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.

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Lawns and the south front of the house in summer, Mottisfont, Hampshire

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.

A view of the house at The Vyne from the South Drive.

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.

The south front at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Place

Hinton Ampner

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

Footpath and river with exterior of mill in background, Winchester City Mill, Hampshire

Place

Winchester City Mill

An ancient working watermill in the heart of the city, with visiting otters, an island garden, and cosy indoor and outdoor café.

View from the orchard at Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire in summer

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.

Family on a walk at Furzley Common, New Forest Northern Commons, Hampshire, with a far-reaching view over trees to the horizon

Place

New Forest Commons

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

Person taking in the view south over Stockbridge Down, Hampshire

Place

Stockbridge Down

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

The Lake in summer at the Vyne, Hampshire

Gardens and parks in Hampshire

Houses and buildings in Hampshire

Walker looking out over at Rockford Common, New Forest, Hampshire

Countryside and woodland in Hampshire

Two people walking at Stockbridge Down, Hampshire in the summer

Walking in Hampshire

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

Family-friendly places in Hampshire

A light-coloured dog runs towards the camera, with its owners standing behind, with grassy hills and woodland, in the summer, at Bramshaw Commons and Foxbury, Hampshire

Dog-friendly places in Hampshire

A woman in a pink jumper, eating a sandwich, feeds a toddler in a chunky knit cardigan, sitting in a wooden high chair in a café

Places to eat in Hampshire

Volunteers making charcoal at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Volunteering in Hampshire

Wherever you visit us in Hampshire, you’ll find family adventures big and small, from natural play areas to acres of gardens, meadows and woods where kids can safely roam and let off steam.

Illustration of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flying through the air

Article

A Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Adventure at Mottisfont

19 July to 2 November: this summer, step into the magical world of flying car Chitty Bang Bang, with Mottisfont’s new exhibition and activities. The story, which celebrates its 60th birthday, was written by Ian Fleming for his son Caspar, and became a famous Disney film. Gallery rooms are transformed into colourful, creative spaces featuring artist John Burningham’s original illustrations, cosy reading areas and a custom-built Chitty front end you can climb into for family photos. Outside, an interactive trail takes families on a Chitty adventure through the gardens, with games inspired by the book’s characters. On set dates there are lively free storytelling performances too.

Text reading Tthe Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail with a drawing of green caterpillar with a red face standing to the right, and the sun up in the sky to the left.

Article

Family-friendly things to do at Hinton Ampner

19 July to 7 September: join us at Hinton Ampner where kids can become the world’s most famous caterpillar, from Eric Carle’s best-selling book The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. Wiggle along the trail to spot juicy fruits and tasty snacks before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Along the way you’ll digest fascinating facts and enjoy games and activities in the gardens.

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

Family fun in Hampshire

There’s acres of space to run and explore, at our places around Hampshire. Hunt for mini beasts in nearby meadows and woods. There are Wild Play balancing beams, wetland bird hides, and parkland with trees you can squeeze inside (if you’re little). When it’s time to take a break, you’ll find mini lunches, café colouring sheets, and plenty of ice cream for warm sunny days.

A pile of early-edition Jane Austen novels with pale white covers.

Article

Jane Austen events at The Vyne in 2025

As 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, The Vyne is celebrating this milestone with a variety of Austen-inspired events. Uncover Jane’s links to the family at The Vyne with exhibition Regency Revisited and biweekly tours of the house. Until 2 November, take a stroll to the neighbouring village of Sherborne St John. On select dates, don't miss outdoor theatre and cinema. Read on to note key dates for the diary.

The Festival of Archaeology (19 July to 3 August) is the biggest archaeological celebration in the UK. Whether you’re an archaeological amateur or the next Indiana Jones, join us for exciting discoveries this summer, at places across the South East

A small child in a blue hat pores over a tray full of pottery

Festival of Archaeology at Hinton Ampner

Discover the hidden landscape beneath Hinton Ampner with our packed week of archaeology activities for the whole family, from guided parkland tours to our English Civil War weekend with The Sealed Knot Society (26 July to 3 August)

Three children use trowels to dig in a shallow trench.

Festival of Archaeology in the South East

There’s lots more to enjoy, across the South East, with live excavations, guided walks and after hours graffiti tours, plus kids’ Heritage Explorer trails and treasure to dig for!

Close up of young female conservator on scaffold tower wearing head torch and black gloves 'injecting' repair treatment with syringe into damaged wood in The Vyne's Tudor Oak Gallery

Press release

Most highly decorative Tudor gallery in Europe safeguarded by conservators

For the first time, you can experience the full glory of The Vyne’s Tudor Oak Gallery, as it may have appeared when King Henry VIII visited. The most highly decorative gallery of its kind in Europe, this 82 foot long space has completed a six month long conservation project. Cleared of portraits and furniture, all 406 of its finely carved herald panels running floor to ceiling can be seen. Find out more about its history and the conservation project to safeguard it, when you visit.

A contemporary oil painting of flowers in purple, mauve, pale orange against a pale green and blue backdrop with gilded pictureframe showing on left and right

Women artists at Mottisfont

Mottisfont is shining a light on four collection artworks by fascinating female artists at the centre of 20th century avant-garden art. Some, such as Vanessa Bell, had Mottisfont connections. The display marks the launch of a beautifully illustrated new book Women Artists and Designers at the National Trust. 25 Jan to 2 Nov.

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

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.

An image of a person pushing a wheelbarrow and another person holding a spade

Article

Supporter groups in Hampshire

Find out how to join a supporter group near you. There are several supporter groups located throughout Hampshire, and their members have access to a range of benefits including special interest talks, volunteering opportunities, fun social events and organised day trips to properties around the country.

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Event

Highlights Tours 2025

Sandham Memorial Chapel, near Newbury, Hampshire

Get beneath the surface of Sir Stanley Spencer’s paintings on a 45-minute bespoke tour of the chapel.

Event

Regency Ramble

The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire

In a landscape familiar to Jane Austen, follow a 3.9 mile route leading from The Vyne to the neighbouring village of Sherborne St John. Free trail map available from Visitor Reception, or download a PDF version. Normal admission applies.

Event

Summer of Play

The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Sat 19 Jul - Sun 31 Aug | 10am-4pm Young adventurers can get active with eight fun family games and challenges hidden in The Vyne’s sprawling gardens.

Event

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail

Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire

Join us for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. Through this captivating trail, little ones can experience one of nature’s greatest transformations.

Event

Festival of Archaeology

Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire

This Summer, Hinton Ampner is proud to offer a programme of events and activities to celebrate the nationwide Festival of Archaeology. Join us 26 July – 3 August for an inspiring day out with all the family.

Event

Vintage tea room

Sandham Memorial Chapel, near Newbury, Hampshire

Help yourself to tea, coffee and biscuits in the pop-up tea-room, where tables are set with floral cloths and vintage cups. Available until the end of August. There is a small charge for drinks and biscuits.