Summer Moments

Looking for that perfect summer getaway? Want to create summer memories that will last a lifetime? Whether it’s a day out, short break or longer, great summer moments are created in Hampshire. With a wide range of top attractions, places to eat, campsites and outdoor activities you will be spoilt for choice this summer.

Set up camp in one of the New Forest National Park or South Downs National Park campsites and get back in touch with nature. Enjoy exploring the national park’s picturesque towns and villages, get lost in the woodlands or sit around a campfire under the summer night’s sky.

Head to Hampshire's coastline and enjoy a number of water based activities. Learn to sail, take a stand up paddle board tour along the coast, drive a speed boat or relax with a picnic at one of Hampshire’s beaches.

Foodies will love Hampshire’s award winning restaurants and farmers' markets. Sit back and relax in a pub garden with a glass of local English sparkling wine after a day of exploring the county.

Top Attractions in Hampshire

This summer get up close and personal with animals, step on-board historic ships, explore beautiful gardens and huge stately homes or ride on adrenaline fuelled rollercoasters. Hampshire’s attractions offer great days out for all ages.

Take in the spectacular views of the Solent from the Spinnaker Tower. New this summer is “The Drop” take a leap of faith from 25 metres up on a harnessed decent.

Little ones will love Paultons Park’s newest additions with the expansion of Peppa Pig World and “Little Africa” where you can visit the savannah and see meerkats porcupines and more…

If you or your little ones love Lego or dinosaurs head to Marwell Zoo where 50 life-sized Lego dinosaurs are on display all summer. For a pirate led adventure visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyards are see the Horrible Histories Pirates Exhibition.

For culture and history visit Winchester Cathedral's brand new exibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation and marvel at the stunning Winchester Bible.

Get out on the water this summer with Saber Powersports and have a go at driving a speed boat. this adrenline experience is a great way to cool down and see Southampton Water. 

See all attractions in Hampshire

See our guide to the top 50 things to do this summer in Hampshire
 

Camping and Glamping in Hampshire

Enjoy a summer break under canvas at one of Hampshire's campsites or glamping sites. Pack the tent and choose from a number of campsites in Hampshire’s two National Parks, near a one of Hampshire’s vibrant cities or along the coast.

Want to enjoy the experience of camping but with a few added luxuries? Hampshire is home to a number of top glamping sites offering the perfect relaxing break.  

See all Campsites in Hampshire

See all Glamping sites in Hampshire
 

Summer Events in Hampshire

Enjoy music festivals with chart topping artists, traditional country shows, delicious food festivals, fantastic children’s activities and much more this summer.  

This summer’s must not miss events include Beaulieu’s Supercar Weekend where you can get up close to some of the most exclusive and high performance cars in the world. 

Let’s go fly a kite… at the Portsmouth International Kite Festival. The skies above Southsea Common will be bursting of colour with kites of all shapes and sizes.  There will also be kite demonstrations from professional from around the world. 

The Test Valley is the home of fly fishing and has some of the best trout in the world.  In honour of their favourite fish they’ve named their festival after it, the Trout n About Festival. The event celebrates the regions passion for local food and produce as well as crafts.

Love sea food? The Lymington Seafood Festival is for you. Located in the historic Georgian town this annual festival will see an array of over 80 local seafood producers and restaurants, plus some of the regions most exciting chefs. 

The annual New Forest and Hampshire Country Show offers a great day out for the whole family. Enjoy local food and drink, see cattle, sheep and pigs, watch show jumping and heavy horses and browse stalls, crafts, show gardens, plus much more!   

One of the most popular events on the calendar is The YachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show, it’s sure to be a fantastic event, as the show will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary.

See all Summer Events
 

Cycling and walking in Hampshire

Make the most of the sunny weather and get out and explore the county by foot or on two wheels. With a vast amount of cycling routes, on and off road and a network of footpaths this is a great way to discover Hampshire.

Tackle the Test Way Walk which meanders along side the River Test for 44 miles, starting in Inkpen Beacon to the north of the county and goes through picturesque villages and towns of Longparish, Wherwell, Stockbridge, Romsey and finishes at the Eling Tide Mill on the outskirts of Southampton.

Why not walk or cycle the demanding South Downs Way, a 100 mile route starting in Winchester stretching to Eastbourne. Beautiful panoramic views can be taken in from the top of Old Winchester Hill and Butser Hill in Hampshire part of the South Downs Way. 

If you something more leisurely head to the Bolderwood in the New Forest and you can choose from three short routes on the Deer Spotting Trail.

Find out more about cycling in Hampshire

Find out more about walking in Hampshire
 

Dog Friendly

Summer moments wouldn’t be the same without your four legged friend so don’t leave them at home. Hampshire is home to a number of dog friendly attractions, accommodation and places to eat. Man’s best friend will love the open space of the two National Parks or a dip in the sea at one of Hampshire’s dog friendly beaches.

Find out more about dog friendly places in Hampshire

See all dog friendly accommodation in Hampshire
 

Top Summer Moments in Hampshire

 Read our blog and find out Hampshire’s top summer moments that are a must for any visitor to the county this summer.

See Hampshire's top summer moments
 

Summer Moments Photography competition 2019

Summer has arrived and the warm long days offer the perfect chance to explore what Hampshire has to offer. To celebrate summer in Hampshire we are looking for you to share your best summer in Hampshire photos with us in our Summer Moments Photography Competition. The winner will receive £100 of John Lewis vouchers.

Find out more

 

Share your summer moments on Instagram using #VisitHampshire and tagging @visit_hampshire
 

Getting to Hampshire

By Road
Hampshire is the perfect place for a summer break break, easy to get here by road with M3, M27 and A3 quick access.

New Forest: 1hr 45 from London
South Downs: 1hr from London

By Rail
With an extensive rail network across Hampshire makes it easy to get here by train. 

Best trains stations for New Forest
Brockenhurst: 1hr 30 from London Waterloo
New Milton: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo
Beaulieu Road: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo

Best train stations for South Downs
Winchester: 1hr from London Waterloo
Alton: 1hr 10 from London Waterloo
Petersfield: 1 hr from London