Visit Hampshire for nautical cities with old-age naval war ships, sail-shaped towers and resurrected Tudor merchant vessels. There's lots to see and many things to do in Hampshire. Historic docks meet modern marinas on the Solent coast. Stay inland for the leafy New Forest National Park swarming with cute wild ponies, donkeys and Georgian market towns filled with yachties. Museums in this south coast county come packed with plenty of armour, military paraphernalia and submarines to keep little (and big) soldiers amused on rainy days. Become a knight of the round table or pay homage to Jane Austen in the cathedral city Winchester.
Places to visit in Hampshire
Discover Jane Austen’s legacy in Hampshire
Celebrate Jane Austen at the Jane Austen Regency Festival in June and visit her much loved home in Hampshire and the countryside that inspired her.
Location: Alton, Hampshire
Follow the Shipwrights Way sculpture trail
Walk or cycle through beautiful English countryside along the Shipwrights Way, where sculptures tell stories of Hampshire’s history and culture.
Location: Bentley near Farnham to Portsmouth, Hampshire
Discover a foodie’s heaven on the quayside
Enjoy fine dining, traditional pubs and a long history of oyster fishing in Emsworth, near Portsmouth.
Location: Emsworth, Hampshire
Take part in a 900-year-old tradition
Walk along Winchester’s water meadows to a beautiful medieval almshouse and you are following in the footsteps of weary travellers through the ages.
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Travel across Hampshire’s countryside on the Watercress Line
Witness the sights, sounds, smells and magic of steam travel from a bygone age and journey through Hampshire’s countryside on a restored steam train.
Location: Alresford, Hampshire
Walk through 800 years of history in Southampton’s Old Town
Love history? Want to step back in time? Head to an area that has seen many famous faces pass along its streets.
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Get up close with the farm animals at Staunton Country Park
Come and meet friendly farm animals, have a rainforest experience in Victorian glasshouses or get lost in the maze.
Location: Havant, Hampshire
Sailing and watersports at Gosport
Discover an adventure playground on water at Gosport.
Location: Gosport, Hampshire
Visit the 17th Century at Little Woodham
Discover what life would have really been like in 17th Century England.
Location: Gosport, Hampshire
Walking in the New Forest
Twist and turn through vibrant gorse, imposing woodland and bubbling streams as you stroll through the Forest’s 143 miles of trails.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
A foodie break in the forest
Get a taste of the New Forest where locally produced and caught food takes pride of place on the menu.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Step into Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
Meet their favourite characters and enjoy a variety of toddler-friendly rides at the first official Peppa Pig theme park in the world.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Cycle the Test Way and relax by the world-famous River Test
From the experienced cyclist to a family fun day out, this gentle ride is an excellent way to experience the tranquil Test Valley countryside.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Get to grips with nature & play in the trees at Tree Runners
Get Dad out of the house, take the kids off the computer and climb, swing or hug a tree at Tree Runners.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
August events: Trout ‘n About Food Festival
Take your pick from hand-crafted jewellery to award-winning sausages at this gourmet event in the heart of the Test Valley.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Explore the picturesque Mottisfont House and Garden
What’s better than a summer’s stroll amid ancient trees and rolling lawns? Enjoy the splendour of one of Hampshire’s greatest country houses –Mottisfont.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Discover Danebury mysterious Iron Age world
Danebury is perhaps the most extensively studied Iron Age hillfort in Europe. Its intriguing finds can be found at Andover’s Museum of the Iron Age.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Picnic within the walls of Portchester Castle
Surround yourself with thousands of years of history as you enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Portchester Castle.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Walk the Plank at Clarence Pier
Are you brave enough to tackle high wire bridges and navigate rope ladders whilst hovering 10 metres above the sea at Clarence Pier?
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Sample oysters at Portsmouth Fish Market
Visit Viviers Fish Market located in the picturesque Camber Dock fishing marina and try some of the freshest seafood on the south coast.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
July events: Portsmouth International Kite Festival
Take a kite to Southsea Common and get involved in one of the world's biggest and best kite festivals.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire