Hampshire, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers a treasure trove of family-friendly activities throughout the year.
From the rolling hills of the South Downs to the bustling coastal cities, there’s something to delight every member of the family, regardless of the season.
Let’s explore some of the best family activities Hampshire has to offer, ensuring your clan stays entertained and engaged all year round.
Spring: Awakening Adventures
As nature bursts into life, Hampshire provides an array of springtime activities perfect for families eager to shake off the winter blues.
Blossoming Beauty at Exbury Gardens
Exbury Gardens transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours as spring progresses. Families can:
- Embark on a whimsical journey aboard the miniature steam railway
- Explore themed walking trails designed to engage young explorers
- Participate in seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and flower festivals
The gardens’ accessibility and vast open spaces make it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.
Exbury Gardens, created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920s, is a horticultural marvel spanning 200 acres. The gardens are particularly famous for their unrivalled collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, which create a spectacular display in spring. The Rothschild Collection of trees and shrubs adds to the garden’s diversity, offering visitors a chance to see rare and exotic species from around the world.
For families, Exbury offers more than just beautiful flowers. The gardens feature several play areas, including a ‘natural play’ area where children can climb, balance, and explore using natural materials. The steam railway, a 12 ¼ inch gauge miniature railway, takes visitors on a magical journey through the gardens, including areas not accessible by foot, making it a hit with both children and adults alike.
Wildlife Wonders at Marwell Zoo
Spring at Marwell Zoo brings new life and exciting opportunities for animal encounters. Visitors can:
| Activity | Description | Age Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Giraffe House | Get eye-to-eye with these gentle giants | All ages |
| Tropical House | Experience a rainforest climate | All ages |
| Lemur Loop | Walk-through enclosure | 5+ |
| Keeper Talks | Learn about animal care and conservation | 7+ |
The zoo’s commitment to conservation education makes it both an entertaining and enlightening experience for families.
Marwell Zoo, set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside, is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species. Founded in 1972, the zoo has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, participating in breeding programmes for endangered species and supporting wildlife projects around the world.
In addition to its animal exhibits, Marwell Zoo offers a range of educational experiences. The ‘Into Africa’ area allows visitors to observe rhinos, zebras, and ostriches in a savannah-like setting, while the ‘Wild Explorers’ exhibit focuses on white rhinos, scimitar-horned oryx, and Grevy’s zebras. For younger visitors, there are five adventure playgrounds scattered throughout the zoo, ensuring that children have plenty of opportunities to burn off energy between animal encounters.
Heritage on the Rails: The Watercress Line
The Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as The Watercress Line, offers a nostalgic journey through the Hampshire countryside. Spring highlights include:
- Special Thomas the Tank Engine events
- Scenic rides through blooming landscapes
- Interactive exhibits at restored stations
This heritage railway provides a unique blend of history and natural beauty, appealing to train enthusiasts young and old.
The Watercress Line, named for its historical role in transporting watercress from local beds to London markets, runs for 10 miles between Alresford and Alton. This preserved steam railway offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience travel as it was in the golden age of steam.
Each of the line’s four stations has been lovingly restored to reflect different periods of railway history. Alresford station, for example, has been returned to its 1940s appearance, complete with period advertisements and a traditional tea room. The journey between stations takes passengers through some of Hampshire’s most picturesque countryside, including the South Downs National Park. Throughout the year, the railway hosts special events, from 1940s-themed weekends to Santa specials in December, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.
Summer: Sun-Soaked Escapades
Hampshire’s summers are perfect for outdoor adventures and coastal explorations.
Seaside Fun at Southsea Beach
Southsea Beach offers classic British seaside entertainment with a modern twist:
- Clarence Pier amusements and rides
- Blue Flag beach for safe swimming and sandcastle building
- Historic D-Day Story museum for educational value
The combination of beach activities and nearby attractions ensures a full day of family fun.
Southsea, a seaside resort area within the city of Portsmouth, has been a popular destination since the Victorian era. Its pebble beach stretches for four miles along the Solent, offering stunning views across to the Isle of Wight. The promenade is perfect for leisurely walks or cycling, with plenty of cafes and ice cream parlours along the way.
Clarence Pier, one of the largest amusement parks on the south coast, provides thrills for all ages with its mix of traditional and modern rides. For those interested in history, the nearby D-Day Story museum offers an immersive experience of the Normandy landings, with interactive exhibits suitable for older children and adults. The area also boasts beautiful gardens, including the Southsea Rose Garden and the Rock Gardens, providing tranquil spots for picnics or quiet relaxation away from the bustling beachfront.
Forest Frolics at New Forest Wildlife Park
Summer is the ideal time to explore the New Forest Wildlife Park:
- Observe native species in naturalistic habitats
- Enjoy adventure playgrounds nestled in woodland settings
- Attend keeper talks and feeding sessions
The park’s focus on British wildlife provides an educational yet exciting day out for families interested in local ecology.
