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.jpg "Inspiration for the Early May Bank Holiday 2022 in Hampshire")
We do love an extra-long weekend – especially in the spring! The May Day Holiday falls on Monday 2 May this year giving a whole extra day of fun to enjoy in Hampshire on the Bank Holiday weekend from 30 April to 2 May.
There are some fabulous events taking place across the county over the weekend, as well as fun-filled attractions and the great outdoors to explore into those long evenings.
Read our guide for some springspiration on how to spend your Early May Bank Holiday in Hampshire.
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Be immersed in spring gardens
The BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair will be taking place in the stunning grounds of Beaulieu this May Bank Holiday weekend from 29 April - 1 May.
Gardeners will revel in the horticultural displays and green-fingered festivities of the Spring Fair which also includes the BBC Good Food Market and live entertainment.
A ticket to BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair includes admission to the Beaulieu attraction including the National Motor Museum, the new Bond in Motion - No Time To Die exhibition, Palace House, Little Beaulieu, The World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey and its wonderful grounds and gardens.
For more stunning spring gardens, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens will also be blooming and beautiful over the weekend.
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Step back in time with a heritage day out
Hop aboard the Watercress Line for the Spring Steam Gala from 29 April - 2 May. The heritage steam railway makes for a magical day out and the chance to travel back in time journeying on one of the lovingly restored locomotives and carriages. Explore the Watercress Line's heritage stations along the 10-mile countryside line between Alresford and Alton, get up close to some of the locomotives, find out more about the restoration projects and enjoy talks and various exhibits.
For more heritage days out in Hampshire try the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Jane Austen’s House, and Buckler’s Hard.
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Spring forth into science and space
Winchester Science Centre is celebrating 20 years of wow moments this year and its Planet Protectors explosive science meets fashion live show is running on weekends until 8 May.
Join the Planet Protectors, Winchester Science Centre's team of noughties eco-fashion warriors. Explore the carbon cycle of clothes. Discover why green is the new black when it comes to fabric dying and delve into the world of alternative fuels. Don’t forget to enjoy the Science Centre’s interactive exhibits while you’re there and take a trip to outer space at the Planetarium.
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Have a roarsome animal encounter
Marwell Zoo has unveiled a world-first event featuring an all-new collection of 55 dinosaur sculptures. BRICKOSAURS! Evolution showcases over 20 species made using more than 2 million toy bricks and will leave you in awe as you embark on an immersive adventure through the zoo.
BRICKOSAURS! Evolution will be on display until September and is included with general admission to the zoo where you can get up close to hundreds of animals from giraffes to tigers and meerkats to penguins.
For more animal encounters over the Bank Holiday weekend try Finkley Down Farm, Longdown Activity Farm, Manor Farm, New Forest Wildlife Park, and the Hawk Conservancy Trust.
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Mix things up a bit
If you haven’t yet visited the stunning Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire, this Bank Holiday weekend could be the perfect opportunity. Depart on a journey to become a gin connoisseur with The Discovery Experience: explore the ten exotic botanicals that infuse the unique flavour of Bombay Sapphire in the Glasshouses, concoct your personally preferred flavours in the Botanical Dry Room and discover the rich history of both Laverstoke Mill and Bombay Sapphire within the Heritage Room and Gallery. Choose The Cocktail Experience to learn the tricks of the bar trade in an interactive masterclass where mixology meets cocktail curation and creation.
For more delicious days out in Hampshire wine not visit one of the county’s vineyards or sample a tasty cookery school.
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Splash into a sunset paddle
With longer evenings on the horizon, New Forest Activities is resuming its sunset paddling tours of the Beaulieu River from May.
Chase the warm glow of the sun’s last rays of the day as they settle on the river’s calm waters. Watch the wildlife of the Beaulieu River wildlife come alive in the evening and discover hidden spots with your expert guide.
For more water activities over the Bank Holiday weekend try Calshot Activities Centre, the New Forest Water Park, or Stand-up Paddleboarding along the county’s rivers or coastline.
Fabulous food and drink
With the chance of al fresco eating and a whole new season of produce to enjoy, the bank holiday weekend is the perfect time to go out and explore the fantastic food and drink Hampshire has to offer.
From award-winning restaurants with celebrity chefs and Michelin stars, to tempting cafes and Farmers’ markets brimming with local produce, discover the tastiest places to eat and drink in Hampshire.
Bank Holiday Events in Hampshire 2022
For more inspiration on events over the bank holiday weekend search our events listings.
