Skip to content
A family walking beside the river in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire
A family group in the gardens at Mottisfont | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Family-friendly places in Hampshire

Discover great places for family days out at our places around Hampshire. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find acres of space and lots of ideas to keep you and the kids entertained, from wild play areas to energetic activity trails. Takeaway snacks and kids’ lunch boxes, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths will make your visit that much easier.

Easter egg hunts in Hampshire

Celebrate spring at some of the most beautiful gardens in Hampshire, where you’ll find activity packed Easter egg hunts the whole family can enjoy. Pick up your bunny ears and trail map to find games, sporty fun, quizzes and crafts. Each trail is different but every one is topped off with an Easter egg. Normal admission plus £3 per trail. Includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.

Three children reading a sign while doing an Easter activity trail in the grounds of Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

Mottisfont 

With all the feel of a classic village fete, Mottisfont’s Easter egg hunt is packed with traditional and energetic springtime activities. Look out for bunny bowling, welly wanging, hoopla and more. There’s a spring ‘selfie station’ for fun family photos too, plus make and take craft activities, and local ice cream. 23 March to 14 April, 10am – 5pm.

A girl enjoying the Easter trails and spring sunshine at Ickworth, Suffolk

The Vyne 

Limber up for The Vyne’s Easter challenges with a nature twist. There are ten activity stations to locate as you roam through the gardens, with games the whole family can take part in. Try spring animals charades, mini wheelbarrow racing, egg throwing target practice and solve the big Easter egg puzzle. 23 March to 14 April, 10am to 4pm.

A family enjoying Easter trails and sunshine at Ickworth, Suffolk

Hinton Ampner 

The Easter Bunny has left lots of challenges behind on his visit to Hinton Ampner. Tackle a ring toss competition in the walled garden, race like a rabbit along the old driveway and leap like a hare on the woodland loop. Put on your bunny ears to follow this twisting route through the dell and past the lilypond. 29 March to 14 April, 10am to 4pm

Family on a trail at Mottisfont. A young boy reading a trail booklet is leading his family along a garden footpath.

More family fun in Hampshire 

There’s acres of garden, parkland and woods to explore at our places in Hampshire. Perfect for letting off steam and tiring out little legs. There are short walks, outdoor play areas, mini lunches, and spring flowers to spot, from tiny purple crocuses to sunny daffodils.

Easter adventures on the Isle of Wight

If you’re planning a family trip to the Isle of Wight this spring, pop into Mottistone Gardens for a red squirrel-themed Easter adventure. You’ll find a garden covered in spring bulbs, and glorious sea views. Kids will love the 1930s ‘Shack’, the Wild Woods, and the butterfly wings selfie station. Normal admission plus £3 per trail. Includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.

Two children playing in the garden in spring at Coleton Fishacre, South Devon

Easter egg hunt at Mottistone Garden 

Help Red Squirrel to work out if it’s time for her to wake her hibernating friends. There are Signs of Spring stamps at ten activities stations – try leaping like a frog on tree rings, and build a nest in the willow maze. Then join the silent disco inside the weeping lime tree’s canopy where Red and her friends will celebrate spring’s arrival. 25 March to 14 April, 10.30am to 5pm.

Top places to play in Hampshire

Children on a bridge in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire
Article
Article

Mottisfont 

With its rushing river and bridges, Mottisfont is our no.1 destination for Pooh Sticks. There’s acres of space for adventure – race across fields, test your limits on the Wild Play climbing apparatus, or play games in the Paddock.

Two young children run past daffodils with a lady out of focus sat behind them.
Article
Article

The Vyne 

This picturesque country estate has plenty of buggy-friendly routes and space to safely roam. Tiny tots can have fun in The Vyne’s natural play area, whilst older kids hunt for wildlife in the wetlands – check out the big bird hide - and build dens in the wood.

Children are seen playing in the Yew Avenue in June at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire
Article
Article

Hinton Ampner 

Hinton’s tall hedges and footpaths are perfect for hide and seek. Say hello to the scarecrow in the kitchen garden and go on a bug safari in the wilds of the parkland close to the gardens.

Children holding bags of flour that has been milled at Winchester City Mill
Article
Article

Winchester City Mill 

The mill’s family activity book is packed with ideas for things to do at the mill and at home, from wildlife watching to baking shortbread. Watch the otters on the otter cam and look out for the naughty flour thief.

Chalk path through undulating open heathland in summer, New Forest, Hampshire

Discover more in Hampshire

Centuries-old mansions, a working watermill and wildlife-rich heathland await you in Hampshire.