Things to do & places to visit in Hampshire, United Kingdom

Hampshire #5 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.54 based on 95.9k traveler reviews, of 36 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 11:16.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Mary Rose (5.878 reviews)
- Outstanding experience – Recommend without hesitation
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We did the Premium Tour with expert guide ‘Friday’ Tony who we publicly thank. This tour was well worth the extra money as Tony’s depth of knowledge, humour and keenness to show us interesting facets of the ship, crew life and its history which we would have missed on a standard tour. The best aspect of the tour was being able to ask numerous questions throughout the tour on the likely cause of the Marie Rose sinking, the various trades on the ship and wreck renovation techniques. We recommend visiting the Marie Rose Museum and spending time at this stunning exhibition. You will not be disappointed. See more..
5.0 Hawk Conservancy Trust (3.323 reviews)
- Fabulous experience and day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award winning visitor attraction set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 130 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Steller's Sea Eagles! Many of these birds are involved in the spectacular daily flying displays in one of the three flying arenas, whilst others are part of important breeding or environmental enrichment projects. Every visitor can meet a British bird of prey and there are extra activities during weekends and school holidays. The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a conservation charity with a mission to conserve birds of prey. The Trust has worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey for many years. See more..
5.0 Exciting Escapes (2.033 reviews)
- Spies in Space for Red Dwarf Fans!
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Exciting Escapes are thrilled to bring the global phenomenon that is Escape Rooms to Southampton. Working together in a small group of 2-6 people, your challenge is to solve puzzles and mysteries together while the clock ticks down. Each room has a story that you play a part in, and each presents its own unique challenges for a truly entertaining experience. Will you accept the challenge? See more..
5.0 New Forest National Park (1.860 reviews)
- Travel by train to Brockenhurst
Monday: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

The New Forest National Park is truly unique. It’s a ‘world capital’ for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals– one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. These animals may appear wild, but they are owned by people called commoners. One of the last places in southern England to offer a sense of wildness and tranquillity, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike. Indeed William the Conqueror, who set aside the ‘New Forest’ for hunting more than 900 years ago, would probably recognise much of it today. See more..
5.0 Exciting Escapes (1.648 reviews)
- Dark Deeds and Groceries Room Review
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Exciting Escapes are thrilled to bring the global phenomenon that is Escape Rooms to Basingstoke. Working together in a small group of 2-7 people, your challenge is to solve puzzles and mysteries together while the clock ticks down. Each room has a story that you play a part in, and each presents its own unique challenges for a truly entertaining experience. Will you accept the challenge? See more..
5.0 Elusion Escape Rooms (1.427 reviews)
- Amazing Escape Room and Amazing staff!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Elusion Escape Rooms Southampton offers the ultimate team challenge in which you and your companions will face mysteries, solve riddles and crack puzzles against a 60 minute countdown in beautiful film quality sets. Will you explore a pirates cave, uncover Stranger Things, attend our witches potion shop or be blindfolded and chained up and take on the serial killer challenge. Games for all ages and experience levels! See more..
5.0 Insight Activities New Forest (1.309 reviews)
- Simply excellent
Spent 2-3 hours Shooting Ranges • Game & Entertainment Centers

Engaging, unique & fun experiences in a beautiful outdoor setting! Insight Activities offer authentic activities in a gorgeous private woodland in the New Forest, we also run a sister woodland in Tolpuddle Dorset. Learn ancient skills & connect with our ancestral way of life. Activities include Woodland Archery (ages 6 ), Axe Throwing (ages 12 ), Rifle Crossbows (ages 12 ), & Bushcraft (ages 8 ). Our popular 'Medieval Trio' combines Archery, Axe Throwing & Rifle Crossbows in a 2.5hr session. Led by our friendly team of instructors, enjoy a stress-free experience with small & long sessions so you get plenty of action. Our rustic base provides a toilet, shelter & drinking water. We welcome families, couples, individuals & groups. Well behaved dogs are also welcome! Pre-booking is essential. Our New Forest woods are located 10 mins from Ringwood, 30 mins from Bournemouth, 25 mins from Salisbury, 30 mins from Christchurch, 30 mins from Lyndhurst. See more..
5.0 Exciting Escapes (748 reviews)
- Fantastic!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

