The Biggest List of Things to do in Hampshire

Including free things to do in Hampshire

If you are looking for things to do in Hampshire today with the kids then this post is for you. We have over 87 things to do ideas in Hampshire that are perfect for the whole family.

These are fun for the whole family! Use these days out in Hampshire if you are stuck for ideas on what to do during the summer holidays or at weekends.

If you are looking for more direct ideas or location-based ideas 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 that will keep the whole family amused.

The Best Things to do in Andover with Kids – We love Andover! There is so much to do as a family and loads of great places to explore.

The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids – Southampton has so much to do as a family! Walk around the old walls or explore one of the many museums. Southampton is full of history.

The Full Guide to Things to do in Portsmouth – Right on the seafront, Portsmouth has everything you need for a fun fulled day out.

A Huge Guide to Things to do in New Forest – From beautiful walks to animal parks, the New Forest is a great place to visit to enjoy a different side of Hampshire.

Things to do in Hampshire Guide

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

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

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

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

87 things to do in Hampshire

These 87 things to do in Hampshire are going to keep you all busy and out the house. We’ve mixed up free ideas with some paid one’s too. All will be fun for the whole family including toddlers right up to teens.

We’ve also combined some activities together to make a great day out but they can be done just as an individual activity too.

We have split these up into regions so you can find something to do quickly and easily.

North Hampshire

There is loads to do in North Hampshire with family. Have a look at our Biggest List of Things to do in Basingstoke With Kids here for more ideas.

Animal encounters and Zoos in North Hampshire

These are the best places to visit if you want to see animals in North Hampshire.

Name	Description	Postcode
Andover:
Hawk Conservancy		Sarson Lane, Andover SP11 8DY
Finkley Down Farm		North Way, Andover SP11 6NF
Basingstoke:
Miller’s Ark Animals		Blackstocks Lane, Hook RG27 9PH
Farnham:
Birdworld	This huge park is a great day out. It has a large selection of animals and other attractions that all ages will love	Holt Pound Lane, A325, Farnham GU10 4LD
Sailsbury:
Cholderton Charlies Farm		Amesbury Rd, Cholderton, Salisbury SP4 0EW
Winchester:
Marwell Zoo		Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH

Arts and crafts in North Hampshire

Looking for something different to do with the kids on a rainy day? Then why not try one of these arts and crafts locations.

Name	Description	Postcode
Aldershot:
The Art of Craft		Unit 1, Kingstons Industrial Estate, Kingston’s Industrial Estate, Eastern Rd, Aldershot GU12 4YA
Fairground Craft & Design Centre		The Fairground, Weyhill, Andover SP11 0QN
Basingstoke:
Viables Craft Centre		The Viables Craft Centre, 19 The Harrow Way, Basingstoke RG22 4BJ
Winchester:
BellaCrafts Winchester		13-14, Kings Walk, Silver Hill, Winchester SO23 8AF

Bowling in North Hampshire

Looking for a rainy day activity for the whole family? Then why not have a look at bowling.

Name	Description	Postcode
Andover:
Riverside Bowl		22-30 Bridge St, Andover SP10 1BN
Basingstoke:
Hollywood Bowl		Basingstoke Leisure Park, Worting Rd, Basingstoke RG22 6PG

Castles in North Hampshire

Castles are a great day out for the whole family, no matter there age!

Name	Description	Postcode
Alton:
Chawton House		Chawton, Alton GU34 1SJ
Andover:
Ludgershall Castle & Cross		Castle St, Ludgershall, Andover SP11 9QT
Basingstoke:
Basing House		The St, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7BH
Old Basing Motte and Bailey Castle		Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7DA
Highclere:
Highclere Castle		Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN
Hook:
King John’s Castle		North Warnborough, Hook RG29 1HQ
Winchester:
The Great Hall FREE		The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ
Winchester Cathedral		9 The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS
Wolvesey Castle		College St, Winchester SO23 9NB
The Castle Passageways		Winchester SO23 8UH

Cinemas and theatres in North Hampshire

These are the best cinemas in North Hampshire.

