Start planning a summer Bank Holiday to remember in Hampshire. We all love a long weekend and August Bank Holiday Weekend is the last one until… dare we say it… Christmas!
To help you get the most of your last long summer weekend, here is our guide to bank holidays events, places to visit, things to do, and last-minute bank holiday August breaks in Hampshire.
Bank Holiday August Days out in Hampshire
The long weekend is a perfect time to explore Hampshire and you will be spoilt for choice with so many places to visit and things to do.
Hampshire is home to an abundance of amazing attractions for all ages. Choose from stately homes, theme parks, zoos, farms, museums, galleries, theatres, country parks, gardens, and many more. All you have to do is decide where you and your family or friends are going to visit first!
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If the sun decides to shine, Hampshire’s coastline offers several beaches perfect for you to soak up the sun, find the perfect spot a picnic, and cool off in the sea. Don't forget about the ice-creams!
Find out more about beaches in Hampshire
See our guide to the top 10 things to do on a sunny day out
We can’t predict the weather for the August Bank Holiday weekend, but we can show you our guide to the top 10 rainy days out in Hampshire.
See top 10 rainy days out in Hampshire
On a tight budget? You can still explore some of the fabulous, fun and free things to do in Hampshire. Why not check out our top 10 free days out in Hampshire guide here.
August Bank Holiday Outdoor Activities in Hampshire
If it’s outdoor adventure you are looking for Hampshire offers a whole host of activities for all ages and abilities.
You could experience stand-up paddleboarding, sail on the world-famous Solent, canoe up the Beaulieu River, go walking in Hampshire two National Parks, hit the mountain bike trails at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, or discover Hampshire’s popular road cycling routes.
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Hampshire is famous for its cycling, whether you are looking for long distant road cycling, mountain biking, or an off-road family bike ride. Visit our Cycling in Hampshire website for more information.
Find out more about cycling in Hampshire
If you're looking to stretch your legs, you could discover the county on foot and enjoy walks or hikes through the scenic countryside of Hampshire's two National Parks or enjoy a stroll along the coast!
Find out more about Walking and Hiking in Hampshire
For something a little more adventurous over the August bank holiday weekend, why not pay a visit to the New Forest Water Park, Go Ape or book a session on the water with the New Forest Stand-up Paddle Sport Company.
August Bank Holiday Events in Hampshire
The August Bank Holiday weekend will see a jam-packed programme of exciting events including festivals, family fun, sporting events, and foodie events.
- Victorious Festival, Portsmouth
- Sculpture Event at Beaulieu
- CarFest South, Basingstoke
- Maize Maze & PYO Sunflowers at Picking Patch
- Sir Harold Hillier Gardens's Family Summer's End Picnic with Fireworks, Romsey
- Summer at the Spinnaker Tower
- Beef on the BBQ at Season Cookery School, Lainston House
- Underwater Agents at the Winchester Science Centre
- African Sunset Safari at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
- Winchester Farmers Market
- Outdoor cinema: Mamma Mia! (2008) at Chawton House
- Emsworth Show
- Steamship Shieldhall - One way trip from Southampton to Poole
- Longstock Park Water Garden Open Days
- Adventure Games at Bishop's Waltham Palace with Adventure Out!
See August Bank Holiday events in Hampshire
See guide to summer holidays in Hampshire
See our guide to summer in Hampshire
Last Minute August Bank Holiday Short Breaks in Hampshire
There is still plenty of time to book a Bank Holiday short break to Hampshire. Whether you are looking for a quaint cottage in the picturesque countryside or a hotel in a vibrant city, Hampshire has accommodation to suit all tastes, party sizes, and budgets. The county is home to a scenic coastline, bustling cities and towns, two National Parks and an abundance of top family attractions, and August Bank Holiday is the perfect time to explore all this!
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August Bank Holiday Camping in Hampshire
Looking to embark on a Bank Holiday camping adventure? Discover Hampshire’s many beautiful campsites over the long weekend, you’ll find woodland hideaways in the New Forest National Park and Campsites nestled amongst the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. If it’s camping by the sea you’re looking for? Hampshire is home to several campsites that offer a short walk to beaches along on the Solent coastline.
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If pitching up and sleeping under a canvas isn’t your thing, Hampshire is home to several luxury glamping sites offering all the excitement of camping but with a few home luxuries.
Find out more about glamping in Hampshire
Best places to Eat and Drink in Hampshire
Hampshire is a county well known for its great selection of local produce, fine dining restaurants, friendly cafes, and cosy pubs. We’re proud of our fine food, from the exquisite dishes in our gourmet restaurants to the top-quality produce in our farmers' markets including fresh trout and watercress. You’ll find gastronomic delights in Hampshire all year round, at exciting food events and on foodie days out with the family.
Go to our Food and Drink page here
See the best places to eat and drink outdoors here
See our guide to the best pub gardens in Hampshire
Summer Photography Competition is back for 2021!
If you are out and about in Hampshire with your camera during the long weekend don’t forget to submit your snaps into our photography Competition to be in for the chance of winning a £100 voucher!
Find out more about the Summer Moments Photography Competition
Take a look at our previous winners here.
Don’t forget to tag us in your Bank Holiday Hampshire snaps on Instagram by using #VisitHampshire.