore Hampshire’s countryside by visiting one of it’s country parks. Take the bikes and scooters and see what you can find. Some even offer free parking and have a playground and picnic benches for you to enjoy! Have a look at our full list of country parks here.

North Hampshire

These are the best country parks in North Hampshire. North Hampshire is full of country parks that offer a rich heritage and fun for everyone. Make sure you explore the play areas while enjoying the history of these wonderful parks.

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

The Biggest List of Things to do in Basingstoke With Kids – This is our biggest list of things to do in Basingstoke.

The Best Things to do in Andover with Kids – We love Andover. There is so much to do for the whole family.

The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Winchester – Winchester is full of history. Walk around the old roads and enjoy everything that Winchester has to offer your family.

1.St Catherine’s Hill (Winchester)

St Catherine's Hill, Winchester in Hampshire

With it’s vast landscape and stunning views, St Catherine’s Hill in Winchester is a great day out for the whole family. You don’t have to walk to the top of the hill either to get the best views of Winchester. 

This stunning land is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the general public who want to enjoy everything this beautiful chalk downland has to offer. 

Parking is completely free on Garnier Road just before the bridge over the river. The postcode for the car park is SO23 9PA. If the car park is full then keep driving over the bridge and there is a few places on the side of the road. 

This 47 hectares nature reserve offers the whole family stunning views, historic interest, and grazing animals. Walking on the trail you could see anything from butterflies in wildflowers to cattle and sheep throughout the whole year. 

You can find St. Catherine’s Hill at Winchester SO23 9PA.

2. Brickfields Country Park (Aldershot)

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.

You can find Brickfields Country Park at Boxalls Lane, Aldershot GU11 3QJ.

3. Wellington Country Park (Reading)

Wellington Country Park is a 350 acres site that you can enjoy. Part of it is chargeable but it does have a huge dinosaur trail, crazy golf, two playgrounds and a farm. There is also a huge cafe that is perfect if you need lunch or snacks.

You can find Wellington Country Park at Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP.

4. Alice Holt Country Park (Farnham)

Alice Holt Country Park playground

Alice Holt Country Park is right on the edge of Hampshire. It’s full of fun-packed family trails that can keep the whole family amused for the whole day.

Based near Farnham, Alice Holt forest and country park is about 53 minutes from central Southampton. It’s easy to find and well sign-posted.

Alice Holt is perfect for dogs too. Dogs do need to be on leads in the central area but in the forest, they are free to roam.

There’s loads of off-road treks you can take. These aren’t all assessable but are great for climbing over fallen trees and spotting wildlife.

They have loads of places you can have a picnic throughout the country park or even enjoy their own cafe which serves a range of hot food and sweet treats.

You can find Alice Holt Country Park at Farnham GU10 4LS.

5. Old Down Woodland Park (Basingstoke)

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.

You can find Old Down Woodland Park at 49 Firecrest Road, Basingstoke RG22 5UL.

6. Bassetts Mead Country Park (Hook)

Bassetts Mead Country Park offers free parking and is a great circular walk. It takes you along the riverfront which is great for spotting fish and other water creatures. Explore the fields and long grass for the local wildlife too.

You can find Bassetts Mead Country Park at London Rd, Hook RG27 9EH.

7. Farley Mount Country Park (Winchester)

With loads of places to park, little in-lays really, this country park is great if you love to explore. There are plenty of places for a picnic and a bike ride, plus the views from the actual mount are stunning.

You can find Farley Mount Country Park at Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2JG.

8. Yateley Common Country Park (Yateley)

Mostly flat, Yateley Common Country Park is the perfect place to fish with the kids or bird watch while enjoying a family picnic. Bring the bikes as the ground is mostly flat. They have free parking within an easy walk of the park.

You can find Yateley Common Country Park at Yateley GU46 6BE.

South Hampshire

These are the best country parks in South Hampshire. If you are looking for a seafront day out then a trip to one of the South Hampshire country parks should be on your list. Dip your feet in the water or enjoy a walk throughout the forests that surround these country parks.

If you are looking for more to do in South Hampshire then have a look at:

The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids – We love Southampton. There is so much to do for all ages including walking the walls or visiting one of the many soft plays.

