Crisp mornings, snug evenings, wholesome fresh air outside, and cosy indoor activities: embrace the colder days and delight in all things brumal with our 50 things to do this winter in Hampshire.
1. Light up the dark evenings with a visit to a winter illumination display or trail like the Winter Woodland Lights at Hawk Conservancy Trust continuing the bright cheer into the New Year with displays in January and February 2025.
2. Begin Jane Austen’s 250th birthday year in 2025 with the Pride and Prejudice Festival at Jane Austen's House in January.
3. Have a whale of a time seeing the incredible art installation of three monumental marine life sculptures by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser at Winchester Cathedral, with a series of special events taking place whilst they are in situ in January and February 2025 including a family silent disco.
4. Cosy up in front of a crackling fire at a Hampshire country pub.
5. Embrace some winter wellness at an outdoor sauna.
6. Stock up on some local produce for some New Year recipes with a visit to a Hampshire Farmers’ Market.
7. Go for a winter wonderland wander in the tree-mendous New Forest National Park.
8. Get your skates on and take to the ice at Skate at Westquay, Southampton or Portsmouth on Ice.
9. Get the New Year party started at the Steam Illuminations Pop Anthems Experience at The Watercress Line.
10. Fly a kite with views over Portsmouth at Portsdown Hill.
11. Book a February Half Term break to Hampshire and stay in amazing self-catering accommodation.
12. Take to the slopes and go skiing or snowboarding at Calshot Activities Centre in Southampton or the Alpine Snowsports Centre in Aldershot.
13. Make the most of the shorter days and catch a late winter sunrise or early sunset.
14. Have a vibrant Veganuary at one of the top plant-based restaurants in Hampshire.
15. Have a historical day out under one roof on the undercover streets of Milestones Museum, Basingstoke.
16. Test your cycling skills and get muddy on some seriously fun tree rides at Queen Elizabeth Country Park’s mountain bike trails.
17. Enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a hygge-inspired winter spa day.
18. Go for a blustery coastal walk along one of Hampshire’s beaches.
19. Take on the steps of St Catherine’s Hill for a morning walk with stunning views of Winchester, before returning to the city for brunch.
20. Get some fun dates in your 2025 diary with our guide to what’s on in Hampshire.
21. Have a fun-filled February Half Term packed with exciting events for all the family.
22. Sip a cosy brew at delicious places to go for a cuppa and cake in Hampshire.
23. Hit the sales for some New Year shopping at Westquay, Southampton; Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth; or Festival Place, Basingstoke.
24. Head to one of Hampshire’s Theatres to see a show like Hairspray at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton in January.
25. Take a stroll to see splendid snowdrops at Hampshire National Trust properties The Vyne, Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner, and Uppark.
26. Catch a February half term movie under the stars at the Starlight Cinema at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium.
27. Cook up a storm and discover some fresh recipes at a Hampshire cookery school.
28. Catch a match at Southampton Football Club or Portsmouth Football Club.
29. Squelch in the mud with a trip to a farm at Finkley Down Farm, Sky Park Farm, Manor Farm, or Longdown Activity Farm.
30. Shake up some winter cocktails in style with a visit to the botanical glasshouses of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.
31. Escape the winter showers with our top rainy days out in Hampshire.
32. Go for a brisk coastal walk along the Solent Way.
33. Get some fresh winter air whilst the children explore adventure playgrounds at Hampshire’s Country Parks.
34. Have some budget-friendly fun with a free day out or 10 things to do for £10 in Hampshire.
35. Go for a winter walk with rolling views along the South Downs Way.
36. Canter along picturesque bridleways with some horse riding in Hampshire.
38. Try your hand at bushcraft with New Forest Activities.
39. Have an action-packed indoor day at Basingstoke Leisure Park with iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Basingstoke Aquadrome, Planet Ice, Odeon cinema, Hollywood Bowl, Basingstoke Golf Centre, and Milestones Museum all in one location.
40. Join the winter bird watch in December and January to look for winter wildlife in the gardens with the Winter Garden Bird Explorer trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, and admire more than 650 plants grown for their winter beauty in one of the largest winter gardens in Europe.
41. Take to the track with a driving experience in Hampshire.
42. Feel the invigorating sea breeze with some winter watersports like sailing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing.
43. Take your four-legged friend on one of Hampshire’s top winter dog walks.
44. Walk or cycle along the Viaduct Way in Winchester to enjoy scenic views from a lovingly restored local landmark.
45. Step inside the real-life Downton Abbey or follow in the footsteps of The Crown’s Royal Family: with a visit to famous film and television locations in Hampshire.
46. Have a love-ly Valentine’s Day meal at one of Hampshire’s top restaurants.
47. Take the train and enjoy a joyful journey by rail.
48. Take the ultimate winter break at one of Hampshire’s top cosy hotels.
49. Walk the Mill Trail at Whitchurch taking in five historic mills along the scenic headwaters of the River Test.
50. Roam across Moors Valley Country Park on an all-terrain segway adventure at Moors Valley Country Park.
Start planning your winter in Hampshire
See what events are on in Hampshire this winter
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