As one of the most affluent counties in the UK, Hampshire plays a vital role in its economy. After all, it is home to three major UK cities: Southampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester — the latter of which is the county’s capital town. These three cities are major tourist draws. Winchester, for example, houses the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Meanwhile, Southampton and Portsmouth are popular port cities with lots of attractions. Major tourist attractions in the county also include seaside resorts and national parks. It is no wonder why it became home to famous people such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Scroll down for the best things to do in Hampshire, the UK.
1. Spend a day amidst farm animals in Longdown Activity Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Longdown Activity Farm on Saturday, February 4, 2023
If you are touring the city with your little ones, you must visit this activity farm that has something for everyone in the family. While the kids can have a whale of a time riding toy tractors and go-karts, you can feed the goats and calves.
The chicken shack is a one-stop shop for all your poultry needs. You can buy chickens which are usually the easy-to-keep Rhode Island Red Hybrid Warrens. Children can also ride slides while you unwind with a drink and a tasty munchie.
Longdown Activity Farm
Address: Deerleap Ln, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH, United Kingdom
Website: Longdown Activity Farm
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 12 GBP (14.79 USD)
2. Enjoy a fun day with little ones at the Marwell Zoo
This 140-acre (56.66-hectare) park is a great spot to hang out with your family and children amidst giraffes, tigers, and penguins.
Only a few miles away from Winchester, Eastleigh, and Southampton, Marwell Zoo is best known for its large play areas and open spaces for recreation. The zoo is home to many exotic animals, from endangered Amur tigers to lovely meerkats. Apart from feeding the animals, children will also enjoy playing on the playgrounds while you can get them ice cream and refreshments from nearby stalls.
Marwell Zoo
Address: Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH, United Kingdom
Website: Marwell Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 17.09 GBP (21.06 USD)
3. Spend a fun-filled day out at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
One of the largest parks in Hampshire, Queen Elizabeth Country Park boasts spacious open areas, extensive hiking and cycling trails, and lots of activities for everyone. Indeed, the park is spacious, covering areas such as Butser Hill and extensive ranges of woodland that consist mainly of beech trees. Butser Hill is a prime spot in the park where you can see the Isle of Wright from afar on a clear day. Other park areas include picnic spots suitable for families big and small. Kids, in particular, will enjoy playing and interacting with others in the adventure area. There’s even an obstacle course for dogs, so bring your furry friend along.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Address: Waterlooville PO8 0QE, UK
Website: Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
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4. Discover the art of spirits-making at Bombay Sapphire Distillery
There’s so much that goes into making your favorite alcoholic spirits. Here at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, you are given the chance to glimpse into the intricate world of spirits-making. On this tour, a guide will walk you through the distillery where you will discover what makes every drop of Bombay Sapphire refreshing. The guide will also impart educational tidbits from the distillery’s past. Once you arrive at Dakin Still House, pay attention to how gin is made through the large windows. After the tour, you can opt for a gin masterclass or unwind with a complimentary cocktail while savoring the day’s end.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour - Klook Philippines
Duration: 1hrs30 Min - 2hrs30 Min Duration
5. Enjoy an afternoon tea with the alpacas in Southampton (from USD 42.0)
If you’re in for immersion into British culture, you may want to participate in an afternoon tea. That feeling of a warm cup complements the cold weather that is ever-present in the UK. But if you really want something unique, then try this Airbnb experience. You will have afternoon tea not with random groups of people but with the most uncommon of guests: alpacas. Alpacas will be roaming around and grazing happily closeby as you take sips from your cup. Teas can also be substituted with servings of hot cocoa instead. It is a unique experience — and a curiosity-inducing one, indeed.
Afternoon tea with the Alpacas
Duration: 1.5 hours
6. See the collections of vehicles at National Motor Museum in Beaulieu
Discover the history of motoring in the UK through a visit to National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. The museum is one of a kind in the country, housing different collections related to motoring itself. There are 1.7 million items in the museum’s possession and it is only expanding every year. Included in the extensive list of possessions are photographs, films, books, cars, and motorcycles that defined the country’s motoring scene. Vehicles that you’ll see here range from a vintage Benz to a futuristic Volkswagen XL1. Don’t miss the World of Top Gear exhibition, especially if you’re a fan of the show.