Name	Description	Postcode
Aldershot:
Cineworld Aldershot		Westgate, Unit 5 Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1WG
Andover:
Odeon Andover		Anton Mill Rd, Andover SP10 2RW
Basingstoke:
Odeon Basingstoke		Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way W, Westham, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
Vue Basingstoke		Festival Place New Market Square, Basingstoke RG21 7BB
Farnborough:
Vue Farnborough		Kingsmead Shopping Centre, Queensmead, Farnborough GU14 7SR
Salisbury:
Odeon Salisbury		New Canal, Salisbury SP1 2AA

Country parks and walks

These are the best country parks and walks in North Hampshire.

Name	Description	Postcode
Aldershot:
Brickfields Country Park	This is a hidden gem in Aldershot. It has a huge pond and it has its own car park for easy access.	Boxalls Ln, Aldershot GU11 3QJ
Alton:
Anstey Park Free	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.	Alton GU34 2NB
Selbourne Common Free	Selbourne Common is based west of the village. Selbourne Common has great meadows and woodlands for the whole family to explore.	Alton GU34 3JR
Kings Pond	Kings Pond 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 GU34 2SZ
Jane Austen Circular Walk		Alton, Chawton, Hampshire, GU34 1SD
Andover:
Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve		Rooksbury Mill Local nature Reserve, Barlows Ln, Andover SP10 2HA
Ladies Walk		Andover, Hants, SP10 2DR
Danebury Iron Age Hillfort		Stockbridge SO20 6HZ
Basingstoke:
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.	Redbridge Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7HB
Old Down Woodland Park	This is a huge green space in Basingstoke 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.	49 Firecrest Rd, Basingstoke RG22 5UL
Down Grange Meadow		90 Homesteads Rd, Basingstoke RG22 5LH
Walled Garden		Down Grange Sports Complex, Pack Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire. RG22 4ET
Crabtree Plantation		London Rd, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7HB
Eastrop Park		Eastrop Ln, Basingstoke RG21 4QB
Farnborough:
Manor Park		302 High St, Aldershot GU12 4LT
Rowhill Nature Reserve		Cranmore Ln, Farnham, Aldershot GU11 3BD
Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve		Badshot Lea Rd, Runfold, Farnham GU9 9LY
Farnham:
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. This is a great full-day activity for the whole family.	Farnham GU10 4LS
Bourne Woods		Lower Bourne, Farnham GU10 3RW
Gostrey Meadow		Weyside, Farnham GU9 7RH
Fleet:
Fleet Pond Nature Reserve		23a Wellington Ave, Fleet GU51 3AY
Southwood Woodland		Farnborough GU14 0QG
Hook:
Bassetts Mead Country Park		London Rd, Hook RG27 9EH
Riseley:
Wellington Country Park		Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP
Stockbridge:
Stockbridge Downs		Stockbridge SO20 6HN
Whitchurch:
North Wessex Downs		Hungerford RG17 0UN
Winchester:
Farley Mount Country Park		Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2NQ
St Catherine’s Hill		Bull Drove, Winchester SO23 9PA
The South Downs Way		Exton is just off the A32 near Bishops Waltham
Winnall Moors Nature Reserve		Durngate Pl, Winchester SO23 8DX
Micheldever Forest		A303, Winchester SO21 3SP
Keat’s Walk		Unnamed Road, Winchester SO23 9NG
Yateley:
Yateley Common Country Park		Yateley GU46 6BE

Crazy Golf in North Hampshire

We love crazy golf! These are the best places in North Hampshire.

Name	Description	Postcode
Alton:
Crazy Golf		Caker Ln, Alton GU34 3BF
Andover:
Riverside Bowl		22-30 Bridge St, Andover SP10 1BN
Basingstoke:
Basingstoke Knights Realm Adventure Golf		354 Worting Rd, Basingstoke RG22 5DY
Basingstoke Golf Centre		West Ham Leisure Park, Worting Road, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
Farnham:
Junglemania Adventure Golf		Bowenhurst Ln, Mill Lane, Crondall, Farnham GU10 5HP
Winchester:
Marwell Resort Adventure Golf		Marwell Activity Centre, Winchester SO21 1EZ

Fruit Picking in North Hampshire

These are the best fruit picking locations in North Hampshire.

