Things to do During Lockdown 2.0 in Hampshire

Get outdoors in Hampshire, or if you are a little further away explore the county virtually during lockdown 2.0. Here is our guide to outdoor spaces that are open, places to explore on your doorstep and the best ways you can enjoy Hampshire from the comfort of your home. 

Please remember to follow UK Government guidance, maintain social distancing and check opening and ticket information before you travel. Please see our Covid-19 information page for further information. 

Gardens open in Hampshire during Lockdown

Following UK Government guidance, several of Hampshire's gardens, National Trust outdoor spaces and country parks will be open for you and your bubble to enjoy and exercise at during Lockdown 2.0. Please check opening times and pre-booking information before you travel. 

Exbury Gardens

Exbury Gardens is a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens. At over 200 acres, these impressive gardens (created and managed by the Rothschild family) border the Beaulieu River and boast a narrow-gauge steam railway. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.

Find out more about Exbury Gardens

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

The magnificent Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is world famous for its arboretum and gardens – set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside; this garden is stunning in whatever season you visit. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance. 

Find out more about Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Gilbert White’s House Gardens

Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Gilbert White's House is surrounded by 25 acres of majestic restored garden and parkland, which specialises in eighteenth century plants and gardening methods inspired by Gilbert White. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.

Find out more about Gilbert White's House Gardens

Chawton House's Gardens

Follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps and explore the beautiful gardens at Chawton House. Explore the grounds with an informal lawn and open views across the estate, the south lawn and lime avenue and the walled garden built by Edward Austen and was referred to in Jane Austen's letters. Open Wednesday to Sunday during lockdown 2.0. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.

Find out more about Chawton House's Gardens

Hampshire's National Trust Outdoor Spaces and Gardens Open During Lockdown

All visits to any National Trust gardens must be pre-booked in advanced. 

The Vyne National Trust

The nine hectares of garden surrounding the house at The Vyne have been tweaked and altered for over 400 years. Explore the two lakes, walled garden, formal garden and meadow along with lawns. Don your walking boots and explore The Vyne's woodlands and wetlands on several marked walks. 

Find out more about The Vyne

Hinton Ampner National Trust

Best known for its fine garden, Hinton Ampner is an elegant country house in the South Downs National Park. The five hectare garden unites a formal layout and you can explore the wider 1,600 acre estate, with dog-friendly walks through glorious woodland beech avenues and stunning views over the South Downs. 

Find out more about Hinton Ampner

Mottisfont National Trust

Mottisfont's winter garden is open to visitors. Stroll through paths that wind through winter-flowering shrubs and perennials, chosen for colour and scent to brighten up the colder months. Explore the wider 1,600 acre estate by taking a walk through glorious countryside and woodlands. 

Find out more about Mottisfont

Country Parks in Hampshire Open During Lockdown
 

 

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Open: 8am-6pm

Facilities open: parking, café (takeaways only), outdoor play areas, assault course and wayfaring course, dog activity course and toilets

Find out more about Queen Elizabeth Country Park

River Hamble Country Park

Open: 8:30am-5pm

Facilities open: parking, outdoor play areas and toilets

Find out more about River Hamble Country Park

Royal Victoria Country Park 

Open: 8am - 5pm

Facilities open: parking, café (takeaways only), outdoor play areas, toilets and dog wash

Find out more about Royal Victoria Country Park

Lepe Country Park

Open: 7am-10pm

Facilities open: parking, The Lookout kiosk (takeaways only), outdoor play area and toilets

Find out more about Lepe Country Park

Staunton Country Park

Open: 10am - 4pm 

Facilities open: parking, café (takeaways only), outdoor play area and toilets

Find out more about Staunton Country Park

Calshot Beach and Calshot Activities Centre 

Although the main activities at Calshot Activities Centre are not operating the café, car park and toilets will be open for those who are visiting the beach there for a walk. The car park will be operating with normal car parking charges apply, the Café will be open from 10am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday (takeaways only) and the toilets will be open from 8:30am to 4:30pm daily (access through the Hangar).

