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Woman in white t-shirt pushing buggy with young children alongside, on hedge-lined grass avenue at Hinton Ampner, summer
A family enjoying an activity trail at Hinton Ampner | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

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.

Summer of Play comes to Hampshire

Set in glorious Hampshire gardens, the National Trust’s Summer of Play supported by Pokémon is jam-packed with activities designed to spark imagination and inspire adventure. There are unique surprises at every property, so each visit is fresh, exciting and full of summer magic throughout the holidays.

Mottisfont 

Mottisfont’s six new play zones take you from high-energy challenges to chilled nature zones. Spin inside giant tops and dash through a fluttery rainbow tunnel. Build your own marble run or try out our nature ID kits. Mini tepees and hammocks make fun retreats to plan more adventures. In the all-new Pokémon zone you can practice your Pokémon Trading Card Game skills, take part in mega games, build confidence in battle strategies and collect Mega Evolution stickers. 23 July to 6 September.

Children taking part in Tug of War during Summer of Play at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

Hinton Ampner 

Get ready for Pirate Adventures at Hinton Ampner this summer! Discover your pirate name then get stuck into sea-faring fun, with octopus ring toss, walk the plank and feed the crocodile. Don’t miss the pirate selfie station too, with pirate bowling and foam sword fighting. There’s even a pirate ship. Pre-schoolers can enjoy our Spot the pirate crew trail. 18 July to 6 September.

Young boy dressed in a pirate's hat peeking round a wicker fence and smiling

The Vyne 

This summer, the whole family can enjoy games together in The Vyne's gardens, with six new challenges. Delve into the dressing-up box and create your own show on the mini stage. Practice percussion beats at the music station and challenge everyone to a hilarious sack race. You’ll need to concentrate with the balance beams and nail-biting giant Jenga game! 23 July to 13 September.

Three children in hessian sacks racing each other as two adults watch.

Top places to play in Hampshire

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.

A family walking beside the river in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire

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 orchard. Check out the bird hide overlooking the wetlands, - and build dens in the wood.

A boy and a girl building a den in woodland

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.

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

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 takes part in a milling demonstration at Winchester City Mill, Hampshire

Uppark 

Uppark House and Garden, perched high on the South Downs, is one of our top spots for kite flying. There’s lots of space to run and play here. Try our meadow walk, roll down the garden’s little hill, and hunt out the Gothic Seat.

A child explores the outdoors with their family in autumn
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.

Explore Hampshire

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