Other top events for the bank holiday weekend in Hampshire:
- Garden I Spy at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
- Fully Charged LIVE 2022 at Farnborough International
- Circus Extreme Southampton at Mayflower Park
- Alton Walking Festival
May Bank Holiday accommodation in Hampshire
With an extra day (and night) to the weekend, why not extend your stay and enjoy a short break in Hampshire this May Bank Holiday Weekend. Choose from family hotels, traditional holiday cottages or if the weather is looking good a camping or glamping adventure. See our guide to accommodation in Hampshire.
Related
Join us as BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th May 2025. What better way to inspire your gardening year ahead than by joining us for this much-loved show. Set in the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, this Spring Fair includes Beautiful Borders and The Hillier Experience packed with planting ideas, and stunning floral displays from top nurseries.
More than 100 years in the making, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location. Exbury also boasts a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens, plus a play area, fantastic restaurant and much more!
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 whatever the season.
Experience the golden age of steam on the Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'! Whether you are taking a trip down memory lane or making new ones, sit back, relax and travel through the heart of quintessential English countryside by steam train, looking towards stunning views of the South Downs National Park.
Jane Austen’s House in the picturesque Hampshire village of Chawton is one of the most important literary sites in the world. It was in this inspiring cottage that Jane Austen’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her globally beloved novels.
Are you ready for an action-packed family adventure? Set off on an exciting journey through the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) at Winchester Science Centre.
In 2022 Winchester Science Centre is celebrating 20 years of wow moments. Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy some of the Centre's best show themes and demos from the past 20 years – all with a retro 2002 twist. Next stop - climate and environment.
Marwell zoo is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals all within a beautiful 140-acre park. Take a stroll around the outdoor attraction and enjoy the fresh air while spotting animals such as Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, clouded leopards, snow leopards and all three species of zebra (to name a few)!
Marwell Zoo is excited to have BRICKOSAURS! Evolution, the world-first event featuring an all-new collection of dinosaur sculptures at Marwell Zoo throughout the summer.
Finkley Down Farm is the place to go! There is always so much to see and do. You can join in with the activities scheduled throughout the day; cuddle a rabbit, or groom a pony; you'll scarcely have time to play on the adventure playground.
Longdown Activity Farm is a fantastic day out for everyone. A daily schedule of farming activities includes kid goat and calf bottle-feeding, duck feeding, and meeting small animals such as baby chicks, rabbits and guinea pigs during the Animal Encounter Experience. There are lots of other farm animals to see too.
A must-visit Hampshire attraction for families, couples and anyone with a passion for wildlife conservation and natural surroundings. Nestled in the beautiful ancient New Forest National Park you can find the New Forest Wildlife Park, with something to delight all ages.
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery based at Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire, just 15 miles from Winchester and 10 miles from Basingstoke. The Distillery is in a conservation area with over 1000 years of history. The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique.
New Forest Activities offer a variety of safe and enjoyable activities for families, couples, individuals and groups of all ages and abilities led by expert outdoor instructors. For tours with a difference, take to the water with Canoeing and Kayaking on the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve.
Bask in the warmth of a beautiful sunset on the Beaulieu River this summer. Chase the warm glow of the sun's last rays of the day as they settle on the river's calm waters. You'll want to bring your cameras, as the Beaulieu River wildlife really comes alive in the evening! Enjoy picturesque river views from the comfort of your own canoe or kayak, and discover hidden spots with your trusty guide – you'll really feel like you've got the river to yourselves!
New Forest Water Park is a family run business situated just outside Fordingbridge, on the outskirts of the New Forest. They have several activities running on site, wakeboarding, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and the UK's 1st Aqua Park being. The inflatable Aqua Park now measures in at 80 metres long, 40 metres wide and has 2 trampolines, monkey bars, flippers, slides, hurdles, rockers, rollers, an overhang climbing wall, a swing, a giant iceberg(!) and much more.
What can you spot? From trees, shrubs and garden animals. Help children learn about the great outdoors.
THE WORLD'S NO.1 HOME ENERGY & ELECTRIC VEHICLE SHOW is returning to Farnborough!
Circus Extreme is thrilled to be returning to the United Kingdom in 2024 as part of its World Tour. A one-of-a-kind performance, that was five years in the making and features some of the most talented performers in the world.
Alton is a vibrant Walkers are Welcome Hampshire town which truly has community spirit at its heart. Situated at the source of the River Wey and with a stunning rural backdrop to the gateway of the South Downs National Park, Alton is known by many as 'Jane Austen Country' with its close ties to its charming neighbouring parish of Chawton.
