What’s new in Hampshire for 2025

From a big birthday for an iconic Hampshire author, to the 200th anniversary of the railways; and a spooky new ride at Paultons Park, to UK Pride in Portsmouth – there’s much to look forward to in Hampshire in 2025 and we’ve rounded up the best of what’s new, just for you. 

Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday 

In 2025, Hampshire will be celebrating the 250th birthday of its famed and beloved author, Jane Austen, with special events taking place across the county throughout the year.

As part of the 250th anniversary celebrations, iconic Jane Austen locations across Hampshire will be holding special events, exhibitions, and openings for Jane Austen fans to visit and enjoy.

Jane Austen’s House, the home where Jane wrote and published all six of her globally beloved novels, will mark this iconic year with a special anniversary programme of events, including a series of mini festivals throughout 2025 to celebrate this special anniversary year, commencing with a Pride and Prejudice Festival in January. 

In the summer of 2025, Winchester College will open No. 8 College Street, Winchester – the house where Jane Austen spent the final weeks of her life and died in 1817 – to the public for the first time.

The Overton Jane Austen Trails will launch in early 2025 with a series of  walking and cycle trails through the footpaths and roads of Overton, Steventon and the surrounding countryside, following in the footsteps of Jane Austen.

Find out more about Jane Austen 250 in Hampshire

Ghostly Manor opening at Paultons Park

Spooky things will be coming to Paultons Park this May with the opening of new attraction, Ghostly Manor in the spring. The new ride, which is due to open on 17 May, will be the world’s first gameplay theatre.

The first dark ride at the park will be fully interactive and family-friendly with guests competing to capture ghosts within spooky scenes, themed backdrops, special effects, and large projections. 

Find out more about Paultons Park 

200th anniversary of the railways

2025 marks the 200^th anniversary of the modern railway and Railway 200 festivities are planned all over England.

Aligning with the anniversary, Hampshire’s nostalgic Watercress Line will launch the Canadian Pacific in March 2025, the culmination of a 13-year restoration project bringing one of Britain’s most iconic steam-era locomotives back to life.

From 20 to 23 March, the Watercress Line will host Canadian Pacific’s launch week and the first opportunity to ride behind the locomotive since her restoration.  Visitor experiences will include exclusive dining, themed journeys, and heritage rides inspired by the golden age of steam travel.

Find out more about the Watercress Line

Portsmouth to host UK Pride 2025

Portsmouth will be the host city for UK Pride in 2025 with celebrations planned for 7 June 2025, when Southsea Seafront will welcome thousands of people of all ages from across the city and surrounding areas.

A free Pride event for all, the event will include a community-led parade and two stages, celebrating the diversity of the city and leaving a legacy of inclusivity for everyone in Portsmouth and the UK. 

Find out more about Portsmouth Pride 2025

New UK Native Species Zone at Marwell Zoo

A new Native Species Zone is set to open at Marwell Zoo in March 2025. 

The project, which is being developed in collaboration with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, will showcase UK wildlife while addressing urgent conservation needs. The first phase of the project will focus on white-clawed crayfish and sand lizards, two UK species that face threats to their survival.

The new Conservation Breeding Centre will provide a haven for local endangered species, whilst also giving visitors the rare opportunity to observe the species up close and use interactive elements to learn about conservation challenges and how to help protect UK wildlife. The Zone will also feature artwork from the Winchester School of Art.

Find out more about Marwell Zoo

70th anniversary of Steamship Shieldhall

The largest working steamship in Britain is planning major celebrations in 2025 to mark 70 years as a sea-going tribute to the country’s maritime heritage.

To celebrate 70 years, Hampshire-based Steamship Shieldhall has a programme of special voyages in and around its home in the Solent.

Its first outing of the year will be on 24 May, while other events include a ‘Celebration of Steam’ on 23 August marking the RAIL200 anniversary; and a special Jane Austen event on 31 August celebrating the Hampshire author’s nautical connections in her 250th year.  

Find out more about SS Shieldhall

New events at Winchester Cathedral

Continuing to affirm itself as one of the nation’s leading locations for art installations, Winchester Cathedral has two new events planned in early 2025.

From 22 January to 26 February, three monumental whale sculptures, created by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser, will hang from Winchester Cathedral's Nave in an immersive art installation. The special Whales events programme includes talks, music, and silent discos beneath the installation.

And from 11 to 15 March, Winchester Cathedral will host the world premiere of "The Storytellers," a new light and sound show by Luxmuralis. This enchanting immersive son et lumière event inside the cathedral will honour literary giants like Shakespeare and showcase literature like never before with illuminated artworks transporting visitors into realms of fantasy, romance, science fiction, and adventure, all set to a newly composed series of sound artworks.

Find out more about Whales at Winchester Cathedral

Find out more about The Storytellers at Winchester Cathedral

What else is new in Hampshire for 2025?

West Green House Opera near Hook, will be celebrating its silver anniversary of opera season in July, marking 25 years since Marylyn Abbott created her acclaimed Opera Garden. Plans for this special year include a Silver Celebration Opera Gala featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra on 25 July.

Also in 2025, the New Forest will celebrate its 20th year as a national park. Why not plan your visit with a stay at Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park near Ringwood where there will be a new dog adventure park ready for summer 2025.

Find out more about what’s on in Hampshire in 2025

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