Discover more at Hinton Ampner
Find out when Hinton Ampner is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Hinton Ampner
There's lots of family fun to be had at Hinton Ampner. Take a stroll around our beautiful estate and discover lots of nature along the way, or take part in a trail this Autumn half term with Wilma the Witch! Pack a picnic or grab a warm bake from our café and head to a bench with a view to breathe and enjoy the moment. We're a few minutes drive outside of Winchester and we look forward to welcoming you soon.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail
19 July – 7 September 2025
Join us this summer for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. Hinton Ampner are thrilled to host this captivating trail where little ones can experience one of nature’s greatest transformations.
This charming trail brings to life the best-selling story of the tiny caterpillar who hatches from an egg and is so hungry he eats through a variety of fruits and snacks each day. Enhanced by illustrated trail markers, activities and games, this trail is a packed with activities. Pick up a The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail sheet when you arrive and set off on a journey of discovery together.
The World of Eric Carle nurtures a child’s love of literature and learning, encouraging imaginative play and exploration. Trusted by parents, teachers, and librarians and beloved by children worldwide for generations, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, and other timeless storybooks, come to life in colourfully creative books and products, designed to inspire very hungry young minds.
The trail is presented by the award-winning creator of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory and forms part of a collaboration with the National Trust in London and the South East.
The trail is free, normal admission applies. Recommended for children aged 3 - 6 years.
Last admission to the trail is 4pm.
Halloween Half Term Trail: Wilma the Witch is on a Quest!
18 October - 2 November
Calling all young adventurers – the gates are flung wide for two weeks of magical adventures in the Hinton Ampner gardens. Join the quest to find the missing feathers and meet mysterious beasts along the way! Tackle bean bag challenges, leap, jump and dash your way through the quest finding clues and solving puzzles to resolve the mystery this October Half Term.
Magic wands and pointy hats – welcome!
Step into the magic. 18 October - 2 November. £2 per trail.
Recommended for children aged 4 - 7 years.
Last admission to the trail is 4pm.
A Pantomime Christmas at Hinton Ampner
15 November 2025 - 1 January 2026
Join us this Christmas for a selection of your most loved pantomimes! Twinkling fairylights will shimmer their magic across our beautiful house. Bask in the glow of Aladdin’s lamp and gaze in awe at Jack's beanstalk! Discover Snow White's sumptuous forest feast and marvel at a quilted mountain of mattresses made ready for a sleepy princess.
Our youngest visitors are invited to take part in a finding the panto props trail.
Our garden will be the backdrop for beautifully decorated trees with twinkling lights and classic Christmas colours. Join us for a family adventure with our games and activities in the gardens. Don't forget to pop into our sweetshop too!
Planning your family visit
If you're planning a visit to Hinton Ampner with the family, here is some useful information.
Family walks on the Hinton Ampner estate
Stewkeley walk
The Stewkeley walk takes you across the Hinton Ampner estate towards the village of Kilmeston, before looping back to the entry of the estate. This moderately strenuous walk is perfect for walkers of any age and skill level. It's just under two miles and takes around an hour to complete.
Ancient tree trail
The parkland at Hinton Ampner is home to many ancient trees, some with rather quirky characteristics. You can find out more about spotting the ancient trees by downloading the guide.
'50 things to do before you're 11¾'
There are lots of ’50 things' challenges you can complete with the whole family at Hinton Ampner. Here's a few recommendations:
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No. 1 Get to know a tree: If trees could talk, what stories would they tell? Get up close to a tree and feel the texture of its bark and leaves and notice all the different colours and smells. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
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No. 12 Have fun with sticks: When it comes to sticks, the possibilities are endless. Use them to become a gallant warrior, make a magic wand, create a home for a small animal or insect or create some wild art. There are lots of interesting sticks to find in the Hinton Ampner estate and parkland
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No. 33 Go cloud watching: With a little imagination you can create whole worlds from the shapes you see in the clouds. Do they resemble anything, like animals, trees or cartoon characters? Invent a story using the characters you see in the clouds. Try writing your story down or drawing it on a sketchpad
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No. 44 Watch a bird: There are many different birds that can be spotted in the gardens and woodland at Hinton Ampner. Birds get frightened off easily, so you'll need to be as quiet as you can, and not make any loud noises or sudden movements to stand the best chance of seeing lots.
You might also be interested in
The house at Hinton Ampner
This is a house that has sprung up from the ashes. With lavish interiors and beautiful collections, you’ll go on a journey through centuries of design influences.
The estate at Hinton Ampner
Choose from a range of different walks to explore this wide-ranging estate. Find out about the ancient trees that make their home here or an important battle from the Civil War.
The garden at Hinton Ampner
Discover clipped topiary contrasting with brick walls, lilies floating on the surface of a pond and flower borders that transform throughout the seasons.
Eating and shopping at Hinton Ampner
Discover a menu using freshly grown ingredients from the Walled Garden, hot meals and drinks. Pick up gifts and second-hand books, with something for everyone in the shop.
Family-friendly places to visit
Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
Family-friendly places in Hampshire
Discover the top National Trust places for family days out around Hampshire, from Wild Play at Mottisfont to acres of parkland at Hinton Ampner.
Visiting National Trust places with your dog
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our Canine Code and pawprint rating system, created in partnership with Forthglade, to help plan your visit.
