If you’ve read Jane Austen or Charles Dickens, then you need to explore Hampshire, the largest county in South East England where these writers had home. The question is what are the great things to do in Hampshire with your kids?
The county of Hampshire is very rich in terms of culture and history. For instance, Winchester was one of the prominent cities in England before King William 1 decided to make London the capital of England. With two national parks, harbour cities like Southampton and beautiful gardens to explore, there is plenty to do for families.
Whether you are on day out, a weekend break or a longer holiday, the county of Hampshire has lots to offer to keep your little ones busy. We’ve researched for you the best activities and days out you could plan with your family in Hampshire.
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1. Paultons Peppa Pig World
Let’s begin with the most obvious attraction in the region that is Peppa Pig World. Located in the beautiful New Forest area, Peppa Pig World hosts 9 attractions suitable for toddlers and young children. Expect lots of green areas, outdoor play areas and even indoor soft play if the rain visits you during your stay. The park also offers weekend breaks with hotel partners.
Address: Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL
2. Marwell Zoo
Located close to Winchester, Marwell Zoo is a perfect venue to spend a day out with the kids in Hampshire and discover more than a thousand animals spread out on the premises. The zoo also have plenty of things to do for your children such as 5 playgrounds or animal feeding times. You can of course bring your own picnic but you will also have the choice to visit different cafes including Cafe Graze which is a self service restaurant with hot meals, snacks, drinks.
You can easily spend a day at Marwell Zoo so make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowd but also have enough time to see all different animal species. What to expect to see at Marwell Zoo: flamingos, rhinos, penguins, giraffes, meerkats and plenty more.
Address: Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH
3. Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe and found its foundations back in the 11th century during the Norman times. The religious building saw a major renovation between 2012 and 2019 which makes Winchester Cathedral one of the most prestigious cathedrals to see in England.
There is a small entry fee of £10 per adult with free entry for children. You can also participate in different tours organised by Winchester Cathedral including a tour of the crypt.
Fun fact: Winchester Cathedral was used as a film set for the famous Da Vinci Code movie that features Tom Hanks
Address: 9 The Cl, Winchester SO23 9LS
4. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
A visit to Winchester can’t be complete without paying a visit to Winchester Science Centre and its Planetarium. This hands on activity will please your children for sure with lots of activities to do indoor and outdoor. For instance, you can climb a guitar and feel the sound vibrations of the strings touched by other visitors. Another fun thing to do is to participate in the live experiences.
It is worth to pay an extra fee to enter the planetarium and learn about stars, planets and our Solar system. Please note the venue organises different events during school holidays. For instance this summer, you can attend at the Science theatre a 20min show called Sparks that is related to the wonderful world of electricity.
Address: Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ
5. The Vyne
If you have some spare time whilst visiting the county of Hampshire with your children, make sure to stop by The Vyne. This country mansion house has been visited by Henri VIII and Anne Boleyn which makes the place extra special. The site is now part of National Trust since 1958 and has beautiful gardens and trails walks in the wood, perfect for a sunny day in Hampshire.
Address: Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL
6. Milestones Museum
Situated in the city of Basingstoke, Milestones Museum is a great thing to do in Hampshire with your kids. You can go back in time and see how it was to live in 1930s, 1940s and more. You can also discover old vehicles such as steam lorries, vintage double decker buses or motor cars.
Your children will love visiting the Teddy Bear museum, vintage arcade games including the famous penny arcade. Overall, Milestones Museum is one of our favourite things to do in Hampshire with kids, especially on a rainy day. And yes there are different options for a hot drink or a proper meal at The Baverstock Arms.
Address: Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
7. Staunton Country Park and Staunton Farm
Staunton Country Park is a fantastic way to get the kids out in Hampshire and have fun in this beautiful park. There is of course a great playground where your children with feel like in a little fort but also great walks and cycling trails for families.
If you have the munchies, you could visit the Regency Tea Rooms where you can find hot drinks, lovely cakes and quality sandwiches.
Finally, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Staunton Farm where your kids will get close and personal with llamas, rabbits, ferrets and many mores animals. Staunton Country Park is not to be missed on your to do list of things to do in Hampshire with the kids for sure.
Address: Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB
8. Go Ape at Alice Holt Forest
Go Ape needs no introduction if you are familiar with zip lines in the country. This fun activity will test your adrenaline and push your fear factor a bit further. However not to worry, Go Ape have different challenges for all levels.
For your little ones, the Treetop Adventure is probably the challenge to book with no minimum age restriction.
If you feel adventurous, have a try at the Treetop Challenge which lasts about 2 to 3 hours and requires children to be at least 10 years old with a minimum height of 1.4m.
Address: Go Ape Alice Holt, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS
9. Adventure Barn play area
If you are looking for a soft play area indoor in Winchester, Adventure Barn is a good option for families with young children. There is a specific area designed for toddlers and plenty of things to do for older children up to 10 years old. I reckon older children will get bored in this venue but you never know.
There is also a Bistro that serves hot food and drinks with large windows so you can keep an eye on your kids while you are eating your meal.
Address: Owslebury, Winchester SO21 1EZ
10. Butser Ancient Farm
This open air archeological museum is a great idea for families eager to go back in time. Plenty of hands-on activities for your children and adults. The venue even organises different workshops during the year such as metalworking, bread baking, wood carving and plenty more.
Bear in mind that during school holidays, Butser Ancient Farm has a lot to offer for your children. So make sure to check their website to find what’s on on the day you plan your visit.
Address: Chalton Ln, Chalton, Waterlooville PO8 0BG
11. Tiny Treasure Town
Last but not least, here is another great indoor play area for young children. Tiny Treasure Town organises 90min sessions that can be pre-booked on their website. It is free for parents too and they must join their children during the session.
What you can expect to find is lots of toys and different areas where you children can do role playing. For instance, they can pretend to be shopping in a grocery store, or in a vets clinic or even feel to participate in the intense works happening in a space station.
For parents, there is a cafe where you can find your favourite drinks and snacks. Happy Days!
Address: Otterbourne Village Hall, Cranbourne Dr, Otterbourne SO21 2ET
CONCLUSION
This is all we have so far in our recommended activities to do in Hampshire with your children. I am sure you will enjoy your day trip or holiday in this beautiful region where you can find not just one but two beautiful national parks which are New Forest and South Downs National Park. If you find a great activity to do with the family that is not mentioned here, feel free to reach out.
11 Best Things to Do in Hampshire with Kids
1. Paultons Peppa Pig World
2. Marwell Zoo
3. Winchester Cathedral
4. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
5. The Vyne
6. Milestones Museum
7. Staunton Country Park and Staunton Farm
8. Go Ape at Alice Holt Forest
9. Adventure Barn
10. Butser Ancient Farm
11. Tiny Treasure Town
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