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 over the school summer holidays. Take a stroll around our beautiful estate and discover lots of nature along the way, or take part in a trail. Pack a picnic and check out our open air theatre events or simply wander through the beautiful gardens, relaxing with an ice cream! 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 from 19 July 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.
Festival of Archaeology
26 July - 3 August
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. You can depend upon the skills and knowledge of the HART team.
Roll up for excavation updates, news of new finds across the estate including a coin from the time of Louis the 16th, get digging for treasure in our sandpit, be inspired by the hidden histories of Hinton Ampner that lie beneath our feet and take part in our Heritage Explorer’s spotters sheet to hone your archaeological skills as you learn to identify features across the landscape.
Wanting a ‘time travelling experience’? The Sealed Knot Society will be immersing us in The English Civil War. We will meet the soldiers, the cooks, the medical staff and the musicians who all played their part in the battle. Prepare to be a part of history!
New for 2025!
We are offering exclusive, pre-bookable, walking tours of the Hinton Ampner Parkland, led by members of the Hinton Ampner Heritage Archaeology Ranger Team (HART).
HART are equipped with extensive archaeological knowledge, and a deep understanding of the Hinton Ampner historical landscape. Spot archaeological features across the parkland ranging from a Saxon church to an Anglo-Saxon boundary ditch.
Guided parkland walks are suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over.
Quantum Theatre presents Alice Through the Looking Glass
8 & 15 August
With live music and the full array of Carroll’s fantastical characters, this lively new version follows Alice’s adventures in the looking-glass world she enters through the mirror above her drawing-room fireplace...adapted and directed by Michael Whitmore, this enchanting play faithfully charts the fabulous and wonderful world created by Lewis Carroll, retaining all its quirky British charm, classic characters and comedic poems in a true theatrical treat for all the family.
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:
-
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?
-
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
-
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
-
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
Article
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.
Article
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.
Article
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.
Article
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.
Article
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.