An Escape Room is an hour-long adventure with your friends, your family or perhaps your work-mates. It’s a bit like the Crystal Maze from TV, or a real-life version of an online Room Escape game. You play as a team and have to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges to finish your mission in 60 minutes! See more..
5.0 Other World Escapes - Escape Room Portsmouth (677 reviews)
- Fantastic fun with Billy Bass and Tommy the Automaton!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Here at Other World Escapes, we offer escape rooms and team building exercises to clients throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. We have a real passion for what we do and we feel that this shows in every single one of the escape rooms that we offer from our base in Portsmouth. This is one of the main reasons why we firmly believe that we should be your first and only port of call for escape rooms, escape rooms and team building exercises, anywhere in the Portsmouth area. Other World Escapes make you a HERO in your own ADVENTURE; our Portsmouth-based escape rooms are fun, thrilling and interactive team-based adventures with YOU at the centre. To find out more on our Portsmouth escape rooms, get in touch with us today. See more..
5.0 Steamship Shieldhall (399 reviews)
- A relaxed and enjoyable day out
Ships

The Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage. As a passenger you too can experience the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion or visiting her in Southampton. See more..
5.0 The Mary Rose (5.878 reviews)
- Outstanding experience – Recommend without hesitation
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We did the Premium Tour with expert guide ‘Friday’ Tony who we publicly thank. This tour was well worth the extra money as Tony’s depth of knowledge, humour and keenness to show us interesting facets of the ship, crew life and its history which we would have missed on a standard tour. The best aspect of the tour was being able to ask numerous questions throughout the tour on the likely cause of the Marie Rose sinking, the various trades on the ship and wreck renovation techniques. We recommend visiting the Marie Rose Museum and spending time at this stunning exhibition. You will not be disappointed. See more..
5.0 Hawk Conservancy Trust (3.323 reviews)
- Fabulous experience and day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award winning visitor attraction set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 130 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Steller's Sea Eagles! Many of these birds are involved in the spectacular daily flying displays in one of the three flying arenas, whilst others are part of important breeding or environmental enrichment projects. Every visitor can meet a British bird of prey and there are extra activities during weekends and school holidays. The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a conservation charity with a mission to conserve birds of prey. The Trust has worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey for many years. See more..
4.5 Paultons Park (10.1k reviews)
- Peppa pig from Ireland!
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Paultons Park - home of Peppa Pig World is a family theme park located in the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, with over 70 rides and attractions. Home to a world first and UK exclusive, Peppa Pig World has 9 rides & attractions including, Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, George's Dinosaur Adventure an indoor soft play zone. Other rides and attractions at Paultons include, the dinosaur theme park Lost Kingdom, the Edge and Cobra roller coasters, the Water Kingdom splash park, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, The Raging River Ride and many smaller rides for young children. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (8.355 reviews)
- Be aware of the (albeit limited) free option!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums • Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Featuring world famous ships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. Plus visit HMS Alliance, the only remaining WW2 era British ocean going submarine, and the M33, the sole remaining British veteran of the bloody Dardanelles Campaign of 1915-1916. Also including the National Museum Royal Navy Portsmouth, Action Stations, the Harbour Tours, andd the Jutland Exhibition, there's plenty to see and do. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great day out for all the family. Situated within a working Naval Base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past, present and future - a must see for anyone visiting the south of England. See more..
4.5 Beaulieu National Motor Museum (7.452 reviews)
- Great day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Gardens

In the heart of the glorious New Forest, Beaulieu is one of the South's top visitor attractions. Here you will find the National Motor Museum, home to over 250 vehicles telling the history of motoring. You can also visit Palace House and Gardens, home of the Montagu family since 1538, the remains of Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear where you can see some of the vehicles from Jeremy, James and Richard's most ambitious challenges. Ride on the high level Monorail or climb aboard the replica 1912 open top London bus for a fun way to see Beaulieu's sights. See more..
4.5 Spinnaker Tower (5.589 reviews)
- Good visit
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Observation Decks & Towers

