50 things to do this summer in Hampshire 2024

Sandy toes, gorgeous gardens, and outdoor fun – it feels like summer! Read on for beach bucketloads of ideas and inspiration for how to enjoy those warm summer days and nights here in Hampshire.

1. Celebrate 50 years of breathtaking blooms with Rose Season at Mottisfont. 

2. Have a music mini break and combine some live music with a trip to a new destination by gig tripping in Hampshire.

3. Get your sunniest Instagram snap with a visit to cheerful sunflower fields in Hampshire.

4. Pack a picnic for some outdoor theatre at Beaulieu, Winchester Cathedral, Exbury Gardens, The Vyne, or the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire.

5. Savour the sweet taste of summer fruits at one of the top places to go strawberry picking in Hampshire. 

6. Take a day trip or mini holiday to Hayling Island: cycle or walk the Hayling Billy Coastal Path or enjoy the Blue Flag beach.

7. Splish, splash, and splosh at outdoor swimming pools and splash parks.

8. Dive into summer with a ride on Splash Lagoon, the new attraction at Paultons Park

9.  Seek shade in the majestic surroundings of the New Forest National Park.

10. Stay chilled as the summer hots up one of the coolest places to stay with a pool in Hampshire.

11. Sleep under the summer starlit sky at one of Hampshire’s campsites or glamping sites.

12. Take a ride on a steam train through the lush green fields beside The Watercress Line. 

13. Find your zen with wild wellness experiences in Hampshire to nourish your body and soul.

14. Wriggle sand between your toes with a beach day beside the pretty huts at Milford on Sea.

15.  Roll up to a summer of play at Hinton Ampner's Summer of Circus.

16. Discover the art of traditional method sparkling wine production and sip a selection of premium English still and sparkling wines at Hattingley Valley Wines.

17. Plan a city break in Southampton, Portsmouth, or Winchester and soak up culture, history, and plenty of places to drink and dine.

18. Commemorate D-Day 80 in Hampshire with one of the county’s special events to mark the 80^th anniversary of D-Day.

19. Have a Hampshire summer holiday in a coast and countryside National Park With New Forest Cottages.

20. Revel in the eclectic fun of the UK’s longest-running festival of outdoor arts at the Winchester Hat Fair.

21. Pass the popcorn for some outdoor cinema at The Vyne or Stansted Park.

22. Cool down in a canoe with an expedition on the tranquil Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities.

23.  Witness the world-class cricket action of The Hundred at The Utilita Bowl and extend your stay with a night at the Hilton at Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl.

24. Treat your pup to their perfect day out at Dogstival 2024 in Burley.

25. Be surrounded by botanical beauty at one of Hampshire’s fairytale flower fields.

26. Roll out your picnic blanket at a picturesque outdoor spot and find the perfect place for a picnic in Hampshire like beside the Beaulieu River at Buckler’s Hard.

27. Delight in your favourite scoop at one of Hampshire’s top ice cream spots.

28. Eat alfresco at one of the county’s pub gardens or best places to eat or drink outdoors in Hampshire.

29. Watch the midsummer sun set or rise over the South Downs National Park from Butser Hill or Old Winchester Hill.

30. Take the whole family for a summer holiday in the New Forest at Sandy Balls Holiday Village or beside the seaside at Mill Rythe Holiday Village.

31. Have an Olympics and Paralympics themed Fiesta at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, a mini children's festival of curiosity.

32.  Cool down with some wild swimming at one of the county’s top outdoor swimming spots.

33. Go butterfly spotting at the St Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve and walk to the top for showstopping views of Winchester.

34. Explore coastline and rivers from the water at one of Hampshire’s top paddleboarding spots: try the River Hamble, Calshot, or Langstone Harbour.

35.  Dance the night away at the Southampton Summer Sessions with music from Tom Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Madness, and Nile Rodgers.

36. Pick up some tasty treats from The Winchester Bakery and have a picnic with Winchester Cathedral as your magnificent backdrop.

37. Don your best Regency finery and celebrate an era of legendary literature at Jane Austen Regency Week and visit the home of Hampshire’s much-loved author at Jane Austen’s House.

38. Sizzle your sausages in stunning surroundings by hiring a BBQ at Queen Elizabeth, Lepe, or Royal Victoria Country Park.

39. Pedal into longer evenings with beautiful bike rides in Hampshire – try the Little Switzerland Cycle Route near Winchester, the Test Valley Circular, or the South Downs Way National Trail.

40. Lido back and enjoy the water with a swim in Petersfield Heated Open Air Pool.

41. Dance the night away at a Hampshire festival like CarFest South or Victorious. Gig tripping?

42. Soak up the county’s coastline at a waterside country park – try Lepe, River Hamble Country Park, or Royal Victoria Country Park.

43. Look up and marvel at a sky full of colour at the Portsmouth International Kite Festival.

44. Take your bucket and bait to one of the best places to go crabbing in Hampshire for a claw-some day out.

45. Have a waterside lunch at Gunwharf Quays combined with some designer outlet shopping.

46. Have a traditional seaside day out in Southsea – amble along the promenade, stroll down the South Parade Pier, or have a picnic on Southsea Common.

47. Spend a summer’s evening with feathered friends at the Hawk Conservancy Trust and see a sunset flying display.  

48.  Make the ultimate splash and overcome the obstacles at the inflatable aqua park at the New Forest Water Park.

49. Shake up some summer cocktails and discover the botanicals behind the gin at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.

50. Sing along to the Last Night of the Proms at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

Start planning your summer in Hampshire

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