National Motor Museum
Address: John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom
Website: National Motor Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
7. Visit the house where "Pride and Prejudice" was penned, Jane Austen's House in Chawton
Jane Austen was a literary icon not only during her time but also during the contemporary period. Her most famous work is “Pride and Prejudice,” which is one of the best romantic novels to this day. Aspiring novelists only have to look to Austen for inspiration. Thankfully, her house has been preserved and turned into a museum, housing items that played a significant role in Austen’s life. The museum itself sits on a large cottage with expansive gardens. Inside, you will see collections of letters that the novelist wrote as well as original items that once belonged to her — including the first edition of “Pride and Prejudice” itself.
Jane Austen's House
Address: Winchester Rd, Chawton, Alton GU34 1SD, United Kingdom
Website: Jane Austen’s House
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Adults - 9 GBP (12 USD); Seniors - 8 GBP (10 USD); Children - 4.50 GBP (6 USD)
8. Dine in for lunch at The Pig in New Forest Restaurant
One of the most underrated attractions in Hampshire is New Forest National Park. It is also one of Britain’s most picturesque attractions, owing to large, undisturbed, and pristine lands as well as a plethora of fauna. The park is also the very definition of Hampshire’s countryside. While here, don’t miss a chance to have a sumptuous lunch at The Pig in New Forest. This bed-and-breakfast takes pride in sourcing from local organic produce for its extensive menu. Mostly, you will be dining indoors. However, in warmer months, you have the chance to dine on the terrace, which is next to the lovely Kitchen Garden. Perfect, especially if you’re going with their smoky flatbread!
The Pig in New Forest Restaurant
Address: Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7QL
Website: The Pig in New Forest
Opening hours: 12pm - 4:30pm, 6:30pm - 9:30pm (daily)
9. Go windsurfing at Hayling Island in Havant
Located just south of Havant is Hayling Island, an excellent seaside destination for vacationers. The island is popular for its resorts that dot its long stretch of coastline. There is one popular activity that the island is most known for: windsurfing. In fact, the island played a major role in developing the popular sport. Various beaches on the island serve as a launchpad for surfers. The most popular among them is West Beachlands. There’s also Esso Beach, which is accessible for beginners and intermediate surfers — though it can get busy during the summer weekends.
Hayling Island
Address: Havant, UK
Website: Hayling Island
10. Scour the fresh produce at Durleighmarsh Farm Shop in Petersfield
When you’re at Petersfield, stop by Durleighmarsh Farm Shop so you can pick your own fresh produce according to the season. All fruits and vegetables here are top-notch and organic. After all, they are grown right on the farm, with each produce varying by season. Fruits and vegetables grown on the farm include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, carrots, and pumpkins. Strawberries are the most popular by far, with picking season available from late May to early June. As soon as you finish picking, visit the local farm shop to complement the produce with fresh sourdough bread, jams, and meats. You can also pick some seasonal flowers and herbs!
Durleighmarsh Farm Shop
Address: Durleighmarsh Farm, Rogate Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 5AX
Website: Durleighmarsh Farm Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm
11. Take part in a Bob Ross painting session in Church Crookham (from USD 77.0)
Are you a Bob Ross fan? Then, check out this painting session in Church Crookham. Kim, the host of this particular Airbnb experience, will teach you how to utilize a brush to create a masterpiece that astounds and relaxes. At the start of the session, you will be given the freedom to select from Kim’s artwork collection to practice and familiarize yourself with the provided materials. After practice, you will start drawing your own nature-inspired artwork. Don’t worry if you can’t find your own inspiration — the host is there to guide you on every step of the way. Plus, he has provided all that you need — including tea or coffee.
Bob Ross Painting Experience
Duration: 4.5 hours
12. Conquer your acrophobia at Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth (from USD 17.0)
Emirates Spinnaker Tower is one of Portsmouth’s iconic landmarks. The tower literally affords the best view of the city. Plus, its design is so unique that you will distinguish it from afar. This Viator tour gives you the chance to experience what it’s like on the highest floors of the tower. Here, you will appreciate Portsmouth on a whole new level. After all, a 350-degree view from the observation deck is the best way to experience the city. If you’re feeling courageous, challenge yourself and step into the Sky Walk glass floor with a plunging view of the waves below. Then, have afternoon tea at the cafe before visiting the open-air Sky Deck.
Emirates Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 hour
More reasons to visit Hampshire, the UK
Aside from visiting Winchester, Southampton, and Portsmouth, there are many more attractions that you can find in Hampshire’s coastline and countryside. Thankfully, these attractions are also accessible to many. So, come on down and visit Hampshire, the UK, today.
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