King Charles Coronation Weekend in Hampshire

Discover what's happening in Hampshire for King Charles III’s coronation and bank holiday weekend and in the weeks surrounding the coronation weekend. 

On Saturday 6 May 2023 King Charles III will be crowned at his Coronation at Westminster Abbey in London. To mark the occasion, there will be an extra bank holiday across the UK on Monday 8 May and the historic weekend will be celebrated across the country with memorable celebrations.

In Hampshire, there will be several Coronation celebrations at Winchester Cathedral over the weekend including a screening of the Coronation in the majestic Nave of the Cathedral on Saturday 6 May 2023 and special Coronation family trails for young visitors to the Cathedral.

Hampshire's towns and villages will be celebrating the occasion with street parties including a Coronation Parade and Picnic in Lymington on Sunday 7 May 2023 and a Coronation Street Party in Romsey on Saturday 6 May 2023. 

The Vyne near Basingstoke will be hosting a Coronation picnic on Monday 8 May 2023 and there will be a special garden trail with 74 hidden handmade crowns in the grounds – one for each year of His Majesty King Charles III’s life.

On Sunday 7 May 2023, the Watercress Line is having a royal celebration for the Coronation, marking the historic occasion with a convivial afternoon of picnicking, music, and entertainment and the possible visit of a specially dressed Coronation train.

To see a fleet of handsome boats dressed up for the royal occasion, head down to Ocean Village in Southampton for the King’s Coronation best-dressed boat competition over the Coronation weekend.

Pack a picnic and enjoy an exhilarating and free afternoon of one of The King’s favourite games with the New Forest Polo Club - Dunlop Cup at The Showground, Brockenhurst on 6 and 7 May 2023.

A royal knees-up is also planned at Port Solent to mark the Coronation on Sunday 7 May 2023, with performances from a host of bands with a regal theme at Royal Rhythms at Port Solent.

Also on Sunday 7 May, there will be Coronation Party at Gilbert White's House & Gardens with garden party celebrations including a picnic, games, music and the horse box bar. 

Or, join the garden party festivities at Chewton Glen on Saturday 6 May 2023 with a special Coronation lunch planned at the quintessentially English country house. Witness His Majesty King Charles’ Coronation via a live stream and raise a glass of fizz to the newly crowned King.

Find out more about the the May bank holiday weekends in Hampshire 2023