11 Fun Things to do in Eastleigh for the Whole Family – Eastleigh is a great place to visit if you have different aged kids. Make sure you visit the country park then take a trip into the middle of the town.

Things to do in Romsey with Kids – There is so much to do in Romsey. Make sure you visit the park and walk through the old town.

9. Lakeside (Eastleigh)

Based off of a busy main road, this amazing country park is packed full of things to do. Make sure you ride on the little train while enjoying the whole fishing lake. Take a picnic to enjoy the park while seeing how much wildlife you can spot through the woodland. There’s loads of parking on-site with a cafe, shop and toilets.

You can find Lakeside Country Park at Wide Lane, Eastleigh SO50 5PD.

10. Manor Farm Country Park (Hamble)

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.

The farm is fully assessable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There is a slight hill after you enter through so please watch out for that.

Close to Hedge End and Botley, and just 7 miles away from the middle of Southampton, Manor Farm is a great place to enjoy a full family day out.

You can find Manor Farm at Pyland’s Lane, Southampton SO31 1BH.

11. Itchen Valley Country Park (Southampton)

Itchen Valley Country Park is a great place to visit for the whole family. It has huge playgrounds for all ages, trails, and fields.

Set in 440 acres of amazing water meadows, woodland, and fields, Itchen Valley Country Park is right by the River Itchen.

Itchen Valley Country Park has loads of play areas and trails that are perfect for the whole family.

They have two playgrounds. The first is by The Woodland Cafe which is great for younger children, normally under 8s. They have loads of picnic benches around the playground.

The second playground is the opposite end and is great for older kids. Right next to High Hill Field, the playground has everything you need from swings to slides to climbing ropes.

You can find Itchen Valley Country Park at Allington Lane, Southampton SO30 3HQ.

12. Southampton Common (Southampton)

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.

You can find Southampton Common at The Avenue, Southampton SO15 7NN.

13. Lepe Country Park (Hythe)

This country park has a huge car park right by the seafront. It is a stony beach at the start but if you keep walking then it starts to become sand. If you catch the tide right then you can walk out a long way into the sea. They have a great cafe as well as toilets on site.

You can find Lepe Country Park at Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD.

14. River Hamble Country Park (Southampton)

Just off of the M27 junction 8, River Hamble Country Park is a great place to visit for the whole family. Run by Hampshire County Council, River Hamble Country Park is set in acres of land that you are free to explore and enjoy.

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.

You can find River Hamble Country Park at Pyland’s Lane, Southampton SO31 1BH.

15. Royal Victoria Country Park (Netley Abbey)

Royal Victoria Country Park Hospital

Royal Victoria Country Park is steeped in local heritage with its old military hospital, open fields, woodland, beach, and an amazing playground.

One of the best things about Royal Victoria Country Park is that it’s completely flat which makes it great for pushchairs and bikes. The fields are vast which are great for family-filled games like football or rounders. You can follow the woodland trails past the cafe and play area through the forest and really enjoy the local wildlife.

Royal Victoria Country Park’s play area can be found near the cafe and offers all kinds of fun for all ages. It has a range of fully accessible play equipment and a huge climbing frame, slide, zip wire, and swings.

You can find Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5GA.

East Hampshire

Regardless of what you are looking for, from wildlife to paths un-walked, make sure you visit these country parks that offer the whole family a day out they will never forget.

If you are looking for more to do in East Hampshire then have a look at:

21 Portsmouth Attractions for the Whole Family – These are the best attractions in Portsmouth for the whole family.

The Best 31 Things to do in Fareham – Visit Fareham and enjoy playgrounds and walks through the town.

What to do at Southsea Sea Front – Southsea Sea Front has so much to offer different ages from their amusement parks to there playgrounds and the beach.

16. Alver Valley Country Park (Lee-on-the-Solent)

Full of lovely wild flowers 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.

You can find Alver Valley Country Park at Cherque Way, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 8BH.

17. Staunton Country Park (Havant)

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.

They have a little gift and cafe shop that is a great place to buy gifts like Custom Enamel Pins and cuddly toys.

You can find Staunton Country Park at Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB.

18. Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Horndean)

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.

You can find Queen Elizabeth Country Park at Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE.

