Always a hot date in the summer diary, the August bank holiday weekend is chock-a-block with festivals, special events, and plenty of fun things to do.
The Summer Bank Holiday falls this year on Monday 26 August 2024, so prepare for an extra-long weekend at the end of the month to make some summer memories.
August bank holiday events in Hampshire
Top summer festivals, music of all genres, and heaps of family fun – Hampshire venues are hosting exciting events aplenty over the August bank holiday weekend including:
- CarFest South, Laverstoke Park Farm
- Victorious Festival, Portsmouth
- Exbury Festival of Music at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
- Beauty and the Beast: Outdoor Theatre at Winchester Cathedral
- Days Out With Thomas at The Watercress Line
- Sunset Chasers Paddling Tours with New Forest Activities
- Meet the Tudors: Awesome Archers at the Mary Rose
- Family Music in the Gardens – Picnic Concert at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
- Roads and Rails at The Brickworks Museum
- Party in the Park at The Point's Garden Stage & Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh
Find out what’s on in Hampshire
Read our guide to the summer holidays in Hampshire
See our guide to summer in Hampshire
Top August bank holiday days out in Hampshire
Make the most of an extra summer’s day with friends and family and plan a fun day out over the August bank holiday weekend.
Visit one of the county’s awesome attractions – from thrilling theme parks to marvellous museums – or get out and about at Hampshire country parks or gardens, many of which have family-friendly trails to follow over the summer hols.
Discover things to do in Hampshire
Explore family-friendly attractions in Hampshire
If it’s a sunny weekend, Hampshire’s coastline offers several beaches perfect for you to soak up the rays, and many pretty picnic spots.
Find out more about beaches in Hampshire
Perfect places for a picnic in Hampshire
See our guide to the top 10 things to do on a sunny day out
And if the sun doesn’t come out to shine, there are plenty of undercover options for rainy days out in the county.
See top 10 rainy days out in Hampshire
Limited budget? No problem. There are plenty of fabulous and fun things to do in Hampshire from free days out to ways to explore the county for less.
10 things to do for £10 in Hampshire
20 things to do for £20 in Hampshire
Things to do for £30 in Hampshire
August bank holiday outdoor activities in Hampshire
If you or your family are itching for adventure, there are outdoor activities for all ages to explore in Hampshire.
Walk or cycle your way through two National Parks, take to the water on a stand-up paddleboard or canoe or try your hand at sailing along the county’s coastline.
Explore outdoor activities in Hampshire
Find out more about cycling in Hampshire
Find out more about walking and hiking in Hampshire
Try stand-up paddleboarding in Hampshire
Find out more about sailing in Hampshire
Best places to eat and drink in Hampshire
What bank holiday would be complete without a gathering in a local pub or restaurant? And after all that exploring, you will have earnt some delicious food and drink!
Hampshire is a county well known for its great selection of local produce, fine dining restaurants, friendly cafes, and cosy pubs. We’re proud of our fine food, from the exquisite dishes in our gourmet restaurants to the top-quality produce in our farmers' markets including fresh trout and watercress. You’ll find gastronomic delights in Hampshire all year round, at exciting food events and on foodie days out with the family.
Go to our food and drink page here
Read our blog on the best places to eat and drink outdoors in Hampshire
See our guide to the best pub gardens in Hampshire
Make a weekend of it – book an August bank holiday short break in Hampshire
That extra day off is the perfect excuse to stay in Hampshire for a short (or longer) break.
Hampshire has a variety of places to stay – from quaint self-catering cottages to holiday centres and world-class hotels. If you are looking to get the family together or maybe treat them to a getaway – we are sure that you will find the perfect break in Hampshire.
The county is home to a scenic coastline, bustling cities and towns, two National Parks and an abundance of top family attractions, and August Bank Holiday is the perfect time to explore!
See holiday cottages in Hampshire
See bed and breakfasts in Hampshire
See self-catering accommodation in Hampshire
August bank holiday camping in Hampshire
Looking to embark on a bank holiday camping adventure? Discover Hampshire’s many beautiful campsites over the long weekend, you’ll find woodland hideaways in the New Forest National Park and campsites nestled amongst the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park.
For a bit more luxury with your camping, Hampshire is home to many gorgeous glamping sites offering all the excitement of camping but with a few more home comforts.
See all campsites in Hampshire
Pretty places to pitch your tent in Hampshire
Find out more about glamping in Hampshire
Top places to go glamping in Hampshire
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