What's on inHampshire

Editor's picks
  • New Jersey Boys

    New Jersey Boys

    Southampton

    The New Jersey boys have been filling theatres all over the UK singing all the hits of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons such hits as Big Girls dont…more

  • The Zoots Sounds of the 60s show at The Lights, An

    The Zoots Sounds of the 60s show at The Lights, An

    Andover

    THE ZOOTS are here to make your whole family bop to the '60s beats that everybody loves - with legendary numbers by The Beatles, The Stones, The Monke…more

  • John Lennon Tribute UK - Lennon Retrospective

    John Lennon Tribute UK - Lennon Retrospective

    Eastleigh

    Be taken on a magical journey through John Lennons best loved songs starting with his solo work and culminating in the early lively Beatles classic…more

  • Daliso Chaponda - Blah Blah Blacklist Tour 2019

    Daliso Chaponda - Blah Blah Blacklist Tour 2019

    Aldershot

    In his hilarious, daring new show Blah Blah Blacklist Daliso looks at disgraced blacklisted celebrities and historical figures we're ashamed we …more

Browse for events near you

The rolling chalk downs and lush agricultural valleys that have inspired so much great English literature still loom large over the county of Hampshire and still attract hikers and bikers, walkers and tourists to the region to this day. But Hampshire offers so much more than its downs, from the stunning cathedral city of Winchester to the world famous woodlands and heaths of the ancient New Forest. Sat on the south coast, Hampshire is also famous as being the birthplace of the Royal Navy and the maritime history of Portsmouth and Southampton is also one of the highlights of the region.

Indeed history is everywhere across the county, Hampshire having been attracting visitors to its chalk down lands since before the Neolithic era (as evidenced by the numerous forts such as the one at Winklebury.)It has also been invaded by the Romans, the Jutes, the Saxons and the Normans. After the Norman conquest the county became popular with the Norman Kings who declared the New Forest a hunting forest. From the 12th century onwards the ports grew in importance and fishing and shipbuilding joined the already established wool and cloth trades as the chief economies of the county. As such there are hundreds of historic sites to visit, particularly the castles and forts constructed over the centuries to defend the Solent region. These include the Roman built Portchester Castle, watching over Portsmouth harbor, and forts built by Henry VIII such as Netley Castle, Calshot Castle, and Hurst Castle at the mouth of the Solent. Other historic sites include Southampton docks, which have welcomed ships from the Mayflower to the Titanic, and the Royal Navy Harbour at Portsmouth.

Ultimately though, people come to Hampshire for the incredible variety of attractions and scenery, from the seaside resorts, the national parks of the South Downs and the New Forest, the wonderful motor museum at Beaulieu, and the stunning cathedral at Winchester. From Southsea Castle to the Isle of Wight, Hampshire has simply too much to see!

Days Out & Attractions

Attractions in Hampshire

Fun days out in Hampshire

Enjoy a fun filled and fantastic day out for all the family at a range of attractions in Hampshire, including theme parks, castles, zoos, museums and historic houses.

Zoos & Safari Parks in Hampshire

Zoos & Safari Parks

Get close-up and personal with a wild animal at a zoo or safari park in Hampshire.

Theme Parks in Hampshire

Theme Parks

Thrills and spills on rides and rollercoasters at a theme park in Hampshire.

Museums in Hampshire

Museums

Love British history?Come and take a stroll through the ages at a local museum.

Art galleries in Hampshire

Art Galleries

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, enjoy art at its very best.

Experiences

Experiences

Want to try your hand at something completely different? Try an experience...

Updated: 19/03/2024 03:43:03

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