19. Titchfield Haven Country Park (Fareham)

This is a huge country park that is a home for birds and other wildlife. See what you can spot on the many trails throughout the high grass. Check out their website for ideas on walks as is a great one near the canal and other over-looking the sea.

You can find Titchfield Haven at Cliff Road, Fareham PO14 3JT.

West Hampshire

Surrounded by the New Forest, spot off in one of the little car parks to explore these amazing country park without the crowds.

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

Things to do in Lymington With Kids – Lymington is a small town right by the water that gives you stunning views.

The Best List of Things to do in Ringwood Hampshire – Ringwood is a great town with loads to do for the whole family, and it’s not far from the beach either!

The Best Things to do in Barton on Sea – We love Barton on Sea. There is so much to do for the whole family.

20. New Forest National Park

A lot of the landscape is flat and is great for long cycle rides and walks with the whole family. Many of the walks are signposted too.

Pick a spot and see how many ponies you can spot or donkey’s that roam free.

Our favourite places to stop are The Cricket Ground which is a huge area that can get busy in the summer but is great for kids to ride their bikes as the grass is kept low.

Boulderwood is another great place with parking and toilets. If you are really lucky then you may spot some deer wandering in the woods.

The best places in the New Forest though are those that you find off the beaten road. Take a drive and find your own little bit of treasure.

21. Moors Valley Country Park (Ringwood)

Moors Valley Country Park has everything you need for a fun day out with the whole family. They have acres of land which has multiple playgrounds, trails and picnic areas.

Find Moors Valley Country Park at Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET.

Beaches in Hampshire

Beach with reeds

From traditional sand to fun on the stones, we really do have some cracking beaches in Hampshire. Our full list of the best Hampshire beaches can be found here.

South Hampshire

These are the best beaches in the South of Hampshire.

22. Royal Victoria Country Park (Southampton)

Victoria Country Park has a great stony beach that is perfect for a dip when the sun is out. Being right inside the country park, you can enjoy everything it has to offer including a huge playground, great cafe and wide open fields.

You can find Victoria Country Park at Netley Abbey, Southampton SO31 5GA.

23. Calshot Beach (Southampton)

Close to Lepe Country Park, this shingle beach is a great place to visit for the whole family. On a clear day you can see the Isle of Wight and the Spinnaker Tower. Keep walking along the beach and you’ll come to Calshot Castle which was built by Henry VIII.

You can find Calshot Beach at Calshot Close, Calshot, Southampton SO45 1BP.

24. Lepe Beach (Southampton)

A stony beach with patches of sand, Lepe has lots to offer! It was a tarmac path along the seafront and plenty of rock pools when the tide goes out. There’s a huge car park right by the beach and a playground a short walk up the hill.

You can find Lepe Country Park at Country Park Lepe, Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD.

25. Weston Shore (Southampton)

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.

You can find Weston Shore at Southampton SO19 9TA.

East Hampshire

26. Beachlands (Hayling Island)

This pebble beach is eight kilometers long on the western end of the seafront. With everything Hayling Island has to offer, Beachlands also includes a fairground and amusement arcades close by.

During the summer months dogs are restricted so please see the council website for updates.

Beachlands can be found at Hayling Island, PO11 0AG.

27. Hayling Island Beach (Havant)

This beach is over 3-miles long and is a mix of sand and shingles. You can easily see the Isle of Wight from here and watch all the ships pass.

There is parking close by and a few little shops and takeaway outlets to buy snacks from.

Hayling Island Beach can be found at Sea Front, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0AG.

28. Southsea (Portsmouth)

Southsea Sea Front D-Day Museum

Southsea beach is a long shingle beach with slopes down to the sea.

At one end you have the fair and the other a big recreation area with green space and a huge canoe lake. There’s also plenty of parking and a playground and small water park on site. 

West Hampshire

29. Tanners Lane Beach (Lymington)

You can park really close to the beach. Watch the tide though as it can be rough for swimming at times. There are pondweeds too but if the kids just want to throw stones or enjoy a stony beach then this is perfect.

You can find Tanners Lane Beach at Lymington SO41 5SP.

30. Hurst Spit Beach (New Forest)

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.

You can find Hurst Spit Beach at Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0TP.

Free Things to do Printables

If you are looking for ideas on what to do in Hampshire then have a look at our free Resource Vault. Our vault is full of printables that you can use as many times as you like.

