There is so much to in Hampshire over the weekend. Regardless of the weather, there’s loads of things to do in Hampshire this weekend.
There are so many top attractions that are perfect for the whole family. We’ve included everything from outdoor activities to indoor ideas.
Some of these are great New Forest activities that you can do treasure hunts on or that are dog friendly. Have an adventure day throughout Hampshire with these top days out ideas.
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 list of things to do in Hampshire with kids. Use this to find something to do.
The Biggest List of Things to do in Basingstoke With Kids – Basingstoke has loads to offer the whole family which includes loads of green spaces, shopping and museums.
The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids – Walk around Southampton Walls or visit one of the many museums that Southampton has to offer.
21 Portsmouth Attractions for the Whole Family – Portsmouth is more than just the seafront. The city has so many museums, castles and green spaces.
A Huge Guide to Things to do in New Forest – We love the New Forest! There is so much to do with the whole family which includes museums, the open green spaces and trails.
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Things going on in Hampshire this weekend
Looking for something to do this weekend in Hampshire? Then have a look at our 52 ideas here. We have everything from rainy day ideas to full blown summer days.
Things to do in North Hampshire this weekend
1. Alice Holt Forest Country Park (Farnham)
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.
As you drive in the machine takes your number plate. The car park is huge but it does fill up really quickly. We turned up at 10am and parked by the entrance but by about 230pm it was one in one out in the car park. The machines only take card currently.
You can find Alice Holt at Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham.
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.
You can find Watercress Line at The Railway Station, Station Road, New Alresford SO24 9JG.
3. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (Farnborough)
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.
You can find Farnborough Air Sciences Trust at Trenchard House, 85 Farnborough Rd, Farnborough GU14 6TF.
4. 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.
5. Finkley Down Farm Park (Andover)
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. Finkley Down Farm Park has so much to offer the whole family.
You can find Finkley Down Farm Park at North Way, Andover SP11 6NF.
6. The Hawk Conservancy Trust (Andover)
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.
You can find The Hawk Conservancy Trust at Sarson Lane, Andover SP11 8DY.
7. Basingstoke Canal (Basingstoke)
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.
You can find Basingstoke Canal at Basingstoke Canal Towpath Trail, Basingstoke.
8. Milestone Museum (Basingstoke)
We love Milestones Museum. Based in Basingstoke, this is an interactive museum that is great for the whole family to enjoy, whatever the weather.
Run by Hampshire Cultural Trust, the Milestones Museum walks you through our history on cobbled streets and through the vehicles we’ve used and the shops we used to visit. This is really is a living history museum that lets you explore and interact with the past.
The gift shop has a range of toys and gifts available from Enamel Badges to cuddly toys to postcards.
You can find Milestone Museum at Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG.
This huge park is a great day out. It has a large selection of animals and other attractions that all ages will love.
You can find Birdworld at Holt Pound Lane, A325, Farnham GU10 4LD.
10. Rural Life Centre (Farnham)
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.
You can find Rural Life Centre at The Reeds Rd, Tilford, Farnham GU10 2DL.
11. Frensham Great Pond (Farnham)
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.
You can find Frensham Great Pond at GU10 2QB.
12. Anstey Park and Curtis Museum (Alton)
These two free activities near Alton are great to pair together for a whole day out. They mix learning about local history with a runabout. Pair these together when half the day is gloomy or a bit wet.
Anstey Park is a big 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 is 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.
You can find Anstey Park and Curtis Museum at High St, Alton GU34 1BA.
13. Chawton House and Jane Austen’s House (Alton)
These two days out are perfect together for older kids.
Chawton 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.
Just a short drive is 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.
You can find Chawton House and Jane Austen’s House at Chawton, Alton GU34 1SJ.
14. Basingstoke Knights Realm Adventure Golf and Eastrop Park (Basingstoke)
This is a great summer day out for the whole family of all ages.
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.
Eastrop Park is 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.
You can find Eastrop Park at Eastrop Ln, Basingstoke RG21 4QB.
15. Wills Museum and Crabtree Plantation (Basingstoke)
These are perfect for a windy or cloudy day when you all need to get out of the house.
Open all year round, Wills Museum 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 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.
You can find Crabtree Plantation is London Rd, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7HB.
16. Museum of Farnham and Farnham Park (Farnham)
This lovely museum is free to enter and is packed full of Farnham’s local history. This is great for older kids who want to know all about their town.
Farnham Park 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.
You can find the Museum at Farnham at 38 West St, Farnham GU9 7DX.
17. Winchester City Museum (Winchester)
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.
You can find Winchester City Museum at The Square, Winchester SO23 9ES.
18. Farley Mount Country Park (Winchester)
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.
You can find Farley Mount Country Park at Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2NQ.
19. Winchester Science Centre (Winchester)
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.
You can find Winchester Science Centre at Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ.
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.
You can find Marwell Zoo at Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH.
Things to do in South Hampshire this weekend
21. Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum (Bursledon)
This museum is perfect for the whole family in all weathers. Explore the old working machinery and try out the old arcade games.
You can find Bursledon Brickworks at Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7HB.
22. Royal Victoria Country Park (Southampton)
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.
You can find Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5GA.
23. Lakeside Country Park (Eastleigh)
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.
You can find Lakeside Country Park at Wide Lane, Eastleigh SO50 5PD.
24. Manor Farm and Country Park (Eastleigh)
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.
You can find Manor Farm at Pyland’s Lane, Southampton SO31 1BH.
25. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (Romsey)
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.
You can find Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Jermyns Ln, Romsey SO51 0QA.