The Spinnaker Tower is a 170-metre landmark observation tower in Portsmouth, England. It is the centrepiece of the redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour, which was supported by a National Lottery grant. We offer a wide variety of experiences, from specialist high tea to access to your viewing platform. Come and experience the best view in town. See more..
4.5 Winchester Cathedral (4.541 reviews)
- Great to be back in the Cathedral!
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Winchester Cathedral is one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe, nestled at the heart of historic Winchester. It has been a place of worship and welcome for over 900 years and is one of the most historically significant buildings in Britain. Step inside to marvel at the longest medieval Nave in Europe, admire stunning architecture and encounter priceless treasures including the 12th-century Winchester Bible. Winchester Cathedral is the resting place of Saxon royalty and Jane Austen, the much-loved English novelist. Don't miss the new exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation which takes visitors through 1,000 years of history from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day. One of the best ways to explore is with a guided tour, available from 10am - 3pm Monday to Saturday. After your visit, take time to enjoy delicious home-cooked food in the Cathedral Refectory with its medieval walled garden or browse the Cathedral Shop for souvenirs and exclusive gifts. See more..
4.5 Bombay Sapphire Distillery (3.822 reviews) from $24.33
- Good experience
Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Based at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, 15 miles from Winchester and 60 miles from London, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make our gin so unique. For over 225 years, the Victorian and Georgian buildings set astride the crystal clear River Test produced bank note paper for the Bank of England and the British Empire. Now, Laverstoke Mill is a state-of-the-art sustainable distillery which produces every single drop of Bombay Sapphire gin. Please book in advance on our website & plan your journey. The closest train stations to the distillery are Overton or Whitchurch which are serviced by trains originating from London Waterloo and Salisbury. The 76 bus from Basingstoke or Andover stops outside the distillery. Links to train and bus timetables can be found on our website – visit the “Plan your Visit” page. See more..
4.5 Highclere Castle (3.511 reviews)
- Lovely day out!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles

Designed by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, this is considered to be one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, which houses fine furniture and works of art. Today, the Castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is known around the world as the real home of 'Downton Abbey'. See more..
4.5 HMS Victory (3.444 reviews)
- Wooden Wonder
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Our 5yr old grandson want to see the “pirate ship” and so we made Victory our first stop. There are complimentary audio guides but we knew there wouldn’t be time to use them as obviously a young child has a short attention span! A lot of the interior deck areas are low in height and you have to watch your head - I was wearing a flat cap and one of the helpful staff recommended wearing it back to front in order to spot the beams better. To be honest you could easily spend an hour or two looking around/taking everything in but although it didn’t take us long this visit, we have one of the annual return tickets and so will be back again on our own next time. Your HMS Victory ticket also gives admission to the related museum nearby and this is also worth a look round. See more..
4.5 Gunwharf Quays (3.248 reviews)
- So much more than a shopping mall
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

See more..
4.5 HMS Warrior 1860 (2.513 reviews)
- Wonderful visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ships

As you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the stunning sleek, black lines of Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured warship, take your breath away. Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria's fleet. Powered by steam and sail, she was the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day and had a profound effect on naval architecture. Warrior was, in her time, the ultimate deterrent. Yet within a few years she was obsolete. Restored and back at home in Portsmouth, Warrior now serves as a ship museum, monument, visitor attraction, private venue and more. See more..
4.5 Mayflower Theatre (2.393 reviews)
- Excellent venue and performance!
Monday: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM Theaters

Spending a few days in Southampton before boarding a Transatlantic cruise, my wife and I thought taking in a British play would be great fun. It was a great call. Today was a rainy day so an indoor event was a great decision. Staying at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, the Mayflower Theatre was a 20 minute walk away. The theatre was built in 1928 and had a wonderful decor. The name of the production we attended was An Inspector Calls. Excellent performances by the cast, a twisting plot, friendly staff and comfortable seating made our trip here enjoyable. Ticket prices were reasonable. Would attend another production in a heartbeat. See more..
4.5 Mottisfont Abbey (1.563 reviews)
- Fantastic day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Art Galleries • Historic Sites • Gardens

A romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens, managed by the National Trust. Ancient trees, bubbling brooks and rolling lawns frame this lovely old house. Crafted from a medieval priory, it is full of surprises, with art that intrigues and delights. Come back throughout the year to see different exhibitions in the gallery. Carpets of spring bulbs, a stunning walled rose garden, rich autumn leaves and a colourful winter garden make Mottisfont a feast for the senses all year round. There's space to run, jump and play, and always something for families to do. Free entry for National Trust members, Art Fund members and under 5s. See more..
4.5 Milestones Museum (1.430 reviews)
- Great return visit to a fab museum
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Immerse yourself in the past at Milestones, Hampshire’s museum of living history. Explore the museum’s streets, shops and buildings to discover how people used to live, buy a ration of sweets from our 1940s sweet shop, view our unique collection of vintage vehicles and have a go in our penny arcade! Your trip to Hampshire past will take you as far back as the age of the Victorians, with cobbled streets, a replica Victorian school room – complete with chalkboard and teacher’s desk – and even a working printing press. Throughout the year, we run a programme of fun, family-friendly events and exhibitions – keep an eye on our Events for more details. From a working pub to a play space for under fives, costumed characters, interactive displays and more, there is so much for everyone to enjoy at Milestones! See more..
4.5 Moors Valley Country Park and Forest (1.372 reviews)
- Great super worm & play trails for kids
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Parks • Forests

