Visit Hamphire

Whether you’re visiting Hampshire this summer holidays or you need something to entertain the children locally, a summer activity trail makes for a great family day out – here are five of our faves.

Marwell

The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Marwell Zoo

Head to Marwell Zoo this summer in search of The Very Hungry Caterpillar from 24 July to 1 September for a fun and interactive trail inspired by Eric Carle's bestselling children's book.

The trail tells the popular children's story through a series of supersized 3D installations with interactive AR smartphone elements including giant apple, pear archways and plum tunnels; a virtual feast of cheese, sausages, cake and sweets; and a beautiful butterfly wings photo opportunity.

Find out more about the Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Marwell Zoo

Gilbert White's House river

The Wind in the Willows Story Trail at Gilbert White's House and Gardens

This summer, Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger from children's classic The Wind In the Willows will be hiding in the grounds of Gilbert White's House.

Collect a map and journey stick then head to the Riverbank, Mole's Meadow, and Toad Hall to find the characters and follow the story completing the activities and marking your stick as you go.  

Find out more about the Wind in the Willows Story Trail at Gilbert White's House and Gardens

Light the Arts Trail
Light the South Art Trail, Southampton

80 arty lighthouses have been dotted around Southampton and Cowes this summer for the Light the South Art Trail to raise money for Southampton Hospitals Charity.

The family-friendly public art trail is a colourful and fun way to explore the city with each lighthouse featuring a unique design by local artists and children.

Download a map and track your trail on the Light the South App.

Find out more about the Light the South Art Trail, Southampton

Mottisfont river

John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories exhibition and trail at Mottisfont

Discover the wild and wonderful world of children's author and illustrator John Burningham this summer at Mottisfont with over illustrations filling the indoor gallery spaces, comfy reading zones, colourful blown-up scenes for family photos, dressing up inspiration, and an outdoor activity trail with games and challenges to complete. Play a game of Would You Rather and step bravely onto the pirate ship, just like Shirley does in ‘Come Away From the Water, Shirley’.

Find out more about John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories exhibition and trail at Mottisfont

The Vyne gardens

Heritage explorer trail at The Vyne

To celebrate the Festival of Archaeology, and The Vyne’s very own 800 years of history and hidden treasures, the National Trust mansion has a special Heritage explorer trail running from 13 to 28 July.

Then, from 24 July - 1 September children can burn off energy with summer games including bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens.

Find out more about the Heritage explorer trail at The Vyne

Find out more about the summer holiday events in Hampshire

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Related

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is visiting Marwell Zoo!
Childrens Events
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is visiting Marwell Zoo!

Hold on to your sandwiches! The Very Hungry Caterpillar is visiting Marwell Zoo! This summer, Marwell Zoo is proud to be hosting a fun interactive trail inspired by Eric Carle's bestselling children's book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. From 24th July to 1st September.

The Wind in the Willows Story Trail at Gilbert White's House and Gardens
Childrens Events
The Wind in the Willows Story Trail at Gilbert White's House and Gardens

This summer Ratty, Mole, Toad and Badger from children's classic 'The Wind In the Willows' are hiding in our grounds! Collect a map and journey stick then head to the Riverbank, Mole's Meadow and Toad Hall to find the characters and follow the story. Beware the weasels in the Wild Woods! At each location complete an activity and add a natural form to your stick to remind you of your journey.

Light the South Art Trail, Southampton
Arts
Light the South Art Trail, Southampton

Come and join our Light the South art trail and discover 80 large and small lighthouses as they shine a light across Southampton and Cowes. Each lighthouse has been individually designed by artists and children and will raise money for Southampton Hospitals Charity. This is a public art trail, accessible to everyone.

John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories exhibition and trail at Mottisfont
Summer
John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories exhibition and trail at Mottisfont

John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories exhibition and trail, 20 July to 29 September, normal admission charge plus £3 per trail.

Heritage explorer trail at The Vyne
Childrens Events
Summer of Play at The Vyne

The Vyne is over 800 years old and packed with exciting stories and hidden treasures. To celebrate the Festival of Archaeology, we’ve got a special outdoors Heritage Explorer trail, suitable for all ages. Pick up the free spotter sheet and get hunting!