Join our free Resource Vault here

 (By joining giving us your email address you are consenting to us emailing you about our other travel, home and lifestyle ideas. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every email.)

Walks in Hampshire

Looking for somewhere to take the kids for a picnic or a bike ride? Our full list of walks in Hampshire is here but our favourite are below.

North Hampshire

31. Black Dam Ponds (Basingstoke)

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.

You can find Black Dam Ponds at Basingstoke RG21 3QR.

32. River Itchen (Winchester)

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.

Start the trail at Winchester City Mill, Bridge Street, SO23 9BH.

33. The Zig-Zag (Selborne)

The path zig-zags, as you can probably gather from its name, but as you take each step and gradually get higher above the quaint village (and more out of breath!) it is most definitely worth it, the views from the top are amazing! From here you can choose to either walk back down or to investigate the surrounding woodlands which can also lead you back down to the car park.

You can park just off the high Street at GU34 3JR.

34. Farley Mount (Winchester)

There’s loads of places to walk in Farley Mount. Apart from the actual mount itself which is great to run up, there’s loads of different paths through the woods or fields depending on what you are looking for.

You can find Farley Mount at Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2NQ.

35. Jane Austen Walks (Alton)

This is a circular walk that takes you through the heart of Alton. You start at Jane Austen’s house and walk through the fields she walk on too.

You can start this walk at Alton, Chawton, Hampshire, GU34 1SD.

South Hampshire

36. Riverside Park (Southampton)

This long stretch of path goes from The White Swan pub in Mansbridge right up and through Bitterne Park.

There are plenty of places you can park for free which include The White Swan pub and the actual Riverside Park which is right next to Woodmill and the Outdoor Discovery Center.

This car park can get busy in the summer as it’s right next to the Pitch and Putt plus has the Skate Park directly across from it.

Don’t let this put you off though! Whichever way you decide to walk you will encounter a nice flat path that is perfect for kids bikes and scooters with flat grass side by side.

The river is a great place to spot all the local wildlife including ducks and swans. There’s two great children’s play parks either end with loads of benches on the way. 

Riverside Park can be found at Manor Farm Road, Southampton SO18 1NQ.

37. Telegraph Woods (Southampton)

Trees in 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 trees 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.

You can find Telegraph Woods at Telegraph Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 3EX.

Hampshire Trails available in most towns

These trails are normally made by the local council. Visit the local Travel and Tourism shop to get a print out (normally for a charge) or get the kids to make their own by giving them a list of local attractions.

East Hampshire

38. Holly Hill Woodland Park (Fareham)

stepping stones over the river

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.

You can find Holly Hill Woodland Park at 123 Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton SO31 7BH.

39. Canoe Lake (Portsmouth)

Just off the seafront, this stunning lake is perfect to visit for the whole day with the children. It has a cafe, toilets and loads of space for picnics. Play around the lake or even bring a net and see what animals you can see.

You can find Canoe Lake at Canoe Lake, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9RG.

40. Victoria Park (Portsmouth)

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.

You can find Victoria Park at 3 Stanhope Rd, Portsmouth PO1 3HJ.

West Hampshire

41. New Forest National Park (Brockenhurst)

The New Forest has loads of nooks to park and walk-in. Our favourite is The Cricket Ground as it has everything you need for a great day out. The ground is flat for ball games and the small river that trickles past is great for a dip on a hot day.

42. Keyhaven (Lymington)

This little beach has a great view with a small harbour. It has three car parks and a cafe on-site.

You can find Keyhaven at what3words ///imprinted.motivations.armed.

43. Butser Hill (South Downs)

This walk isn’t for the faint-hearted but is great for the kids. Roll down the hills and run off some steam through the untouched greenland of the South Downs.

You can find Butser Hill at Limekiln Lane, Petersfield, East Hampshire, GU31 5SP.

44. Deer viewing at Bolderwood (New Forest)

Bolderwood has everything you could need for a day out in the New Forest. It has plenty of parking, toilets in site and a great walk that is perfect for the whole family. If you are extra lucky you may see the famous deer wandering through the trees.

You can find Bolderwood at Ornamental Drive, Nr Lyndhurst, SO43 7GE.

