What’s On, Where to Go & Things to Do in Hampshire this Summer Holiday

Summer Holidays in Hampshire – Inspiration for Every One
Make the most of July and August with our county-wide round-up of events, attractions and hidden gems. From toddler-friendly farms to historic castles and outdoor adventures, here’s where to head when school’s out.

Hampshires Little Explorers and Toddlers

• Winchester Science Centre – Bubble Bonanza: giant bubble play, storytime and hands-on crafts.
• Finkley Down Farm, Andover: pet goats, ride tractors, enjoy undercover soft play.
• Longdown Activity Farm, Ashurst: bottle-feed kid goats, explore woodland trails, hop on a tractor.
• New Forest Fairy Trail, Burley: spot tiny houses and woodland characters on a gentle circular walk.
• Chocolate Craft Workshops, Alresford: create lollies and truffles in 45-minute parent-and-child sessions.

Hampshire Families & Primary-Age Kids

• Marwell Zoo, Colden Common: 500+ animals, giraffe feeds and adventure playgrounds.
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum and Action Stations interactive zone.
• New Forest & Hampshire County Show, Brockenhurst (30 Jul–1 Aug): livestock parades, showjumping, cookery demos and kids’ village.
• Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway: colour-packed riverside walks and 20-minute train rides through the estate.
• Hurst Castle: ferry ride from Keyhaven, Tudor fort ramparts, family quest trail.

Hampshire Outdoor Lovers & Country Fans

• New Forest Cycling Tours: guided rides on gravel tracks; e-bikes available for mixed-ability groups.
• Itchen Valley Country Park, Eastleigh: high-rope courses, adventure playgrounds and riverside picnic spots.
• Stansted Park & Forest: formal gardens, woodland sculpture trail and maze.
• Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey: plant collections, children’s I-Spy trails and pop-up art activities.
• Furzey Gardens, Minstead: fairy doors, Chelsea Flower Show exhibit and peaceful lakeside strolls.

Hampshire History & Heritage Enthusiasts

• Curtis Museum, Alton: archaeology digs and “Time Detective” family trails.
• Winchester City Mill: live flour-milling demos, riverside wildlife walks and summer “walk & talk” tours.
• Hinton Ampner, near Alresford: topiary lawns, house tours and Archaeology Festival (26 Jul–3 Aug).
• Uppark House & Garden, South Downs: Georgian interiors, 18th-century dolls’ house and open-air theatre nights.
• Hurst Castle Twilight Tours (dates vary): late-opening evenings with sunset views across the Solent.

Music, Theatre & Culture

• Wickham Festival, Fareham (1–4 Aug): folk, indie, comedy and craft stalls in a relaxed village setting.
• Outdoor Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hinton Ampner and Exbury Gardens.
• Eastleigh Community Showcase (15 Jun): live bands, artisan stalls and children’s workshops on Leigh Road Rec.
• Hampshire Comedian of the Year Semi-Finals, The Attic Southampton (21 Aug): rising stand-ups battle for the crown.

Charity & Community

• Naomi House & Jacksplace Solent 5K Runway Dash (22 Jun) and Dragon Boat Race (26 Jul) – family-friendly fund-raisers.
• Furzey Gardens & Minstead Trust: inclusive theatre, horticulture courses and volunteer days throughout summer.
• Mystery Guides: buy a booklet, solve clues on self-led detective walks in Winchester, Southampton and Lyndhurst.

Food, Drink & Crafts

• Vinegar Hill Pottery, Milford-on-Sea: half-day throwing sessions in a coastal studio.
• Hinton Arms, Cheriton: garden pub famous for local ales and summer BBQ nights.
• Burley Cider Pantry: farmhouse lunches and tasting flights after a stroll round the village.
• Chocolate Craft, Alresford: Chocolate making wrokshops suitable for all ages – perfect rainy-day activity.

From bubble science and fudge stalls to steam trains, cycle safaris and castle sunsets, Hampshire packs the six-week break with adventure. Bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and keep checking What’s On Hampshire for fresh listings, late-added events and ticket offers all summer long.