We’ve got lots of adventures for families around Hampshire this winter, whatever the weather. Discover our best places to go, come rain or shine. There’s puddles to splash in, buggy-friendly trails, woods to race through, and cosy tea rooms for warming treats. We’ll help you plan a great day out.
A child who has run around in the fresh air is so much nicer to be around. And if it’s in a beautiful place then we’re happy too. But persuading a child away from a screen in a cosy room into the cold outdoors for a walk can be tricky. Here are a few tips that will hopefully lead to some happy outdoor adventures.
The winter months are a marvellous time to explore our wider estates and countryside. Clear the cobwebs as you stride out across fields, woods and sparkling streams. We’ve got over 10 downloadable routes in Hampshire alone, taking in some of the county's most picturesque landscapes.
Mottisfont's winter garden is at its best from late November into early spring, specially planted to provide colour during the shortest days of the year. Stroll through paths that wind through winter-flowering shrubs and perennials, chosen for striking colour, form and scent.
New experiences .... indoors
Thelwell is particularly famous for his cartoons of mischievous poniesNorman Thelwell
5 January - 22 April: Mottisfont celebrates the delightful world of cartoonist Norman Thelwell. This new exhibition features naughty ponies and social satire as well as rare merchandise ranges such as a ‘plump pony’ rocking horse. Alongside the humour are beautiful watercolours of idyllic local landscapes. Many exhibits have never been shown before. This exhibition is suitable for children too.
Following its roof project, The Vyne has re-opened to tell the story of a Victorian brother and sister who saved the mansion. You’ll discover newly presented rooms and audio-visual displays of its magnificent tapestries. In the library 2,500 are being restored to the shelves - take a look close up.
An eighteenth-century school boy’s doodle of a Cyclops is just one of the tiny observations being painstakingly catalogued by The Vyne. It’s part of an eight month project being carried out in front of visitors, to restore the house’s entire historic library collection to its shelves.
Discover grand mansions and servants' quarters, an atmospheric Victorian fort and a very special chapel with murals by Stanley Spencer. Just some of our places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
From intimate gardens in romantic settings to ancient parklands filled with magnificent trees, you'll find a variety of beautiful landscapes to enjoy at our places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
There's woodland, wetland, farmland and more for you to enjoy in Hampshire, including the commons of the New Forest. Plus the dramatic coastline of the Isle of Wight. So come out and play.
Help your local National Trust places in Hampshire like Mottisfont, The Vyne or Winchester City Mill by joining your local supporter group. Some are more volunteering focused, and others enjoy social outings together like trips and tours, or lectures.
