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The Ultimate List of Unusual Things to do in Hampshire

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Little Woodham Village

Including unusual things to do in Hampshire with kids

This is a full list of unusual things to do in Hampshire with kids. Explore everything that our wonderful county has to offer. How many of these unusual things has your family done?

We have included everything from quirky museums to spooky castles.

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

The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire – This is the biggest guide to what to do in Hampshire. We have included everything you need for a great day out.

51 Free Days Out in Hampshire For Families – There are so many free days out in Hampshire that are great for the whole family.

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

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!

Find out more about our Things to do in Hampshire Guide here.

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

Unusual things to do in Hampshire

These are all fun and unusual things to do in Hampshire with kids. We’ve included everything from castles and museums to water parks and gardens.

Water parks

Two children at a water park

If you are looking for more water parks and swimming pools in Hampshire then have a look at our post called The Best Paddling Pools, Splash Parks, and Water Parks in Hampshire

Aldershot Lido (Aldershot)

With three water flumes, water fountains, and paddling pool, Aldershot Lido is the place to be on a hot day! Normally open from early July until early September, this pool is a great place for the whole family to enjoy.

You can find Aldershot Lido at Guildford Rd, Aldershot GU12 4BP

New Forest Aqua Park (Ringwood)

This is like nothing you’ve seen before! The New Forest Aqua Park is a huge 4,000sq meters floating inflatable that has 2 trampolines, monkey bars, rollers and loads of other fun obstacles.

Prices do apply so please see The New Forest Aqua Park website for more details.

You do have to swim to gain access and under 11s do need adult supervision.

There’s a café onsite and toilets. Parking is at the club house.

You can find New Forest Aqua Park at Ringwood Road, Fordingbridge SP6 2EY.

Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool (Petersfield)

Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool is heated and great for the whole family. They have changing cubicles, showers and toilets. There’s a café on site but they do have benches and sun loungers for hire. Prices do apply and the schedule changes daily so please check the times here.

You can find Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool at Heath Road, Petersfield GU31 4DZ

Country Parks and Walks

Green field with a lake

If you are looking for a full range of country parks and walks in Hampshire that are great for the whole family then look at our posts here:

The Full List of Country Parks in Hampshire – This is our huge guide to all the country parks in Hampshire. They are a great place to visit whatever the weather.

The Ultimate List of Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly – Looking for a great place to take the kids that is toddler friendly? Then use our full walk list here.

New Forest National Park

The New Forest has so many hidden gems and unusual paths to follow. You could have a canoe trip among one of its rivers or take a path less walked and find a place that is just yours. We love starting at Hatchet Pond then exploring from there. If you are looking for more things to do in the New Forest then check out our post here.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

We love Sir Harold Hillier Gardens as it’s a great day for the whole family. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is in Romsey just outside of the town. They have their own huge car park that is free to use. You do need to buy a ticket beforehand to enter. Once you are inside these amazing gardens you are free to wander around as you wish. These gardens are set over 180 acres of land that is ready for you to explore.

Read more about all the things that Sir Harold Hillier Gardens has to offer.

You can find Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, SO51 0QA.

Old Town Southampton (Southampton)

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

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

You can find the old Southampton walls at Southampton SO14 2BY.

Museums and sightseeing

Winchester Science Museum

Museums are a great place to visit for the whole family and can show you really unusual things about the world around you. Make sure you have a look at our post here on all the best museums in Hampshire.

Milestone Museum (Basingstoke)

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

Read more about Milestones Museum here.

You can find Milestone Museum at Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum (Beaulieu)

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.

Little Woodham Living History Village (Fareham)

Little Woodham Village

Little Woodham is a 17th-century village that’s surrounded by woodland. You get to meet all the villagers who you would expect to see in a 17th-century village including a seamstress, cooks, blacksmith and farmers. There is a charge to enter the village but they do take card. Parking is free and the toilets are near the car park. Take a packed lunch as they have a little tuck shop but that’s it when it comes to food and drink.

You can find Little Woodham Living History Village at Grange Farm House, Barrington Cl, Howe Rd, Gosport PO13 8NZ.

Fort Nelson (Portchester)

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

Read more about amazing Fort Nelson is here

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

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Portsmouth)

The Victory in Historic Dockyard

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

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

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

Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth)

Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Spinnaker Tower gives you great views of Portsmouth harbor and the South Coast. The Spinnaker Tower is based in Gunwharf Quays which is an outside shopping center that has some great cafes, restaurants, and shopping outlets. Going up the tower normally takes about an hour and is great when paired with shopping at Gunwharf or boat spotting along the seafront.

You can find Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth PO1 3TT.

Castles and Churches

Outside of Portchester Castle

Hampshire has a huge range of castles, houses, and churches that make for a great and unusual day out with the whole family. If you are looking for more castles and grand houses to visit then make sure you look at our post here called The Best Castles in Hampshire.

Portchester Castle (Portchester)

Front of Portchester Castle

One of our personal favorites, 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.

Read more about how fun Portchester Castle here

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

Highclere Castle (Newbury)

Home to the Carnarvon family since 1679, Highclere Castle is now home to many famous shows including Downton Abbey. Walk around these famous halls and gardens to really experience what life was like for those who really lived in this castle. There is parking on-site and a cafe for the whole family. You can also explore the grounds while having a family picnic. This really is a day out for the whole family.

You can find Highclere Castle at Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN.

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.

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.

Animals

Two horses drinking from a puddle

These are the are best and unusual things to do in Hampshire with animals. If you are looking for more wildlife days out in Hampshire then have a look at our post here called The Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Hampshire.

Hawk Conservancy (Andover)

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is set in 22 acres of beautiful countryside that offers the whole family flying displays and amazing animal experiences. The trust has loads of places to have a picnic, a great play area for the little ones, and a wide range of animals that will keep even the older kids amused.

You can find Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover SP11 8DY.

New Forest Wildlife Park (Southampton)

This wildlife park on the edge of the New Forest is a great place to enjoy the local wildlife and go for great walks. Make sure you visit the otters, see if you can spot the red deer and the grey wolfs are a great watch too.

They have a huge range of owls that will stop you right in your tracks. They have a great adventure playground and loads of walks that you can enjoy. The picnic area is great in the summer months and they have a cafe that sells loads of yummy treats.

New Forest Wildlife Park can be found at Deerleap Ln, Southampton SO40 4UH.

Related Posts: 

Libertys Owl Raptor (Ringwood)

With amazing displays from birds of prey, the Libertys Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre is home to some of the most beautiful birds you’ll ever see. Walk around and see these amazing creatures in action!

Libertys Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre can be found in Crow Ln, Ringwood BH24 3EA.

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.

This is the biggest guide to unusual things to do in Hampshire with kids. We've included everything from castles to day out ideas by Laura at Things to do in Hampshire with kids.

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