A family walking beside the river in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire — Families enjoying the river walk at Mottisfont | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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.

We’ve got a fabulous mix of super-active family fun this May half term. Plant sunflowers and try our Little Gardeners’ obstacle course at Mottisfont. Buzz theatre takes little ones on a bee-rilliant puppet adventure at Hinton Ampner. The Vyne’s new Little People, BIG DREAMS® house and garden activity trail encourages kids to be bold, be brave and dream big.

Three children's book covers appear on a plain blue background with the words 'Little People, BIG DREAMS' appearing in black writing on white tape.

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The Vyne

Little People, Big Dreams® house and garden trail, 3 May to 22 June: Kids are encouraged to be bold, be brave and dream big on this interactive trail, with the help of colourful artworks from this best-selling picture-book series. Meet trailblazers and dreamers who made a big impact on the world, from Jane Austen to David Attenborough. Play guitar with Taylor Swift in the summerhouse, try kangaroo pouch bean bag toss with Steve Irwin, and create your own mini-theatre performance with Hans Christian Andersen. Free with normal admission.

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Mottisfont

Grow and Play activities, 24 May to 1 June: Follow our trail to find six fun activities around the gardens. Test your wriggling and rolling skills in our Bug Olympics arena, plant up sunflowers to take home and tackle the Little Gardeners’ obstacle course with mini wheelbarrows and balance beams. Free, with normal admission

Female actor on an open air stage in summer holding a black and yellow bee puppet

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Hinton Ampner

Buzz theatre, 28 May, 12pm & 2.30pm: Whoops! Bee enthusiast Billy Bumble has shrunk down to bee-size to discover the challenges that bees face. Enjoy magical puppetry and fun props as you follow this exciting story, created by award-winning theatre company Smoking Apples. Ages 4-11+, booking essential.

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

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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.

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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.