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With summer in full swing, the end of August bank holiday weekend is definitely one to make the most of.
Get the best out of the long summer weekend with our guide to bank holidays events, places to visit, things to do, and bank holiday August breaks in Hampshire.
See our guide to August Bank Holiday 2023
Top August bank holiday days out in Hampshire
With a whole extra day to enjoy, 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!
Discover things to do in Hampshire
Explore family-friendly attractions in Hampshire
If the sun decides to shine, Hampshire’s coastline offers several beaches perfect for you to soak up the sun, and many perfect picnic spots.
Find out more about beaches in Hampshire
Read our blog on perfect places for a picnic in Hampshire
See our guide to the top 10 things to do on a sunny day out
We can’t guarantee great weather for the August Bank Holiday weekend, but there are some great options for rainy days out in the county.
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. Check out our top 10 free days out in Hampshire guide here.
August bank holiday outdoor activities in Hampshire
Rain or shine, Hampshire has a whole host of outdoor activities to explore 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’s two National Parks, hit the mountain bike trails at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, or discover Hampshire’s popular road cycling routes.
Explore outdoor activities in Hampshire
Hampshire is famous for its cycling, whether you are looking for long distance 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
With a gorgeous 230 miles of coastline along England’s sunny southern shores, Hampshire is a haven for watersports. Within the county’s natural aquatic playground there are so many watersports to try, and the August bank holiday is a great time to dive right in and have some fun.
Read our blog about watersports in Hampshire
Try stand-up paddleboarding in Hampshire
Find out more about sailing in Hampshire
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:
- CarFest South, Basingstoke
- Victorious Festival, Portsmouth
- 50s & 60s Weekend at The Watercress Line
- Family Summer's End Concert at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
- Outdoor Cinema: Mamma Mia 2! Here We Go Again at Chawton House
- Sunset Chasers Paddling Tours with New Forest Activities
- Woodland Adventure Day with New Forest Activities
- The Hundred: Southern Brave v Trent Rockets at The Ageas Bowl
- Hares of Hampshire trail in Southampton and Winchester
- Awesome Archery at The Mary Rose Museum
- Donkey Day at Exbury Gardens
- Billy, the Sailor King at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
- Corgis Aboard! at Royal Navy Submarine Museum
- Steamship Shieldhall - One way trip from Southampton to Poole
- Petersfield Walking Festival
See August bank holiday events in Hampshire
Read our guide to the summer holidays in Hampshire
See our guide to summer 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
Read our blog on the best places to eat and drink outdoors
See our guide to the best pub gardens in Hampshire
Make a weekend of it – book an August bank holiday short break in Hampshire
Make the most of your visit by booking a night or two to stay in Hampshire.
Hampshire has a variety of places to stay – from quaint self-catering cottages to holiday centres and world-class hotels. If you are looking to get the family together or maybe treat them to a getaway – we are sure that you will find the perfect break in Hampshire.
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!
See all holiday cottages in Hampshire
See all bed and breakfasts in Hampshire
See all self-catering accommodation in Hampshire
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.
See all campsites in Hampshire
For a bit more camping luxury, Hampshire is home to many gorgeous glamping sites offering all the excitement of camping but with a few more home comforts.
Find out more about glamping in Hampshire
We’d love to see your photos of the bank holiday weekend in Hampshire on our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook pages. Tag us in your pics by using #VisitHampshire
Related
Carfest South will be returning to Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire in August as One Big Carfest. The 2,500 acres farm, near Overton, is owned by ex-racing driver and 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter.
Victorious is a family friendly festival for music lovers and a stone’s throw from the sea. It’s a day festival located on the picturesque Southsea Seafront and takes place over August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Enjoy a taste of the great British summer holiday with the sights and sounds of the railway in the 50s and 60s at The Watercress Line.
Celebrate the end of the summer with the talented Pops Incorporated UK, 75-piece orchestra and singers, Pops Incorporated UK. Internationally known having performed in Washington USA, Canada and Disney Land also the Royal Festival Hall London.
Join Chawton House for an evening of summer fun on the South Lawn, with a screening of the 2018 box office hit Mamma Mia 2! Here We Go Again! Bring along a chair or picnic rug, find your perfect spot on the South Lawn and escape to the magical Greek island Kalokairi with this romantic comedy, inspired by the music of ABBA.
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!
Hidden away in Beaulieu at New Forest Activities' wonderful woodland activity site, you'll enjoy an array of exciting outdoor adventures!
The Hundred is the new 100-ball cricket competition, which started in the UK in 2021.
In a spectacular public art event that will bound across the region for 10 weeks in the summer of 2022, Winchester and Southampton will be brought to life with a drove of Hares and their young Leverets sculptures, creating a free, fun, family-friendly trail of discovery for everyone to enjoy whilst exploring our great cities.
Hit the target this summer! Being an archer on the Mary Rose required a lot of practice and strength. Tudors would learn archery from the age of 7! Come to the Mary Rose museum this summer and test your skills at our 'Have A Go' archery event!
Back by popular demand, the lovely people from Kelly's Donkeys are returning to Exbury with their beautiful donkeys. You can choose to have a photo taken when you meet the donkeys or go for a gentle ride in the gardens.
Join Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's storyteller and listen as they share tales of Billy, the Sailor King – Britain's only monarch who served in the Royal Navy.
Join a storytelling special on the Royal Yacht featuring a rather mischievous corgi! Storytelling is a fun way to discover more about Royal Navy Submarine Museum's amazing collections, objects and people. All ages are welcome. Free with a valid ticket.
One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked). Shieldhall's trip will see her pass the cruise ships berthed at Southampton, the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks.
Do you enjoy a good walk in the countryside, a sedate evening stroll or perhaps need some encouragement to start walking? If so, come and join the inaugural Petersfield Walking Festival this August. It's an opportunity to explore new paths, kick start a walking habit, meet new people and to show off our stunning corner of the South Downs.
