Exterior of house, with family on leaf covered autumn lawn in the foreground — A family group in the gardens at Mottisfont | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Family-friendly places in Hampshire

Discover great places for family days out at our places around Hampshire. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find acres of space and lots of ideas to keep you and the kids entertained, from wild play areas to energetic activity trails. Takeaway snacks and kids’ lunch boxes, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths will make your visit that much easier.

Our gift to all those families who return to us at this busy time of year is a sparkling Christmas day out where memories are made and magic happens….

A woman in a pale grey winter coat and beret crouching down to look at a Christmas tree with a young girl in a black long sleeved top and gold dres

Christmas days out in Hampshire

Step into a sparkling Christmas at our gorgeously decorated Hampshire houses. Enchanting scenes and outdoor trails bring magical tales to life. Discover frosty wonderlands, heroes and villains at Mottisfont’s Nutcracker. At Hinton Ampner see the Snow Queen’s icy hall, and busy elves in their workshop. Or meet characters from Alice in Wonderland against festive backdrops at The Vyne. At ancient Winchester City Mill beautifully decorated trees hide animal characters.

A child on climbing equipment in the play area at Mottisfont, Hampshire

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Mottisfont

With its rushing river and bridges, Mottisfont is our no.1 destination for Pooh Sticks. There’s acres of space for adventure – race across fields, test your limits on the Wild Play climbing apparatus, or play games in the Paddock.

Two small children with adult crouching down to study woodland floor in autumn

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The Vyne

This picturesque country estate has plenty of buggy-friendly routes and space to safely roam. Tiny tots can have fun in The Vyne’s natural play area, whilst older kids hunt for wildlife in the orchard. Check out the bird hide overlooking the wetlands, - and build dens in the wood.

Children are seen playing in the Yew Avenue in June at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

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Hinton Ampner

Hinton’s tall hedges and footpaths are perfect for hide and seek. Say hello to the scarecrow in the kitchen garden and go on a bug safari in the wilds of the parkland close to the gardens.

A child takes part in a milling demonstration at Winchester City Mill, Hampshire

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Winchester City Mill

The mill’s family activity book is packed with ideas for things to do at the mill and at home, from wildlife watching to baking shortbread. Watch the otters on the otter cam and look out for the naughty flour thief.