We are a large Country Park & Forest offering approximately 1000 acres of managed woodland and Country Park to explore. We have miles of mapped walking and cycle routes, two large adventure play areas, over a mile and a half walking route with numerous large woodland play stations to stop at, cycle and mobility scooter hire, model steam railway, golf and pitch & put, restaurant, staffed information point & Visitor Centre, disabled and baby change facilities at two large toilet blocks, Go-Ape and Segway hire, Ice-cream sales and visitor gift shop. If that is not enough to keep you busy, we have an array of activities throughout the year including, pond dipping, Ranger Den, Nordic walking. Admission is per car, and you need to know your number plate to pay at the paystations - at the end of your visit. See you soon. See more..
4.5 Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson (1.353 reviews)
- Great day out
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Historic Sites

Fort Nelson is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannon – the big guns – and is a great day out for all the family. Admission free. Step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground and underground tunnels. Plus, there's the national museum housing over 700 pieces of artillery from across the world and spanning 600 years of history – each with their own story to tell. With an exciting collection of big guns, stunning panoramic views, entertaining children’s activities, a museum shop packed with gifts and souvenirs, and a café serving delicious refreshments – there is something for everyone to enjoy. Parking £3. No animals except assistance (guide/hearing) dogs. See more..
4.5 The D-Day Story (1.046 reviews)
- A very good collection of D-Day artefacts.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The D-Day Story tells of the people behind the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. It holds over 10,000 items – preserving, researching and acquiring objects to share with the public through exhibitions, workshops and other activities. The museum is fully accredited, meeting nationally agreed standards for UK museums. Following a £5 million transformation project, it has moved from being an military-focused museum to one that tells the personal stories behind the epic day. The museum is also home to the Overlord Embroidery, which tells the story of the operation across 34 hand-stitched panels stretching for a total of 83 metres. The D-Day Story is one of six museums run by Portsmouth Museums, part of Portsmouth City Council. Responsibility for the museums service falls under the remit of the council’s cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport. See more..
4.5 Solent Sky Museum (967 reviews)
- A Wonderful Labour of Love
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums • Speciality Museums

Solent Sky Museum showcases the history of aviation in Southampton - Spitfire City - and the surrounding Solent area.Geographically this was the most important area in the country, perhaps the world, for aircraft experimental and development work between 1908 and the late 1960s. 26 aircraft companies set up shop in the area, and many of the world’s greatest aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire, first took to the air in the skies over Southampton.We have 18 complete airframes, including a Supermarine Spitfire and Supermarine S6a (N248), and also 4 cockpit sections. We also have a comprehensive collection of aero-engines.Our mighty Sandringham Flying Boat was originally built as a Short Sunderland in 1943, and converted to a passenger aircraft after the war. Visitors are welcome to board the aircraft to sample the luxury of air travel in the romantic era of the great flying boats, and guided tours of the flight deck are also available.Kids (and big kids) can also imagine what it would be like to fly a jet fighter while sat in the cockpits of our Supermarine Swift and Harrier Jump Jet. Our new Schneider Trophy Exhibition is now open, with its record-breaking centrepiece the S6a. Video stock footage of these legendary races and artefacts from the time illustrate the drama and romance of the fastest race in history. See more..
4.5 Royal Navy Submarine Museum (937 reviews)
- Not to be missed
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums

We visited using the (excellent value) Ultimate Explorer ticket that gives access to all the attractions in the historic dockyard at Portsmouth, plus this museum across the harbour in Gosport, which is reached by a free water bus from the dockyard. The main attraction is HMS Alliance, which was in service from 1947 until the 1970s, and visitors have the chance to walk through its whole length. There is an adjoining exhibition hall containing a midget submarine, plus a separate hall containing Holland I, the Royal Navy's first-ever submarine, which has miraculously survived. Nobody can look at a submarine without trying to imagine whether they could stomach being on board for long periods, and this excellent museum lets you get a taste without the stress of going to sea! See more..