Name	Description	Postcode
Andover:
Bourne Valley PYO		Strawberry Fields, Hampshire, Egbury Rd, St Mary Bourne, Andover SP11 6DQ

Gardens in North Hampshire

North Hampshire has so many amazing gardens that you can explore.

Name	Description	Postcode
Alresford:
Hinton Ampner House and Garden		Hinton Ampner, Alresford SO24 0LA
Alton:
Alton Gardens		19-21 Westbrooke Rd, Alton GU34 1JL
Gilbert White’s House & Gardens		The Wakes, High Street, Selborne, Alton GU34 3JH
Basingstoke:
Gertrude Jekyll Garden		Church St, Upton Grey, Basingstoke RG25 2RD
The Vyne House and Gardens		Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL
Farnborough:
Redan Hill Gardens and Play Area		Aldershot GU12 4NH
Stockbridge:
Houghton Lodge Gardens		Houghton, North Houghton, Stockbridge SO20 6LQ
Longstock Park Water Gardens		Longstock, Stockbridge SO20 6EH
Winchester:
Queen Eleanor’s Garden		12 Peninsula Square, Winchester SO23 8GJ
Abbey Gardens		65 The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9BE
N B Gardens		Brewers Ln, Twyford, Winchester SO21 1RQ
Hyde Abbey Garden		King Alfred Pl, Winchester SO23 7DF

Go Karting in North Hampshire

Go karting is a great way for the family to have fun together.

Name	Description	Postcode
Andover:
Thruxton Race Circuit		Thruxton Circuit, Andover SP11 8PW
Farnborough:
TeamSport Indoor Karting		28 Invincible Rd, Farnborough GU14 7QU
Ignition Racing Simulators		Challenge Centre, Armstrong Way, The Fairway, Farnborough GU14 0LP
Winchester:
Forest Edge Kart Club		Barton Stacey, Winchester SO21 3BF

Horse Riding in North Hampshire

Name	Description	Postcode
Stockbridge:
Stockbridge Riding School		Woolbury Place, Winton Hill, Stockbridge SO20 6HN

Ice Skating in North Hampshire

Name	Description	Postcode
Basingstoke:
Planet Ice Basingstoke		Planet Ice Arena, Leisure Park Rd, Basingstoke RG22 6PG

Indoor Skydiving in North Hampshire

Name	Description	Postcode
Basingstoke:
iFly Indoor Skydiving Basingstoke		Basingstoke Leisure Park, Euskirchen Way, Basingstoke RG22 6PG

Lakes in North Hampshire

There are so many amazing lakes around North Hampshire. How many of these have you been too?

Name	Description	Postcode
Alton:
Kings Pond FREE		Kings Pond, Alton
Andover:
Anton Lakes		Andover SP10 3SY
Charlton Lakeside		Charlton Rd, Charlton, Andover SP10 3JH
Basingstoke:
Basingstoke Canal		Basingstoke Canal Towpath Trail, Basingstoke
Black Dam Ponds		Basingstoke RG21 3QR
Farnborough:
Frensham Great Pond		GU10 2QB.

Museums in North Hampshire

These are the best museums for families in North Hampshire.

