8 Things to Do in Hampshire with the Family This Summer
With two national parks, historic cities, stunning seascapes and a wealth of excellent attractions, Hampshire is a great place for all sorts of days out, with something to suit all ages and interests.
There's a huge variety of things to do in this part of the world – including a good number of free Hampshire attractions if you know where to look for them – with options ranging from theme parks to historic ships.
To help you find the best places to go, we’ve come up with a handy list of 8 things to do in Hampshire with the family this summer. They’re great for locals and visitors alike – and if you’re making a trip to this area, how about adding an outdoor stay to your plans too? Camping and glamping are both excellent ways to keep costs down while adding a touch of adventure to your family break. Pitchup’s range of outdoor accommodation has something for all tastes, with prices starting from just £12 per night – click the link below to see what’s on offer.
Cycling in the New Forest National Park
A holiday in Hampshire means a double dose of walks, wildlife and scenery, as this splendid county is home to two national parks – the New Forest and the South Downs.
While both parks have their own appeal, when you’re in the mood for cycling there’s really nowhere quite like the New Forest. This leafy area is crisscrossed with car-free waymarked cycling routes, making it a great family day out for seasoned cyclists and newbies alike. And while it's not entirely flat, the New Forest is a good deal less hilly than the South Downs, meaning cycling here is a lot less strenuous .
If you've brought your own bikes, cycling in the New Forest National Park is absolutely free; if not, bike hire is available in bigger villages like Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester’s ancient and medieval past means the city's streets are strewn with all sorts of monuments and landmarks – but Winchester Cathedral is its undisputed highlight. You can't miss the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe – just head to the centre of town and you'll soon see parts of its gorgeous stonework peeping out between the trees, coffee shops and houses.
Inside, you can peer at illuminated manuscripts and admire relics and stunning stained glass windows before descending into the crypt, home to a striking Anthony Gormley sculpture. The cathedral also runs regular events for children and families, such as craft workshops and nature trails, in the summer holidays and at other times of year – check out the events page to see what’s on. Dogs (one per visitor) are permitted in Winchester Cathedral during normal opening hours as long as they’re well behaved – so you really can bring the whole family here.
Once outside, stop off for lunch or a light bite at the cathedral refectory, wander through the water meadows that line the river Itchen, or come right back into modern life with a visit to the Winchester Science Centre.
Portsmouth city centre
While Winchester's full of old-world grace, Portsmouth is a dynamic maritime city with all sorts of exciting options for visitors. If you’ve got a head for heights you may like to start by taking a lift up 100 metres for far-reaching views from the top of Spinnaker Tower. Otherwise, stay at ground level to explore Henry VIII's flagship the Mary Rose in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can also see vessels like HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.
Once you’ve had your fill of the historic ships, have lunch at one of the restaurants along the waterfront before heading over to browse the big-brand outlets at Gunwharf Quays.
Portsmouth is also one of Hampshire's gateways to the Isle of Wight – take the hovercraft from the ferry port and you can be in Ryde in as little as 10 minutes.
Highclere Castle
A trip to Highclere Castle is a must for Downton Abbey fans – the majority of the award-winning TV show was filmed in the grounds of this handsome Hampshire pile. Surrounded by gorgeous greenery, it’s instantly recognisable now for many millions of visitors.
Even if you’re not a fan of the show, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Highclere Castle – the home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon has some of the best interiors in all of England, while the Egyptian exhibition sheds light on the links between the castle’s founding dynasty and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. There’s also plenty of parkland and garden to explore, plus a tea room and a rather fabulous cocktail bar. And while there aren’t any particular facilities or activities for children, pushchairs are welcome.
To visit Highclere Castle you’ll generally need to join a guided tour – make sure you book your tour in advance, especially in peak season.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Find yourself face to face with magnificent birds of prey at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, a wild day out in the mid-Hampshire countryside near Andover. Natural history fans will definitely appreciate the opportunity to experience spectacular flying shows, see a family of unusual burrowing owls and check out other exotic species like ibis, storks and vultures.
This family-friendly spot is well equipped for young adventurers, who have a bird of prey-themed playground to explore and a kids' activity trail. Guests over the age of 12 can also book onto handling and falconry experiences and see what it's like to handle these majestic beasts.
Marwell Zoo
If you're looking to meet a wider range of animals you'll need to make your way to Marwell Zoo, one of the UK’s most popular wildlife parks. Set in the grounds of a stately home within easy reach of the M3 and M27, Marwell Zoo is home to almost 150 different species, all of which can be visited in a fun and family-friendly environment – animal feeding sessions run throughout the day and there are usually extra activities laid on in the school holidays.
In addition to the zoo's extensive collection of wildlife, the park is home to an immersive tropical house, seven adventure play areas, cafés, leafy picnic areas, gift shops and handy road trains to help tired little feet get back to the car at the end of an action-packed day.
Paultons Park
The prospect of a trip to Paultons Park, a theme park close to Southampton and Lyndhurst, is a tried-and-tested way to encourage (i.e., bribe) the kids into a period of good behaviour. There's a reason the little ones like coming here so much, what with the rollercoasters, rides and 80 species of birds and animals to investigate.
For those with toddlers, Paultons Park is probably best known as the home to Peppa Pig World, an area of the park where kids can step into the world of the much-loved TV show. It’s all included in the entrance price, with rides designed specially for young children and the chance to meet Peppa and George themselves.
While Paultons Park has something for almost everyone, the site is generally geared towards younger kids, making this Hampshire attraction a great pick for families with children under 12.
Free days out in Hampshire: Moors Valley and Lepe country parks
Looking for Hampshire attractions with free entry? The county has a wide range of country parks to explore, whether you’re after forest adventures, coastal capers or riverside picnics.
Our first pick is Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, a vast expanse of wooded land that sits on the border with Dorset just to the west of the New Forest National Park. There’s no charge to enter Moors Valley (although you’ll have to pay to park if you’re coming by car), and the park is home to free family-friendly activities including a huge adventure playground, cycle trails, a bike park, a music trail and interactive exhibits at the Ranger Den.
If the kids have a bit of pocket money to spend, they can also sign up to paid activities including adventure golf, mini steam train rides and beginner fishing sessions. There’s also a Go Ape centre here with some exciting activity for a special treat.
Beachgoers will also appreciate the wide range of amenities available at Lepe Country Park, a coastal area with views over the Solent and facilities like a café and shop. There are lots of great walking trails to explore here, plus an adventure play area, a sensory garden and a lovely open area for kite flying. If you’re heading to the beach, download a scavenger hunt sheet and see how many you can tick off.
During school holidays and weekends there are often extra activities laid on – think birdwatching sessions, craft activities and nurdle hunting on the beach. For a small charge, the kids can also pick up a guide to a trail with brass rubbings, quizzes and puzzles from the site shop.
Using a campsite or glamping site as the base for your holiday adds an extra layer of adventure to your trip – stay outdoors and the kids will have space to run around, explore nature and enjoy things like campfire evenings. With prices starting from £12 per night, Pitchup’s range has something for everyone – click the link below to see what’s on offer.