You can’t go to Hampshire without visiting one of these must-see family sights and attractions! From mini adventures to full days out, this slice of Britain has it all.
Explore the county’s beautiful national parks and climb up to the top of the tallest structure outside London before trailing through ancient gardens and sweeping coastlines. Come rain or shine; there is something fun for all the family to enjoy.
We’ve selected 7 of our favourite must-see sights and attractions in Hampshire to get you inspired. Read on to find out more:
Paultons Park
Paultons Park is a family theme park set in the New Forest National Park. Peppa Pig fans will delight in the world’s first Peppa Pig World, including 9 Peppa themed rides and attractions such as George’s Dinosaur Adventure and Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride.
But that’s not all. With over 70 rides and attractions to explore, kids of all ages and grownups will have the time of their life at Paultons! Don’t miss the dinosaur theme park Lost Kingdom, the magical Water Kingdom splash park, the thrilling Edge and Cobra rollercoasters, and much more!
Younger kids will love the Raging River Ride, Junkyard Junction and Parking Lot Tots! With so much to see and do, from exploring topiary gardens to getting your adrenaline pumping, this is one fun day out you simply can’t miss!
Exciting Escapes
Get transported to another world at Exciting Escapes! Step back through time to 1928 and become a Peaky Blinder in a decadent game of ‘Dark Deeds and Groceries.’ Solve the case to thwart an assassination during the height of the swinging 60s, or uncover dark secrets from a hidden government research facility and save the day.
Portsmouth’s premier escape room experience is a unique, memorable way to spend your afternoon or evening with the whole family. It is unlike anything you have ever experienced as you race against the clock to crack codes, solve riddles and puzzles and piece together the clues to make your escape.
With six authentic games to choose from, and three other venues at Southampton, Croydon and Basingstoke, this is an experience you really won’t forget!
Solent Sky Museum
Take flight at Southampton’s celebration of all things aviation at the Solent Sky Museum! The whole family will enjoy looking at the spectacular feats of engineering, from the game-changing WWII hero Spitfire to sitting in the cockpit of a Harrier Jump Jet.
While there, wander around the interactive displays and check out the remarkable S6a record-breaking centrepiece in the Schneider Trophy Exhibition. Be awed by the real-life stories of the innovators who designed the legendary Spitfire and climb onboard the Sandringham Flying Boat or the Supermarine Swift.
From the golden age of aviation to watching stock footage of the fastest race in history, the whole family will leave with big smiles and lasting memories.
Milestones Museum
Milestones takes you on an immersive journey through the past. Explore the cobbled Victorian streets, sit in a replica Victorian school, and check out the working printing press! Follow up with a visit to the 1940s sweet shop where you can buy a ration or two to enjoy on your travels. Later try your luck in the penny arcade and wander through the fantastic collection of vintage vehicles.
Check out the working pub for a cheeky pint, revel in the authentically costumed characters, enjoy the play space for under-fives, and so much more! Milestones run a diverse programme of fantastic, family-friendly events and exhibitions throughout the year.
The Mary Rose
King Henry VIIIs prized vessel, The Mary Rose, is one of the most remarkable feats of British naval history. Built between 1509 and 1511, she had a long and successful seafaring career before sinking to the bottom of the Solent after an incursion with the French Fleet in 1545.
Nearly 500 years later, she was rediscovered and raised to the surface in the most significant restoration project in nautical archaeology history. Amongst the wreckage, thousands of artefacts were discovered and now sit alongside the remarkably restored hull (the conversation project took 34 years to complete!) in the Mary Rose Museum.
Visit the Mary Rose at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. After, check out some of the other iconic British ships, such as Lord Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory and the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet HMS Warrior.
New Forest Wildlife Park
Tucked away in the stunning New Forest National Park, you’ll find the aptly named New Forest Wildlife Park. Young and old will be delighted with the wide range of vibrant, cute and unusual species on offer – both native and from other parts of the world.
Conversation and education are at the heart of this much-loved wildlife park, and it shows from the educational Keeper Experience Days to the great care that is made to enlighten all who visit.
As you stroll around the park, you’ll discover Giant Otters from the Amazon, Eurasian bison, wolves, deer, lynx, owls and more. Throughout the day, the friendly animal keepers are happy to talk with you about all the different animals in their care – you can listen to in-depth talks as you watch the keepers feed the animals!
With a host of events throughout the year, fun playgrounds and different environments to explore, there’s plenty for all ages and abilities to see and do at New Forest Wildlife Park.
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Exbury Gardens is the perfect destination for families wanting to reconnect with nature. With over 200 acres of spectacular gardens to explore, from landscaped woodlands to contemporary and formal gardens, you’ll all feel recharged and refreshed after visiting Exbury.
Kids will love the steam railway that takes you on a journey through the gardens and the fantastic play area. Stop off at the restaurant for a delicious meal before taking a stroll through the world-famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas before stopping off to feed the giant koi carp at Top Pond.
Hampshire is a hive of fantastic treats for the whole family to explore. Did any of our must-see favourites make your go-to list?
This is a contributed post. ☺