Name	Description	Postcode
Aldershot:
Army Medical Services Museum	Open most of the year, the Army Medical Services 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.	Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale, Aldershot GU12 5RQ
Alton:
Alton Abbey	Alton Abbey is quite little and a great place to enjoy the daylight hours. The Abbey grounds are open for visitors to wander around at any time in daylight hours. It’s also completely free!	Abbey Rd, Alton GU34 4AR
Allen Gallery	This free museum is in Alton and 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.	10-12, Church St, Alton GU34 2BW
Curtis Museum	Curtis Museum is open all year, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and is free to enter. 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.	High St, Alton GU34 1BA
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.	Winchester Rd, Chawton, Alton GU34 1SD
Alresford:
Hintin Ampner		Hinton Ampner, Alresford SO24 0LA
Andover:
Museum of the Iron Age		6 Church Cl, Andover SP10 1DP
Andover Museum		6 Church Cl, Andover SP10 1DP
Army Flying Museum		Army Flying Museum, Kentsboro, Stockbridge SO20 8FB
Whitchurch Silk Mill		28 Winchester St, Whitchurch RG28 7AL
Longstock Park Water Gardens		Longstock, Stockbridge SO20 6EH
Basingstoke:
The Willis Museum		Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QD
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. There is so much to do here and it does take all day. It’s perfect for all ages as it’s interactive and fun.	Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
Farnborough:
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust FREE	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 aircraft work. This museum is completely free and great for kids who love spotting planes.	Trenchard House, 85 Farnborough Rd, Farnborough GU14 6TF
Aldershot Military Museum		Queen’s Ave, Aldershot GU11 2LG
Farnham:
Rural Life Centre		The Reeds Rd, Tilford, Farnham GU10 2DL
Waverley Abbey FREE		Waverley Ln, Farnham GU9 8EP
Museum of Farnham FREE		38 West St, Farnham GU9 7DX
Stockbridge:
Museum of Army Flying		Army Flying Museum, Kentsboro, Stockbridge SO20 8FB
Winchester:
Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum and Memorial Garden		Serles House, Southgate St, Winchester SO23 9EG
Winchester Science Museum	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. This activity is perfect for toddlers up to early teens.	Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ
Adjutant General’s Corps Museum		Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS
Winchester City Museum		The Square, Winchester SO23 9ES
The Royal Green Jackets Museum		Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TH
The Gurkha Museum		Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS
Westgate Museum		High St, Winchester SO23 9AP
Peninsula Barracks		Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS
Winchester’s Military Museums		Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS
The Museum of The Kings Royal Hussars		Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS
The Royal Green Jackets Rifles Museum		Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS
National Trust City Mill		Bridge St, Winchester SO23 0EJ
Winchester Castle and Great Hall		The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ

Pottery Studios in North Hampshire

Name	Description	Postcode
Basingstoke:
Pots to Doodle o Pottery Studio		Red Box House, Church Ln, Cliddesden, Basingstoke RG25 2JQ
Farnham:
Ceramics Café		13 Downing Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PB
Salisbury:
Splash of colour The Pottery Painting Café		72 Fisherton St, Salisbury SP2 7RB

Skateparks in North Hampshire

These are the best skateparks in North Hampshire.

Name	Description	Postcode

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.

Bring a picnic and they have benches on top of the hill with a small playground for the kids. There’s plenty of routes to walk as well depending on what stop you get off.

Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve

Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve 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.

Chawton House

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.

Manor Park

Manor 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 Military Museum and Aldershot Park

Pair both of these together for a free day out for the whole family. Let the kids explore all the tanks then go for a run around in the park with a picnic.

Aldershot Military Museum 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.

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.

Aldershot Park is a 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 and Rowhill Nature Reserve

These two activities are great on a nice day. Grab the bikes or scooters and the fishing nets and have a fun and free day out that the whole family will love regardless of age.

Princess Gardens 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 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.

Finkley Down Farm Park

Finkley Down Farm, near Andover is like none you’ve been to before. You can feed the farm animals while enjoying the huge playground and indoor soft play. This is a full day out for kids under eleven.

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 is a whole day activity for kids of all ages. Take a picnic as they have a dedicated area with benches too.

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 and Beech Hurst Park

These are great on summer days to keep the whole family amused.

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 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.

Basingstoke Canal and Frimley Lodge Park and Miniature Railway

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 on-site.

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

Basingstoke Knights Realm Adventure Golf and Eastrop Park

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.

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 toilets on-site. Spend the whole day exploring this amazing house and gardens. It’s very family-friendly and great for all ages.

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.

Wills Museum and Crabtree Plantation

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.

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.

Museum of Farnham and Farnham Park

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.

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. Take a picnic and put on some walking shoes as the zoo is huge!

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.

Keat’s Walk and Winchester City Museum

Keat’s 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.

You can pair this in with 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 soldier back then.

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

The Winchester Treasure Trail and Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Treasure 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.

Winchester 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.

Museum of the Iron Age and Charlton Lakeside

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 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.

Enjoy these both on a windy day or when you need a free trip out to amuse the whole family.

Army Flying Museum and Ladies Walk

Army Flying Museum is in Andover and 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.

Have a picnic at Ladies Walk. Ladies Walk 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.

Longstock Park Water Gardens and Whitchurch Silk Mill

If your family are keen gardeners then Longstock Park Water Gardens 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.

