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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

Lawns and the south front of the house in summer, 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
A view of the house at The Vyne from the South Drive.
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
The south front at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire
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 cosy indoor and outdoor café.

Winchester, Hampshire

Fully open today
View from the orchard at Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire in summer
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
Family on a walk at Furzley Common, New Forest Northern Commons, Hampshire, with a far-reaching view over trees to the horizon
Place
Place

New Forest Commons 

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

Hampshire

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

Summer fun for families 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
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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.
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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.

More to see this summer

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

Festival of Archaeology 2025

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
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.

Planning your visit to Hampshire places

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.

Find your local Hampshire supporter group

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

Upcoming events

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 summary

on
26 Jul to 25 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 10:45
+ 1 other date or time
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 summary

on
26 Jul to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 99 other dates or times
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 summary

on
26 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 36 other dates or times
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 summary

on
26 Jul to 7 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 43 other dates or times
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 summary

on
26 Jul to 3 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 8 other dates or times
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.

Event summary

on
26 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 14:00
+ 26 other dates or times
Event

Vyne Line | Basingstoke community minibus 

The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Free shuttle service between Basingstoke Train Station and The Vyne. Pre-booking essential.

Event summary

on
26 Jul to 27 Dec 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 5 other dates or times
Event

Regency Revisited - Celebrating Jane Austen 250 

The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Discover Jane Austen’s links to The Vyne, her views on the Chute family and what Regency life, and love, was like for those living here at the time.

Event summary

on
26 Jul to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 99 other dates or times
A family playing on the lawn in summer at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk

Where will you visit next?

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