30 Unmissable Things to Do in Hampshire This Summer

From countryside trails to sandy shores, food festivals to open-air theatre, Hampshire is packed with sunshine-filled adventures for summer 2025.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic escape or a solo adventure, we’ve rounded up 30 top picks to inspire your warm-weather wanderings.

Top 30 Things to Do in Hampshire This Summer

1. Watch a movie under the stars at Stansted Park’s open-air cinema – from cult classics to new releases.
2. Wander through lavender fields in Selborne and capture the ultimate summer photo.
3. Hop on the water with paddleboarding at Keyhaven or kayaking on the Beaulieu River.
4. Explore Bombay Sapphire Distillery, tour the glasshouses, and sip summer cocktails in the riverside Turbine Bar.
5. Enjoy live theatre alfresco at locations like Houghton Lodge or The Vyne.
6. Get lost in a sunflower field, like the Insta-worthy bloom maze at Sam’s Sunflowers in Hayling Island.
7. Stroll the historic decks of HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
8. Enjoy a city break – shop, eat, and sightsee in Southampton, Portsmouth or Winchester.
9. Splash and play at Romsey Rapids, Andover Splash Park, or Petersfield Lido.
10. Camp under the stars at Green Hill Farm or pitch up at Hollands Wood in the New Forest.
11. Take a vineyard tour at Hattingley Valley or Hambledon and sip award-winning English fizz.
12. Cycle the Test Valley Trail or South Downs Way and soak up panoramic views.
13. Head to Flip Out Basingstoke for trampolining and ninja fun on rainy days.
14. Ride the Ghostly Manor at Paultons Park – the new haunted adventure is a summer hit.
15. Discover English heritage at Highclere Castle – the real-life Downton Abbey.
16. Tuck into street food at the Winchester Foodies Festival or Southsea Eats.
17. SUP to the pub – a paddle and pint combo for a perfect summer evening.
18. See butterflies and wildflowers on a peaceful walk up St Catherine’s Hill.
19. Try your hand at crabbing at Emsworth or Lymington Quay.
20. Escape the heat with wild swimming at Frensham Ponds or the River Itchen.
21. Wander the flower-filled gardens of Exbury or Sir Harold Hillier in full summer bloom.
22. Feel the thrill at Thruxton Circuit with a driving experience or race day.
23. Go strawberry picking at one of Hampshire’s many PYO farms.
24. Dine outdoors in one of Hampshire’s best pub gardens – like The Rockingham Arms or The Mutton.
25. Visit the new exhibitions at Milestones Museum for a step back in time.
26. Plan a boat trip to explore the Solent, the Isle of Wight, or join a cruise from Southampton.
27. Visit Jane Austen’s House in her 250th anniversary year and explore Chawton’s literary heritage.
28. Check out Victorious Festival in Southsea – music, comedy, and family zones by the beach.
29. Ride a steam train at The Watercress Line’s summer events or Thomas Days Out.
30. Explore Lepe Country Park, with its beach, play area, and WWII history.

Plan Your Summer Escape to Hampshire

This is just the start. From high-energy days out to tranquil countryside escapes, Hampshire is bursting with summer experiences.

Where to Stay:

• Lainston House – for luxury country charm.
• Sandy Balls Holiday Village – family-friendly glamping and lodges.
• Hotel du Vin Winchester – elegant city escape.

Where to Eat:

• The Elderflower, Lymington – fine dining by the coast.
• Josie’s – legendary brunch and milkshakes.
• The Chesil Rectory, Winchester – historic and romantic.

More Inspiration:

• Check our event listings
• Browse accommodation deals
• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop

Make 2025 your summer of Hampshire adventures!