After lunch why not try Whitchurch Silk Mill. Whitchurch Silk Mill 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 watermill that weaves silk using the same machinery.

Danebury Iron Age Hillfort and 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.

After you’ve eaten why not try 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.

Queen Eleanor’s Gardens and Winchester City Museum

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

After a picnic why not try Winchester City Museum. Winchester City Museum is an 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.

Winchester Castle and Wolvesey Castle

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.

Wolvesey Castle is close to Winchester Cathedral. Wolvesey 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.

The Farnham Mystery Treasure Trail and Rural Life Centre

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.

For the afternoon, why not try Rural Life Centre. This is surrounded by woodland and barns and is a 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 and Bourne Woods

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.

Later on, try Bourne Woods in Farnham. This woodland is great for the whole family that love to explore off-trail. The path is soil so you do 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.

West Hampshire

West Hampshire has loads to offer the whole family. Make sure you have a look at our post on the best things to do in the New Forest National Park.

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 to.

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and Furzey Gardens

These two activities are perfect for a sunny day with younger kids.

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 which leads you down to viewing around where 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 is a great place to spot fairies. Walk around the tranquil gardens while letting the kids explore the surrounding woods.

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. This is close to the New Forest so if you decide to leave early then make sure you have a quick walk around the surrounding fields.

St Barbe Museum and Gallery and Brockenhurst Spy Mission Treasure Trail

This local museum is great if the family are into arts. The exhibitions are interactive and change quickly so there’s always something new. Pair this with the Brockenhurst Spy Mission Treasure Trail which takes you around the village on a mystery walk. It’s about 2-miles so take a picnic and enjoy the views.

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.

Buckler’s Hard Museum

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

South Hampshire

There’s loads to do in the South of Hampshire. Make sure you have a look at The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids.

New Forest Wildlife Park

There is so much to do at New Forest Wildlife Park. Like most places right now you do need to book. They open throughout the week and on weekends. You can bring a picnic or enjoy one of the many cafe’s and outlets they have on offer. The kids will love all the different animals that they have to offer including otters, wolves, and owls.

Royal Victory 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.

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. This is a great day out for older kids who love to touch to learn.

Hamble Spy Mission Treasure Trail and Bursledon Windmill

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eastleigh Museum and Town Center Playground

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.

Just a short walk from the museum is the Town Center Playground which is great for younger kids. The park also has loads of green space which is perfect for kicking a ball around or enjoying the sunshine.

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.

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.

East Hampshire

East Hampshire has everything you need for a great day out. Have a look at 21 Portsmouth Attractions for the Whole Family for more ideas.

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.

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.

Little Woodham Living History Village and Lee On Solent Beach

if you are looking for something fun to do on a sunny day then try these two activities in Gosport.

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.

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.

Titchfield Haven Country Park and Hill Head Beach

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.

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.

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.

Hayling Island Beach and Funland

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

Hayling Billy Trail and Havant Museum

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

You can then pair it with Havant Museum. Havant 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.

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!

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.

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.

Portchester Castle

Portchester Castle is in Church Lane in Portchester. There are two small car parks that do get busy in the summer months so go early if you can.

The castle is surrounded by the sea and it’s a great place to spot incoming boats.

Inside the castle grounds, which are free to enter, are two huge fields. This is a great place to find hidden stones (they have a great Facebook page here) and let your kids run off some steam.

Their cafe is great and they do have public toilets on site.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

This dockyard is a full day out for the whole family. It’s interactive and really digs deep into navel history. There are loads to see and do including tours on The Victory and looking around the Mary Rose.

The Portsmouth Mystery Treasure Trail and Portsmouth City Museum

Portsmouth Mystery Treasure 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.

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 and Southsea Castle

Visit this old-style funfair right on the beach. It has arcades and loads of rides for different ages. Not only is the pier fun for the whole family but the stony beach is too. There’s also a huge green across the road for a runaround.

Take the scooters or bikes, as well as the seafront, is completely flat.

Then have a look at Southsea Castle which is based right on the seafront too. 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.

Related Posts:

Emsworth Mill Pond and Emsworth Habour

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.

Just a short drive away is Emsworth Habour. Walk along the harbor 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.

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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