Discover more in Hampshire
Centuries-old mansions, a working watermill and wildlife-rich heathland await you in Hampshire.
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.
Christmas in and around Hampshire
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. Discover enchanting scenes and outdoor trails that bring stories to life.
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A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont
23 November 2024 – 5 January 2025: Experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker at Mottisfont this Christmas. The story unfolds as you wander through rooms filled with sparkling trees and decorations, music and light effects. Outside, the adventure continues on a Nutcracker family trail. Closed 24 & 25 December.
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An Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner
16 November 2024 – 5 January 2025: Step into an Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner, with thousands of twinkling decorations. Discover the Snow Queen’s icy ball and busy elves in the North Pole Workshop. Outside, kids can enjoy Elf Adventures and our Christmas sleigh selfie station. Closed 25 & 26 December.
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Christmas at The Vyne
20 November 2024 – 5 January 2025: Lavish decorations and whimsical scenes draw you into Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, from upside-down Christmas trees to the Queen of Heart’s army of cards on the lawn. Look out for life-size characters and a family trail with fun Alice-themed characters and a family trail with fun Alice-themed challenges. Closed 24 & 25 December.
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Christmas at Winchester City Mill
23 November – 5 January: Inside this old mill Christmas trees sparkle with blue and silver baubles inspired by the river Itchen that rushes beneath. Peek between the branches to see wildlife characters too. There are winter foliage garlands and stacks of presents. Closed 23 – 26 December.
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Christmas at Mompesson House
22 November – 23 December: As Mompesson’s Victorian family sleep, their books come to life. This immersive storytelling experience is suitable for all ages. Discover The Three Bears’ Christmas feast and follow Hansel’s trail to the tea-room. Listen to fairytales in the library, and at weekends there’s storytelling. Closed from 24 December, re-opens 7 March 2025.
Top places to play in 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.