The New Forest Wildlife Park, located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe and learn about native British wildlife. The park is home to a variety of species, including otters, wolves, lynx, and many deer species, all living in spacious, natural enclosures that mimic their wild habitats.
One of the park’s main attractions is the chance to see animals that are rarely spotted in the wild. The wolf pack, for instance, provides a fascinating glimpse into the social behaviour of these elusive predators. The park also plays a crucial role in conservation, participating in breeding programmes for endangered species like the Scottish wildcat. Educational talks and feeding sessions throughout the day offer insights into the animals’ behaviours and the conservation challenges they face. For younger visitors, the park features two large adventure playgrounds, including a water play area perfect for hot summer days.
Adventures at Calshot Activities Centre
For families seeking active pursuits, Calshot Activities Centre offers:
- Windsurfing and sailing lessons
- Indoor climbing and velodrome cycling
- Beach activities and coastal walks
Its location on a spit in the Solent provides unique opportunities for water sports and coastal exploration.
Calshot Activities Centre is situated on a mile-long shingle spit at the mouth of Southampton Water, offering a unique blend of land and water-based activities. The centre is housed in some of the original hangars used by the RAF during World War II, adding a touch of history to its modern facilities.
The centre’s location makes it ideal for water sports, with the sheltered waters of the Solent on one side and Southampton Water on the other. Beginners can try their hand at kayaking or paddleboarding, while more experienced visitors might opt for windsurfing or dinghy sailing. On land, the centre boasts one of the few indoor velodromes in the UK, offering an exciting cycling experience for all ages. The indoor climbing walls cater to both novices and experienced climbers, with routes of varying difficulty. For those preferring a less adrenaline-fueled experience, the spit offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and coastal walks, with views stretching across to the Isle of Wight.
Autumn: Harvest Time Happenings
As the leaves turn golden, Hampshire’s countryside comes alive with autumnal activities.
Motoring Marvels at Beaulieu
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a treat for car enthusiasts of all ages:
- Explore over 250 vehicles from throughout automotive history
- Visit the World of Top Gear exhibit
- Enjoy the grounds of Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey
Autumn events often include vintage car rallies and special exhibitions, adding extra excitement to your visit.
Beaulieu, meaning “beautiful place” in French, lives up to its name with its stunning New Forest setting. The estate has been home to the Montagu family since 1538 and opened to the public in 1952. Today, it offers visitors a unique blend of automotive history, heritage, and natural beauty.
The National Motor Museum forms the centrepiece of the Beaulieu attraction, housing an impressive collection of vehicles that trace the history of motoring from the earliest models to modern-day supercars. The museum’s displays are interactive and engaging, with many vehicles that have starred in films or set world records. Beyond the museum, visitors can explore the 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey, learn about the estate’s role in World War II secret agent training, and tour the Montagu family’s ancestral home, Palace House. The grounds themselves are worth a visit, with formal Victorian gardens, a wilderness garden, and a monastic herb garden all waiting to be explored.
Woodland Wanders in Alice Holt Forest
Alice Holt Forest is particularly enchanting in autumn:
- Follow the Gruffalo trail for a magical woodland experience
- Enjoy the changing colours of the forest canopy
- Participate in seasonal events like fungi forays and wildlife walks
The forest’s accessibility and range of trails make it suitable for families with children of all ages and abilities.
Alice Holt Forest, managed by Forestry England, is a 851-hectare woodland site that has been an important resource since the time of William the Conqueror. Once a royal hunting forest, it later became a source of timber for shipbuilding. Today, it’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
The forest offers a network of trails suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The Gruffalo trail, based on the popular children’s book, is a particular hit with younger visitors, featuring sculptures of characters from the story hidden throughout the woods.
For the more adventurous, Go Ape tree-top adventure course provides high-wire thrills among the forest canopy. The forest’s diverse habitats, including areas of ancient woodland, support a wide variety of wildlife.
In autumn, the forest comes alive with colour as the leaves change, and it’s an excellent time for fungi spotting and wildlife watching. The visitor centre offers information about the forest’s ecology and history, as well as a cafe and cycle hire facilities.
Birds of Prey at Hawk Conservancy Trust
Autumn is an excellent time to visit the Hawk Conservancy Trust:
- Witness spectacular flying displays against a backdrop of autumn colours
- Learn about conservation efforts for birds of prey
- Participate in hands-on experiences and workshops
The trust’s educational programs offer insights into the world of raptors, making it both entertaining and informative for families.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust, set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, is both a visitor attraction and a working conservation charity. Founded in 1966, the Trust is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through preservation, education, rehabilitation and research.
