What’s On in Hampshire This July – The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Looking for things to do in Hampshire in July? Whether you’re planning family outings, local adventures, or a summer day trip, we’ve got you covered with festivals, events, and must-visit attractions across the county. From live music and outdoor theatre to animal encounters and adventure days, here’s your guide to what’s on in Hampshire in July.
Music, Gigs & Festivals
• Let’s Rock Southampton (9 July) – 80s hits at Southampton Common.
• Southampton Summer Sessions (Guildhall Square) – All July: Simple Minds, Ocean Colour Scene and more.
• Wickham Festival (31 July–3 August) – Folk, rock, and comedy.
• Basingstoke Festival (13 June–7 September) – Outdoor theatre, art, and music.
• Southampton Thai Festival (2–3 July) – Food, dance, crafts at Hoglands Park.
• Lymington Seafood Festival (11–12 July) – Street food, chefs, music.
• Stansted Summer Festival (19–20 July) – Family fun, battle reenactments, eccentric performers.
• Portsmouth Guildhall (10 July: Meat Loaf Candlelit Show; 17 July: Jake Bugg).
• Proms ’25 at Robin Hill, Isle of Wight (26 July) – Classical music and fireworks.
More Festivals & County Shows
• Chilli & Gin Festival, Portsmouth seafront – 28–29 July
• Winchester Beer & Cider Festival – Friday & Saturday
• Fizz Fest, Raimes Vineyard (Hinton Ampner) – Sunday only
• New Forest & Hampshire County Show (Brockenhurst) – 29–31 July
• Curdridge Country Show – mid-July; expect village nostalgia with live music and local crafts
Culture, Theatre & Indoor Entertainment
• Jane Austen 250 Events:
8 College Street Opening (15 March–20 July)
Emma Festival (12–20 July) at Jane Austen’s House
Dress Up Day, Talks, Virtual Events
Spot’s Birthday Party (22–24 July)
Dinosaur Adventure Live (26 July)
• Mayflower Studios: Theatre for Life, SOS Children of Eden, Bing’s Birthday.
• New Theatre Royal Portsmouth: Elvis tribute (5 July), ABBA tribute (11 July), Poet Laureate Simon Armitage (14 July).
Yoga by Candlelight (2 July)
Regency Fashion Show (26 July)
Big Family Days Out & Attractions
• Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
Festival of Fishes throughout July
Daily talks, turtle and shark feedings, splash zones
Sensory Saturday (5 July, 9–10am)
Rose Celebration (until 6 July)
Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail (19 July–7 Sept)
Festival of Archaeology (26 July–3 August)
• Hawk Conservancy: Big Wild Weekend (19–20 July), Sunset Flights all month
• Longdown Activity Farm: Daily bottle feeding, tractor rides, chick handling
• New Forest Wildlife Park: Otters, deer, and woodland play zones
• Funland Hayling Island: Open daily from 23 July
• Clarence Pier: Crazy golf, arcades, rides
Trails, Museums & Exhibitions
• Winchester Science Centre:
After Dark: Planetarium Live (12–13 July)
Bubble-tastic Science from 19 July
• Milestones Museum: Interactive indoor museum in Basingstoke
• Watercress Line: Diesel Gala (11–13 July) + unlimited miniature railway
• RLC Museum: VE Day Bunting Project ongoing
• Winchester Military Museums: Exhibitions on women’s wartime roles, Gurkhas and more
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Family trails, historic ships, summer programming
• Hurst Castle: Maritime Signal Flags Trail throughout July
• Exbury Gardens: Art exhibitions, open-air theatre, steam railway rides
• Calshot Activities Centre: Kayaking, sailing, climbing and adventure weeks
• Runway’s End / Tile Barn Centres: Camping, archery, outdoor fun for families
• New Forest Activities: Family canoeing, Beaulieu River wildlife tours
• Lepe Country Park: Summer Quiz (18 July)
• Houghton Lodge Gardens: Fluvii Sculpture Trail (until 30 September)
Planning Your Month….
Planning family days out in Hampshire this summer? Whether you’re after things to do with the kids, fun-filled days out in the New Forest, or want to discover Hampshire’s history on holiday, there’s something for everyone. From hands-on museums like Milestones and the Royal Armouries to wild animal encounters at Marwell Zoo and New Forest Wildlife Park, Hampshire is packed with kid-friendly attractions. Enjoy river adventures, steam trains, castles, and historic houses, or unwind at scenic spots like Exbury Gardens or Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor fun, learning, and memory-making. So Visit Hampshire this July and make sure you see all of Hampshires top attractions.
For more info and to ensure you don’t miss out on anything this July …