Paulton’s Park is the home of Peppa Pig World and is a family theme park based in Romsey in Hampshire and is close to the New Forest National Park. Paultons Park has over 70 fun rides and attractions that are perfect for the whole family right down to babies right up to adults. Even older children will love this amusement park.
Paulton’s Park is the world’s first Peppa Pig World and has a range of attractions that cross from thrill-seekers to smaller rides for younger kids.
You can find Paultons Park at Romsey SO51 6AL.
27. Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens (Romsey)
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.
You can find Mottisfont Abbey at Mottisfont Ln, Mottisfont, Romsey SO51 0LP.
28. The Outdoor Sports Centre (Southampton)
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.
You can find The Outdoor Sports Centre at Thornhill Rd, Bassett, Southampton SO16 7AY.
29. Telegraph Woods (Southampton)
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.
You can find Telegraph Woods at Telegraph Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 3EX.
30. Tudor House and Garden (Southampton)
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.
You can find Tudor House and Garden at Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD.
31. Southampton Common Country Park (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.
32. Longdown Activity Farm (Southampton)
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.
You can find Longdown Activity Farm at Deerleap Ln, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH.
33. Hamble Spy Mission Treasure Trail and Bursledon Windmill (Hamble)
Start in Hamble doing the 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 are loads of great picnic spots as well.
In the afternoon, try Bursledon Windmill. It 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.
34. Deer Leap (Southampton)
Deer Leap is just down the road from Longdown Activity Farm. It looks like a dirt trek when you drive down but then opens up to a big car park.
The ground is mostly flat with a gravel path. The ground is great for bike riding, seeing horses through the dense tress. There’s loads of space for picnics and the walk takes you right through to Lymington, which takes about an hour or so at a steady walk.
You can find Deer Leap at Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH.
35. The Eling Experience (Totton)
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.
You can find The Eling Experience at Eling Hill, Totton, Southampton SO40 9HF.
Things to do in East Hampshire this weekend
Looking for something to do in East Hampshire? Then come try these amazing activities.
36. Staunton Country Park (Emsworth)
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.
You can find Staunton Country Park at Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB.
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.
You can find Stansted Park at Stansted House, Rowland’s Castle PO9 6DX.
38. Emsworth Habour (Emsworth)
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.
You can find Emsworth Habour at Thorney Rd, Emsworth PO10 8BP.
39. Holly Hill Woodland Park (Fareham)
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 Ln, Sarisbury Green, Southampton SO31 7BH.
40. Little Woodham Living History Village (Fareham)
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.
It can be hard to find as it’s tucked behind a new housing estate and down a small dirt road. They have toilets and a small shop for sweet treats.
You can find Little Woodham Living History Village at Grange Farm House, Barrington Cl, Howe Rd, Gosport PO13 8NZ.
41. Lee On Solent Beach (Fareham)
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.
You can find Lee-On-Solent at Marine Parade E, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9LA.
42. Funland Hayling Island (Hayling Island)
This is a funfair perfect for all ages. It offers outside and indoor rides with a mix of the traditional arcade games too.
You can find Hayling Island Funland at The, Sea Front, Hayling Island PO11 0AG.
43. Portchester Castle (Portsmouth)
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.
You can find Portchester Castle at Church Lane, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9QW.
44. Southsea Sea Front (Portsmouth)
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!
You can find Southsea Sea front at Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9RG.
45. Royal Armouries Fort Nelson (Portsmouth)
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.
You can find Fort Nelson at Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, Portsmouth, Fareham PO17 6AN.
46. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Portsmouth)
This dockyard is a full day out for the whole family. It’s interactive and really digs deep into navel history. It features the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and The Warrior. The dockyard has three cafes and loads to do for all ages.
You can find Portsmouth Historic Dockyard at Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ.
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids
- 9 Fun Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly
- 33 Half Term Activities in Hampshire That Are Free
47. Kidz Island South Parade (Portsmouth)
A great place for younger kids. This old school funfair is run on a band system. There are plenty of food stalls for all tastes and arcades for the older kids. This is right on the beach so perfect for a sunny weekend.
You can find Kids Island at S Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 0SW.
Things to do in West Hampshire this weekend
48. Beaulieu National Motor Museum (Brockenhurst)
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.
You can find Beaulieu National Motor Museum at John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN,
49. Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum (Brockenhurst)
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.
You can find Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum at Bashley Cross Rd, Roads BH25 5SZ.
50. Furzey Gardens (Brockenhurst)
Find the fairies while walking around this tranquil garden. It’s got everything you need from bridges to climbing frames.
You can find Furzey Gardens at School Ln, Minstead, Lyndhurst SO43 7GL.
Lepe Country Park has so much to offer the whole family. Lepe Country Park is right on the seafront and has amazing views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent.
From kite flying to surfing, Lepe Country Park has something for everyone, including dog walkers, fishermen, beachgoers, and birdwatchers.
You can find Lepe Country Park, Lepe, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO45 1AD.
52. New Forest Bus Tour (Hythe)
If you are looking for a way to enjoy the New Forest without your car then the New Forest tour by bus is the way to do it.
It is completely family-friendly and a great way to explore the New Forest National Park. The New Forest is the perfect place to find hidden gems in Hampshire. Finding things to do in Brockenhurst and Lymington with the kids can be hard, especially if you don’t know the area very well. The bus tour is the best way to find things to do! Take a picnic with you and hop on and off as much as you like. Make sure you sit on the top deck and get the wonderful open views of the New Forest.
The New Forest Bus Tour runs from 25th June – 18th September.
If you decide to start in Southampton, then you can park at The Pier, Prospect Place, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AU. You can then catch the Hythe Ferry across to Hythe and the train to the bottom of the pier. You can then join the Green Route at Hythe Pier.
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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