Visitors to the Trust can observe over 130 birds of prey from 50 different species, including eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons, and owls. The highlight for many is the spectacular flying displays, where visitors can watch these magnificent birds demonstrate their natural behaviours and flying skills.
These displays are not just entertaining but also educational, teaching visitors about the birds’ adaptations and conservation needs. The Trust offers various hands-on experiences, from owl encounters to full-day falconry courses, allowing visitors to get up close with these amazing birds.
The grounds also feature several naturalistic aviaries, a hospital wing where injured birds are rehabilitated, and a children’s play area. In autumn, the Trust’s woodland setting is particularly beautiful, with the changing leaves providing a colourful backdrop to the birds’ flights.
Winter: Festive Frolics and Indoor Delights
When the weather turns chilly, Hampshire still offers plenty of family-friendly activities.
Scientific Discovery at Winchester Science Centre
The Winchester Science Centre provides a perfect indoor retreat:
- Explore hands-on exhibits covering various scientific principles
- Experience immersive planetarium shows
- Participate in live science demonstrations
Winter often brings special themed events and workshops, adding extra value to your visit.
Winchester Science Centre, located just outside the historic city of Winchester, is a hands-on, interactive science and technology centre designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The centre houses over 100 exhibits spread across two floors, covering topics from space exploration to the human body.
One of the centre’s main attractions is its state-of-the-art planetarium, which offers immersive shows about space and astronomy. These shows are tailored for different age groups, ensuring that everyone from young children to adults can enjoy and learn from the experience.
The centre also features a ‘Science of Sport’ area, where visitors can test their reaction times and learn about the physics behind various sports.
Throughout the year, the centre hosts special events and themed weeks, often coinciding with school holidays, which provide additional activities and workshops for visitors. In winter, these might include exploring the science of snow and ice or learning about nocturnal animals.
Theatrical Magic at The Mayflower Theatre
The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton hosts spectacular productions year-round, but winter brings special family treats:
- Enjoy traditional pantomimes with celebrity guests
- Experience West End musicals on tour
- Attend family-friendly concerts and shows
The theatre’s diverse program ensures there’s something to captivate audience members of all ages.
The Mayflower Theatre, the largest theatre on the south coast, has been at the heart of Southampton’s cultural scene since 1928. With a seating capacity of 2,300, it hosts a wide variety of performances, from large-scale musicals and ballets to stand-up comedy and concerts.
During the winter months, the theatre comes alive with festive productions.
The annual pantomime is a particular highlight, often featuring well-known celebrities and offering a quintessentially British Christmas experience that delights both children and adults.
The theatre also hosts touring productions of popular West End shows, giving local audiences the chance to see world-class performances without travelling to London.
For families, the theatre offers special packages and events, such as behind-the-scenes tours and workshops, providing an insight into the world of theatre production. The Mayflower’s beautiful Art Deco interior, recently refurbished, adds to the magical atmosphere of a theatre visit, making it a perfect winter treat for families.
Farm Fun at Longdown Activity Farm
Even in winter, Longdown Activity Farm offers engaging experiences:
- Meet and feed farm animals in cosy barns
- Enjoy indoor play areas when the weather is inclement
- Participate in seasonal activities like Christmas nativity plays
The farm’s focus on hands-on experiences makes it a hit with younger children throughout the year.
Longdown Activity Farm, located on the edge of the New Forest, offers visitors a chance to experience life on a working farm. The farm is home to a variety of animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry, providing children with the opportunity to get up close to animals they might only have seen in books or on television.
What sets Longdown apart is its focus on interactive experiences. Visitors can bottle-feed kid goats and calves, hold fluffy chicks, and help collect eggs from the henhouse.
These hands-on activities not only provide entertainment but also educate children about animal care and farm life. In addition to the animal encounters, the farm features both indoor and outdoor play areas, including a straw bale barn that’s perfect for burning off energy on colder days.
During the winter months, the farm hosts special events such as a ‘Christmas Nativity Trail’ where children can follow clues around the farm to find all the characters in the nativity story. The on-site tearoom offers a cosy spot for warming up with hot drinks and homemade cakes after exploring the farm.
Conclusion: Your Year-Round Hampshire Adventure Awaits
Hampshire’s diverse attractions ensure that families can find exciting activities regardless of the season. From springtime nature walks to winter theatre outings, the county offers a perfect blend of educational and entertaining experiences for all ages.
Planning a family trip can be overwhelming, which is why it’s often better to leave the details to the professionals. Short Stay Homes offers a selection of holiday cottages in Hampshire that provide the perfect base for your family adventures.
Our local expertise can help you create a tailor-made itinerary that makes the most of Hampshire’s year-round attractions.
Ready to start your Hampshire family adventure? Contact us today to find your ideal holiday home and begin planning an unforgettable family getaway in this captivating county.
