Hampshire has it all. Home to two luscious National Parks, countryside delights and some of the country’s most important historical sites, there’s a lot to see and do. And it doesn’t end there. Sandy toes and salty kisses await on the coast. Climb up extraordinary towers, find your wild in ancient woodlands and become a prince or princess for the day in an epic castle.
One thing’s for sure. Adventure awaits!
Here, we’ve rounded up our favourite 7 unmissable family adventures for you to discover in Hampshire:
See maritime history come alive
Let your kid’s (and your) imagination run wild in Britain’s only island city!
Portsmouth is world-renowned for its maritime heritage and fascinating history. Home to the Royal Navy, Nelson’s formidable warship HMS Victory, the ironclad HMS Warrior and Henry VIIIs prized warship, the Mary Rose – you can’t go far without encountering the city’s striking past.
Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard is a must stop. Not only will you come face to face with all the impressive feats of engineering mentioned above, but your whole family can connect to the city’s past through all the incredible personal stories and interactive displays found on the site.
From the outstanding Mary Rose Museum to getting stuck at the high tech, fully immersive Action Stations, you’ll be talking about your experience for years to come!
Ready! Set! Go!
Visit Beaulieu National Motor Museum for an all-year-round family adventure!
Have you ever wondered what over 280 vintage to modern-day car classics looks like under one roof? Or wanted a taste of the iconic Top Gear studio for yourself? Beaulieu is home to it all. You can see everything from an F1 racer to big Hollywood motors!
The fun doesn’t stop there. Climb aboard the monorail for a unique view of the sweeping grounds and museum. Wander around the ancient Abbey and marvel at the scale of this once vast complex. Later, meet the butler, cook and housemaids in the magnificent Palace House and get a taste of Tudor life!
Little ones can burn off all that extra energy in the fantastic ‘Little Beaulieu’ enchanting playground before you all tuck into a spot of lunch at the Brabazon Restaurant and coffee shop.
Become a detective for the day
Step over the threshold and enter the dramatic world of Southampton’s top-rated escape room, Exciting Escapes. Get transported back to the 1950s and interrogate a spy before the enemy arrives. Stop a 1970s police officer from spilling state secrets. Or fly to 2050 in a space adventure mystery like no other!
Nothing compares to solving puzzles, overcoming challenges and taking part in one of the best bonding activities around. Fully immersive, and with only 60 minutes on the clock, the heat is on!
While this isn’t suitable for younger children, kids 10 years plus will have an action-packed hour as they race against the clock with their parents.
Sail over to the Isle of Wight
Nothing is more magical to a child than climbing aboard a ship and travelling through the choppy waters of the Solent. There’s even a hovercraft option!
Once you’ve passed the collection of giant Navy warships in the harbour, you’ll all stand in awe of the picturesque landscape ahead. Greeted by the majestic, stunning coastline of the Isle of Wight, the adventure continues when you get to the island.
Kids will love running through the ramparts of the ancient Carisbrooke Castle. Have a close encounter with some of the world’s most endangered species at the eye-opening Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. Then, spot rare red squirrels in their natural habitat as you stomp through the elegant and mysterious woodland.
Don’t forget to wander through the historic gorge at Shanklin Chine and getting a close up look at the monumental Needles!
Have a Farm-tastic day out
Farmyard animals, tractors and spectacular outdoor and indoor play await you at the award-winning Finkley Down Farm.
Children can get involved in various animal handling and feeding activities throughout the day. Sit behind the wheel of a vintage tractor, bounce to your heart’s content, and climb and conquer the outdoor play kingdom.
Kids will love exploring the farmyard and experiencing one of the many wildlife and conservation events held throughout the year. Pop over to the restaurant for a tasty treat, and make sure you have a browse around the family-friendly farm shop!
Get in touch with nature
The ancient New Forest will transport you back in time to the days of William the Conqueror! From its wild ponies roaming the land to glimpsing rare species of animals and plants, there is a lot to discover.
Tucked in the park, you’ll find a whole range of sites and attractions for you to explore. Henry VIIIs formidable Hurst Castle will light your imagination. Spot deer, ponies and the odd cow and sheep roaming through the chocolate-box village of Brockenhurst. Ride steam trains at Exbury or go pony trekking through the park itself.
After a trip to Beaulieu or the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, stop off at Buckler’s Hard. This is where Nelson’s legendary fleet was built, and the naval village has been preserved, so it feels like you are stepping back two centuries to the 1800s!
Track down Peppa Pig
Kids will go wild for Paultons Park. Not only is it home to the UK exclusive Peppa Pig World, but children of all ages will be enchanted by the variety of thrilling attractions and rides on offer.
Go back to the Jurassic period and lose yourselves in the dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom. Strap yourself into the park’s exhilarating, gravity-defying Tornado Springs rollercoaster! Or sit back, relax and enjoy one of the many daily live experience shows, such as meeting the park’s family of Humboldt penguins or the magical pirate adventure!
One thing’s for sure. At Paultons, you won’t be stuck for something to do no matter what the weather!
If Hampshire is not on your radar, it needs to be! With hundreds of exciting, unmissable family adventures waiting to be discovered, you can make lasting memories with all your loved ones all year round!
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