Find out more about Calshot Activities Centre

Cycling in Hampshire

Venture out on two wheels, with miles of rural lanes, off road tracks and family friendly routes you’ll find cycling for all abilities. Being out on the bike is a great way to explore, exercise and visit lesser known picturesque quieter parts of the county. 

Find out more about Cycling in Hampshire

Walks in Hampshire

Hampshire is home to 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways across two stunning National Parks (The South Downs and The New Forest), beautiful countryside and along coastline that offers views across The Solent. You'll find walks for all ages and abilities that are perfect for exploring the county.

See all walks in Hampshire

Virtually Visit Hampshire

Not local to Hampshire? There are many ways you can visit Hampshire virtually from the comfort of your own home and start planning a future visit for when the time is right. 

360 Virtual Tour of Jane Austen's House

Jane Austen’s House have launched a brand new 360° virtual tour, transporting you to the picturesque red brick country cottage in the small village of Chawton. Follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps as you explore the rooms, visiting objects she knew and loved, including the small, unassuming 12-sided table where she wrote and revised all her novels. Each scene includes detailed information that allows you to learn more, and audio to bring the experience to life.

Find out more about Jane Austen House's virtual tour

See our full guide to the best ways to visit Hampshire virtually

Hampshire Delivered to Your Door

Ordering local Hampshire produce is a great way to enjoy Hampshire from your home and support local businesses. The county is famous for it's food and drink so why not treat yourself during lockdown or stock up ready for Christmas. 

Hattingley Valley Vineyard

Hattingley have some fantastic case deals on their award-winning sparkling wines each with a donation to The Rainbow Trust. Free delivery nationwide or customers can collect from the winery.

Find out more about Hattingley Valley Vineyard

Hambledon Vineyard

Order online or visit Hambledon Vineyard’s shop, open 11am-4pm every day. They are also offering 10% off and free delivery on mixed cases of 6 or more bottle.

Find out more about Hambledon Vineyard

The Grange Wines

The Grange Hampshire Classic and Pink English Sparkling wines are now available for local pick up or you can order online. 

Find out more about The Grange Wines

Danebury Vineyards 

Danebury Vineyards, near Stockbridge, have updated their online wine shop so its now easier than ever to enjoy a glass in the comfort of your home. Take advantage of special prices during these challenging times with free delivery for certain local postcodes, and a small delivery charge for delivery elsewhere in UK.  

Find out more about Danebury Vineyards

Gift Vouchers and Future Bookings

Making plans for a future visit to Hampshire when the time is right? Many of our attractions, accommodation and tourism businesses are temporarily closed but you can still book online for future dates or buy a gift vouchers to enjoy later.

Thruxton Race Circuit Experiences

Experience the thrill of the UK’s fast race circuit on a driving experience. Thruxton have gift vouchers for sale online as well as several special offers.

Find out more about Thruxton Race Circuit

Christmas Canoe Paddles with New Forest Activities

Making plans for a Christmas day out once lockdown is over? New Forest Activities will once again be offering their fantastic Christmas canoeing adventures on the Beaulieu River. Places must be prebooked online.

Find out more about New Forest Activities Christmas Canoe Paddles

Room2 Southampton Gift Voucher

Making plans for a furture short break to Hampshire or looking for Christmas present ideas? Room2 Southampton are now offering gift vouchers. Gift yourself or your loved ones with a monetary voucher towards food, drinks and accommodation at room2.

Find out more about Room2 Southampton

Accommodation Special Offers in Hampshire

Many hotels and accommodation providers are currently offering special offers so you can start planning your next short break to Hampshire for when the time is right. See our accommodation offers page for the lastest deals. 

See all attractions in Hampshire and prebook a visit

See all accommodation in Hampshire and prebook a short break