Things to do with the kids in and around Hampshire

There’s loads to see and do with the family at our places in winter. The parklands, woods and fields can be breathtakingly beautiful at this time of year, and most routes have buggy-friendly paths. Look out for winter wildlife - colourful flocks of gold finches and wax wings, as they hunt for seeds and berries. You’re bound to see blackbirds and robins, but can you tell the difference between their beautiful song? Download a copy of our ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ sheet and you’ll have loads of nature-themed activities to-hand.

Our cafes are serving warming treats, so just bring wellies, waterproofs and the dog, for a winter adventure.

Close up of small child in wellies splashing in mud and puddles
Mottisfont   Hampshire

Mottisfont

There are lots of large spaces to run, jump and play outdoors at Mottisfont. The paddocks are great for ball games and kite flying; picnic benches are nearby too. There are plenty of ’50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenges – with its bridges and a rushing river, it’s our top destination for Pooh Sticks, and there are lots of fish to spot. The Coach House Café is serving takeaway snacks.

Wild play adventures
Little child in winter coat and boots walking along muddy woodland path

The Vyne 

This big country estate is great for roaming in, and exploring the natural world. Visit the woods and tick of several of our ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges. You can build a camp, look for animal clues like feathers and paw prints, and make some wild art. At our wetlands, there’s lots of exotic visiting birdlife to look out for. The café is open for takeaway food, and there are plenty of picnic benches to eat at.

Woodland to roam in
Children in coats and boots running across the lawn at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Hinton Ampner 

Hinton’s spacious parkland is a great place to run off steam in winter. The Tree Trail introduces you to amazing facts about our ancient trees. Some of them can even be crawled inside. Further afield lies magnificent woodlands but bring your wellies as the walk can get muddy. Try a spot of den-building or scavenger-hunting whilst you’re there.

Tree-time adventures
Close up of the servants' rooms in the dolls' house at Uppark

Uppark 

Set high on the South Downs, Uppark’s gardens are the perfect place for a spot of kite-flying on a blustery winter’s day. Explore the small woods and make a cosy den – there are hard paths all around the grounds. Close by, the café serves children’s portions, plus pick ‘n’ mix lunch boxes. In the house kids can find out how servants lived in Victorian times - discover spooky servants’ tunnels, and a huge dolls’ house too.

Step back into the past