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Hampshire

A former Tudor ‘power house’ visited by Henry VIII, a 1930s country retreat and famous rose garden, a Georgian mansion with panoramic views, and an ancient working watermill in the heart of a city. These are yours to discover in Hampshire, together with acres of wildlife-rich downland, crystal-clear chalk streams, and ancient New Forest heaths.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Hampshire

The walled rose garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire
Place
Place

Mottisfont 

Once a medieval priory, today you’ll find a romantic house with 1930s interiors and an art gallery, nestled in beautiful riverside gardens.

near Romsey, Hampshire

Fully open today
Herbaceous borders of the summerhouse garden at the Vyne, Hampshire
Place
Place

The Vyne 

Explore a former Tudor powerhouse turned 18th-century family home, set in formal gardens, with walks to woodlands and wildlife-rich wetlands.

Basingstoke, Hampshire

Fully open today
Pink rose arch in foreground, green lawn and wall behind, then house
Place
Place

Hinton Ampner 

An elegant country house with exquisite collections, and picturesque gardens surrounded by an estate that’s perfect for walks.

near Alresford, Hampshire

Fully open today
Footpath and river with exterior of mill in background, Winchester City Mill, Hampshire
Place
Place

Winchester City Mill 

An ancient working watermill in the heart of the city, with visiting otters, an island garden, and café that uses the mill’s stoneground flour.

Winchester, Hampshire

Fully open today
Bright flower borders in the foreground with red brick chapel in background
Place
Place

Sandham Memorial Chapel 

20th-century chapel and garden in a peaceful Hampshire village that houses an unexpected treasure – an epic series of wall paintings by world-famous war artist Sir Stanley Spencer.

near Newbury, Hampshire

Fully open today
Sunrise over Rockford Common, New Forest, Hampshire, with trees and cattle
Place
Place

New Forest Commons 

A colourful mosaic of blooming heather and gorse, braided wetlands and ancient woodland pasture

Hampshire

Fully open today
Person taking in the view south over Stockbridge Down, Hampshire
Place
Place

Stockbridge Down 

Chalk downland with far-reaching views, a variety of wildlife and archaeological features

near Stockbridge, Hampshire

Fully open today

What's on for families in Hampshire

Wherever you visit us in Hampshire, you’ll find family adventures big and small at Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and The Vyne.

A girl sits on a tree trunk writing in her notebook at Lyme Park, Cheshire

May half term in Hampshire 

Each of our Hampshire places has something new to offer families this May half term. Choose from themed activity packs full of creative inspiration at Mottisfont and a cut-out scene to decorate and keep. There’s teddy bear theatre at Hinton Ampner with puppets and songs. It’s wildlife bingo time at The Vyne, with fun nature challenges outdoors.

A child on climbing equipment in the play area at Mottisfont, Hampshire

More family fun in Hampshire 

From Wild Play balancing beams at Mottisfont to acres of garden, meadows and woods at Hinton Ampner and The Vyne, kids can safely roam and run, build camps and hunt for bugs. There are mini lunches and snacks in our cafes, and pocket money gifts in our shops.

Planning ahead? Here's some summer inspiration

Summer at our places in Hampshire will introduce families to all sorts of wonderful new experiences, stretching kids’ imaginations and encouraging them to try new activities, in glorious summer spaces.

Female circus performer making large bubbles in garden surrounded by adults and children

Summer family days out 

Step into the funny world of children’s author John Burningham at Mottisfont. You’ll be transported into stories like Borka the Featherless Goose and Avocado Baby, with playful spaces, a life-size ‘magic’ bed and an outdoor adventure trail. The circus comes to Hinton Ampner, with lots of fun ways to test your juggling, balancing and dancing skills plus tuition from real circus performers! Look out for the amazing circus caravan selfie station too. At The Vyne you can host your own mini sporting tournament. The gardens are packed with sporty games the whole family can enjoy, from long jump and hurdles to relay racing and bean bag shot.

A family walking by water in the springtime at Mottisfont, Hampshire.
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Article

Sustainable travel in Hampshire 

There are a number of sustainable travel options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Hampshire, whether you're looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot.

Upcoming events

Event

Guided walks along the River Test at Mottisfont 

Mottisfont, near Romsey, Hampshire

Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 25 September, 11.30am and 2pm: a rare chance to walk along the banks the River Test, to find out more about the importance of chalk steams and the work we do to protect them.

Event summary

on
21 May to 25 Sep 2024
at
11:30 to 12:30
+ 75 other dates or times
Event

Life on Watership Down 

Sandham Memorial Chapel, near Newbury, Hampshire

Original oil paintings chosen by Watership Down author Richard Adams for the 40th anniversary edition of his novel are on display at the National Trust’s Sandham Memorial Chapel in Burghclere.

Event summary

on
23 May to 23 Jun 2024
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 20 other dates or times
Event

May half-term wildlife bingo 

The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire

From 25 May to 2 June 10am-4pm, all ages can connect with nature with sensory wildlife bingo at The Vyne. With three different versions, families can race to spot as many signs of wildlife as they can. Free sheets available at Visitor Reception.

Event summary

on
25 May to 2 Jun 2024
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

May half term at Mottisfont 

Mottisfont, near Romsey, Hampshire

Saturday 25 May - Sunday 2 June: pick up an activity pack and go on an adventure to discover art and take part in challenges and games inspired by nature.

Event summary

on
25 May to 2 Jun 2024
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

Hinton in Bloom: Summer 

Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire

Delight in the roses and summer blooms in the garden at Hinton Ampner. Wind your way through the walled garden and down to the parterre, look for the rose motifs and breathing in their wonderful scents. This period also encompasses our '...

Event summary

on
25 May to 7 Jul 2024
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 43 other dates or times
Event

Morse Code Trail 

Sandham Memorial Chapel, near Newbury, Hampshire

Stepping into the world of secret intelligence, this May half-term, families are invited to put their skills to the test on this trail in the gardens. Runs daily 25 May - 2 June, 11am-3pm. Closed 28-29 May.

Event summary

on
25 May to 2 Jun 2024
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 6 other dates or times
Event

Vyne Line | Basingstoke community minibus 

The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Free shuttle service between Basingstoke Train Station and The Vyne. Normal admission applies. Pre-booking minibus essential on 07967 875832.

Event summary

on
29 May to 30 Oct 2024
at
10:00 to 10:20
+ 11 other dates or times
Event

Rose season at Mottisfont 

Mottisfont, near Romsey, Hampshire

Our walled gardens are home to the extraordinary National Plant Collection of pre-1900 shrub roses, which creates an annual spectacle in early summer. We open our gardens until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 30 May - 29 June.

Event summary

on
30 May to 29 Jun 2024
at
10:00 to 20:00
+ 30 other dates or times
Small girl running between conical topiary hedges in the Cherry Garden at Ham House

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.