Exterior of house, with family on leaf covered autumn lawn in the foreground — A family enjoying the autumn leaf fall at Mottisfont | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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.

From a festive journey to the North Pole, to a sumptuous Nutcracker experience, our places around Hampshire are bringing stories to life with sparkling decorations and creative family trails.

A decorated Christmas tree with presents on the floor, between two red sofas against a backdrop of richly decorated red and gold wallpaper

Christmas in and around Hampshire

Discover sparkle and ‘wow’ moments as stories come to life this Christmas at our places in and around Hampshire. Board the ‘Christmas Express’ to the polar bear’s ball at Mottisfont. Sit in a life-size swan sleigh at The Vyne’s Nutcracker experience. At Hinton Ampner you’ll step into Peter Pan’s glittering Neverland Christmas. There are activity-packed family trails too, plus festive foodie treats, and plenty of gifts to browse through in the shops.

Four children in jeans and long sleeved tops searching for conkers in fallen autumn leaves on a lawn

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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 small children with adult crouching down to study woodland floor in autumn

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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.

Two small Asian children in coats walking in parkland with tree in background

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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

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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.

A child explores the outdoors with their family in autumn

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Uppark

Just over the border into West Sussex lies Uppark, perched high on the South Downs space to run and play. The short woodland walk is perfect for first time explorers and den building. Or follow the route to the meadow for bug discoveries and views to the Isle of Wight.