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Planning the ultimate day out in Hampshire? Looking to get the most out of your day and visit multiple attractions in one or two days? Planning which attractions to visit can be hard when you don’t know the area. We have put together the below itineraries for days out in Hampshire, which incorporate a number of fantastic attractions in one day or two days visits, so you will get the most out of your visit to Hampshire.
Literary Heroes (1 Day)
Location of Attractions
Gilbert White’s House: Selbourne
Jane Austen’s House Museum: Chawton
Drive time between attractions: 10 minutes
Why Should I Visit?
This itinerary explores two attractions that are both closely connected to two famous literary figures Gilbert White and Jane Austen. Both within a 20 minute drive of each other this itinerary is perfect for a literary themed day out in Hampshire.
Visit the eighteenth century home of naturalist Gilbert White, the original David Attenborough. Discover the new exhibitions and stories about Gilbert White and also the pioneering expeditions of Frank Oates and Captain Lawrence Oates to the Africa and Antarctica.
Visit Jane Austen’s house in the picturesque village of Chawton. The house is written in history as it was the place where Jane wrote Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park plus a number of other major works.
Suggested length of Visit
Gilbert Whites House: 2-3 hours
Jane Austen’s House Museum: 1-2 hours
Find out more about Jane Austen’s House Museum
Find out more about Gilbert White’s House
It’s a Sailors Life (2 Days)
Location of attractions
Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Emirates Spinnaker Tower: Portsmouth
All attractions are within walking distance of each other (3 minutes).
Why Should I Visit?
If you love being by the coast or have an interest in maritime history this itinerary is for you. All three of these attractions have a connection to the sea and we would recommend doing the Spinnaker Tower and Mary Rose Museum in one day and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard the next day.
Head up Emirates Spinnaker Tower and see the city of Portsmouth, the harbour and the Solent from 100m above sea level. Next, step back in time and discover the story behind the Henry VII’s favourite ship, the Mary Rose. For a full day of maritime adventure Portsmouth Historic Dockyard features historic ships, exhibitions, harbour tours, a submarine museum and much more.
Browse accommodation in Portsmouth
Suggested Length of Visit
Mary Rose Museum: 1.5 – 2 hours
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: 5-6 hours
Emirates Spinnaker Tower: 2 hours
Find out more about Emirates Spinnaker Tower
Find out more about the Mary Rose Museum
Find out more about Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Science and Nature (2 Days)
Location of Attractions
Winchester Science Centre: Near Winchester
Marwell Zoo: Near Winchester
Drive time between attractions: 20 minutes
Why Should I Visit?
This itinerary is perfect for families who have a science lover and animal lover under one roof. Spend two days on the outskirts of the historic city of Winchester exploring two top family attractions.
Winchester Science Centre offers a day of discovery with a number of hands on exhibits, the UK’s only stand-alone digital planetarium and brand new Explorer Space zone. Following a day of science head to Marwell Zoo and enjoy the 140 acre park which is home to a range of exotic and endangered species. See white rhino, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, Rothschild giraffes and many other animals.
Handy tip: Both attractions have hotels located next to them offering the perfect place to stay the night in-between your two day adventure. Marwell Hotel is located next to Marwell Zoo and Holiday Inn Winchester is next to Winchester Science Centre.
Browse accommodation in Winchester
Suggested Length of Visit
Winchester Science Centre: 4-5 hours
Marwell Zoo: 4-5 hours
Find out more about Winchester Science Centre
Find out more about Marwell Zoo
Culture Vultures (2 days)
Location of attractions
The Vyne, National Trust: Basingstoke
Birdworld: Farnham
Drive time between attractions: 40 minutes
Why Should I Visit?
Head to the north of Hampshire and explore two fantastic attractions that are both set within beautiful landscaped grounds. This itinerary could be done in a day but it would be a bit of a squeeze so we would recommend spreading it out across two days with an overnight stay in-between.
Situated on the outskirts of Basingstoke The Vyne National Trust is a warm red-bricked Tudor mansion surround by stunning woodlands, gardens and a lake all ready to be explored. Birdworld is one of the largest bird parks in the country. Discover 26 acres of aviaries and enjoy The Terry Pratchett Owl Parliament, Flamingo Cove and Penguin Beach.
Browse accommodation in North Hampshire
Suggested Length of Visit
The Vyne, National Trust: 3-4 hours
Birdworld: 4-5 hours
A Day of Delight and Beauty (1 day)
Location of Attractions
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens: Romsey
Winchester Cathedral: Winchester City Centre
Drive time between attractions: 25 minutes
Why Should I Visit?
This one day itinerary is perfect for those who enjoy the beauty of a garden followed by the stunning architecture of a Cathedral. Make the day extra special by enjoying lunch in one of Winchester’s vibrant cafes and restaurants.
The magnificent Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is set in over 180 acres of countryside. Stroll through the gardens and discover over 400 champion trees and 42,000 plants from temperate regions. After exploring the gardens head over to the city of Winchester and be wowed by the scale and grandeur of Winchester Cathedral. The medieval Cathedral is the resting place of Jane Austen and is one of the UK’s largest cathedrals. Make sure you visit the Cathedral’s crypt where you’ll find Antony Gormley’s iconic sculpture Sound II.
If you have children they can enjoy a number of outdoor play areas at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and a special children’s themed trail inside Winchester Cathedral.
Handy tip: There is no public parking at Winchester Cathedral so use a city centre car park or the cities excellent park and ride service.
Suggested Length of Visit
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens: 2-3 hours
Winchester Cathedral: 2-3 hours
Find out more about Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Find out more about Winchester Cathedral
Thrilling Family Fun (2 days)
Location of Attractions
Paultons Park: Near Romsey
Beaulieu, National Motor Museum: Beaulieu, New Forest National Park
Drive time between attractions: 30 minutes
Why Should I Visit?
If you are seeking two action packed days out of adventure, adrenaline and family fun then this is the itinerary for you.
Paultons Park has been voted the UK’s number one theme park. Enjoy a full family day out with over 70 rides and roller coasters, Peppa Pig World, Lost Kingdom, animal displays and much more. Follow your epic day out at Paultons Park with another epic day out at Beaulieu, National Motor Museum. See over 250 vehicles in the world famous collect, step into the Top Gear studio and see cars from the show, ride the Monorail and much more.
Browse accommodation in the New Forest National Park
Suggested Length of Visit
Paultons Park: 6-7 hours
Beaulieu, National Motor Museum: 4-5 hours
Find out more about Paultons Park
Find out more about Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
New Forest Discovery (1 day)
Location of Attractions
Buckler’s Hard: Near Beaulieu, New Forest National Park
The New Forest Wildlife Park: Deerleap, New Forest National Park
Drive time between attractions: 20 minutes
Why Should I Visit?
The New Forest National Park is one of Hampshire’s treasures and this one day itinerary explores two of the area’s best family attractions.
Once a vibrant 18th century shipbuilding village, Buckler’s Hard is situated on the banks of the peaceful Beaulieu River. Today you can explore the history and heritage of the village through exhibitions, displays and river cruises. After stepping back in time head over to The New Forest Wildlife Park for an animal encounter. This park is home to a number of species from giant otters, red fox, owls, deer and many more. Enjoy feeding sessions and keeper talks and let the little ones burn off some energy in the adventure playground.
Suggested Length of Visit
Buckler’s Hard: 2-3 hours
The New Forest Wildlife Park: 2-3 hours