45. Geospotting

There are loads of free Geospotting apps that are perfect to get the whole family out and about. The prizes are normally something like a picture or another clue for the next prize.

46. Cruise Ship hunt

Visit any seafront location in southern Hampshire and you’ll sure to see some cruise ships. Make a list of the ships you want to see and spot as many as you can.

47. Treasure Spotting

Want something a bit different? Have a day out in Hampshire and see what local treasures you can spot from local wildlife to historic monuments.

Castles in Hampshire

We are so lucky to have the best castles in Hampshire. Explore as many as you can throughout the county and have an amazing day out learning about all the history that follows.Hampshire has been home to some of Britain’s most famous historic figures. Among our stately homes and huge gardens, we also have grand castles that have seen kings and queens roam there halls.

North Hampshire

48. Odiham Castle (Hook)

Known as King John’s Castle, Odiham Castle is well known for being the host of the signing of the Magna Carta. It may be in ruins now but these grounds are steeped in local history.

You can find Odiham Castle at North Warnborough, Hook, RG29 1HQ.

49. The Vyne House and Gardens (Basingstoke)

This huge Tudor house was built in the 16th Century by Henry VIII’s for Lord Sandys, who was his Lord Chamberlain. Many famous people have walked this red-bricked mansions hall including Jane Austen herself, Anne Boleyn, and Horace Walpole.

The gardens are huge, around 13-acres that are included in the price of the ticket. Let the kids explore this amazing home while running around the gardens.

Parking is free on-site and they have a great cafe that caters to kids, including kids’ meals and snacks. They also have loads of picnic benches throughout the grounds if you prefer to bring your own.

You can find The Vyne at Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9HL.

50. Wolvesey Castle (Winchester)

Wolvesey Castle may be in ruins now, but it’s still an amazing setting and steeped in history. It housed Philip of Spain and Mary Tudor’s wedding feast and is the ideal place for family picnics.

You can find Wolvesey Castle at College Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9NB.

51. Winchester Cathedral (Winchester)

Right in the center of Winchester, Winchester Cathedral is a magnificent building that is home to some big names like Jane Austen and many Saxon kings.

Charges do apply to walk around the cathedral. Being based right in the middle of city, there is loads of parking and all the paths are pushchair friendly. There are plenty of places to eat near the Cathedral or bring a picnic as there is loads of open green space too.

You can find Winchester Cathedral at 9 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LS.

52. The Great Hall (Winchester)

Also known as Winchester Castle, The Great Hall is right in the middle of Winchester and is home to the legend of King Arther. The table has been dated as being made in the 13th or early 14th century. The hall is free to visit and makes a great day out with the Cathedral.

You can find The Great Hall at Castle Avenue, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8U.

53. Chawton House (Alton)

Owned by Jane Austen’s brother, Chawton House is the place that Jane Austen used to stroll around while creating her books. This Elizabethan manor is steeped in history and is great for the whole family who can really enjoy what life was like for Jane at the time. Chawton House has on-site parking and huge grounds for you to explore as well.

You can find Chawton House at Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ.

South Hampshire

54. Mottisfont Abbey (Romsey)

With its huge gardens and sweeping windows, Mottisfont Abbey is the perfect family-friendly day out for the whole family. They offer free guided tours that are family-based so that everyone gets to fully explore these amazing grounds. Mottisford also looks after over 1000 acres of woodland that is ideal to explore.

They have picnic benches throughout the grounds and an on-site cafe that caters to everyone.

You can find Mottisfont Abbey near Romsey, SO51 0LP.

55. Netley Abbey (Southampton)

Netley Abbey may be ruins, but it’s a great half-day out with the kids. Just along from Weston Shore, Netley Abbey walls still have all their 13th-century charm to share. Take the kids for a runaround and fully explore the grounds as you’ve never done before. Parking is free of charge but is limited.

You can find Netley Abbey at 1 Abbey Hill, Netley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 5FB.

56. God’s House Tower (Southampton)

Great for older kids, God’s House Tower is the home to local history talks and exhibits about Southampton’s local history.

You can find God’s House Tower at Town Quay Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 2NY.

57. Calshot Castle (Southampton)

Built by Henry VIII, Calshot Castle once protected Southampton’s water from passing ships. Make sure you visit the basement, 1st-floor barracks room, and 2nd-floor gun room to get the full history of the castle. You can bring pushchairs but any of the staircases are really narrow so it’s not recommended.

You can find Calshot Castle at Calshot Road, Calshot, Southampton, SO45 1BR.

East Hampshire

58. Portchester Castle (Portchester)

Front of Portchester Castle

One of our personal favourites, Portchester Castle is an old fortification built by Richard II. It’s like a palace inside and gives you a real feeling of what it was like to live there.

Visiting the outside of the castle and inside the grounds are free. They have the best cafe on-site and encourage you to picnic with the family. Make sure you walk around the outside of the castle walls as the views of the Solent are eye-stopping.

You can find Portchester Castle at Castle Street, Portchester, Hampshire, PO16 9QW.

59. Old Portsmouth (Portsmouth)

This old fort with cobbled streets is steeped in history. You can walk along the old walls starting from the pier in Southsea right down to Gunwharf Quays.

You can find the old fort at Broad Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2JE.

60. Southsea Castle (Portsmouth)

Built-in 1544, Southsea Castle was once a fort that protected the city. Entering the castle gives you amazing views of the coast and a real insight into castle life. The grounds that surround the castle are stunning, great for picnics or a runaround. Parking can be found throughout the city.

You can find Southsea Castle at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PA.

West Hampshire

61. Hurst Castle (Lymington)

Looking over Milford-on-Sea, Hurst Castle was built by Henry VIII in 1544. It is famous for being the prison of Charles 1st and offers amazing views for the Solent.

Make sure you travel down the steps to the dungeon and travel to the East and West wings to see where the gunpowder was kept and how the soldiers lived.

What we love the best is that you can take a ride to the castle using the ferry. Getting to the castle isn’t pushchair-friendly though as it’s all shingles.

You can find Hurst Castle at Keyhaven, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0TP.

Indoor Free Days Out

Free Museums in Hampshire

Looking for somewhere dry to take the kids that’s also free? Try one of these Hampshire museums that are family-friendly and fun. Here’s our full list of our favorite free museums throughout Hampshire.

62. Andover Museum (Andover)

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

You can find Andover Museum at 6 Church Cl, Andover SP10 1DP.

63. Army Medical Services Museum Keogh Barracks (Aldershot)

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.

You can find Army Medical Services Museum at Army Flying Museum, Kentsboro, Stockbridge SO20 8FB.

64. 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

You can find Adjutant General’s Corps Museum at Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS.

65. Southampton City Art Gallery (Southampton)

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.

You can find Southampton City Art Gallery at Civic Centre, Commercial Rd, Southampton SO14 7LY.

66. Curtis Museum (Alton)

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.

You can find Curtis Museum at High St, Alton GU34 1BA.

67. Willis Museum (Basingstoke)

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.

You can find Willis Museum at Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QD.

68. Fort Nelson (Fareham)

This old fort is the perfect place to let the kids run around and explore the old tunnels and grounds. It’s free to enter but there is a parking charge.

You can find Fort Nelson at Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, Portsmouth, Fareham PO17 6AN.

69. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Portmouth)

Enter for free and walk around the grounds that lay home to the Mary Rose and the Victory. It costs to get into each museum but it’s free to walk around and see what they have to offer.

You can find Portsmouth Historic Dockyard at Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ.

70. Portsmouth City Museum (Portmouth)

This museum explores the city’s naval past. It changes regularly so make sure you keep going back to see what they have to offer.

You can find Portsmouth City Museum at Museum Rd, Portsmouth PO1 2LJ.

71. Portsmouth Natural History Museum (Portmouth)

This museum holds everything you need to know about Portsmouth. Make sure you check out the Butterfly House and take advantage of all the fun activities that the center has to offer.

You can find Portsmouth Natural History Museum at A288, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9RF.

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Quirky Days Out in Hampshire

72. Winchester Cathedral (Winchester )

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.

You can find Winchester Cathedral at 9 The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS.

73. The Great Hall (Winchester)

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.

You can find The Great Hall at The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ.

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.

Here are 73 free days out in Hampshire for families that want to get out and about. Everything is included from indoor and out ideas by Laura at Things to do in Hampshire with kids

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