Things to do in Hampshire
Top recommendations from locals
From sightseeing to hidden gems, find out what makes the city unique with the help of the locals who know it best.
Entertainment
“The infamous circle of stones with no definitive reason as to how they got there. A popular attraction of Wiltshire. Only 40 mins away.”
- 186 locals recommend
Park
“Just a short trip out out the city you will find yourself deep in the New Forest where you can find some wonderful British pubs and high end hotels surrounded by wild horses. Great for long walks. ”
- 142 locals recommend
Outlet Mall
“Large luxury shopping outlet with lots of top brands and discounted prices. Definitely worth a visit!”
- 132 locals recommend
History Museum
“Portsmouth has a wide range of museums celebrating its connection with the sea. King Henry VIII’s Mary Rose, Horatio Nelson’s HMS Victory best known for winning the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Warrior, Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured battleship, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and fun-packed Action Stations are all not to be missed in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. ”
- 118 locals recommend
Theme Park
“From 23 November to 23 December, bring the children to meet Santa in his Grotto and experience Peppa Pig World in a festive setting. Booking is advised for some events so please visit their website at www.paultonspark.co.uk”
- 72 locals recommend
Cultural Center
“Housing the tallest church spire, this is a stunning cathedral both inside and out. There is also an opportunity to see one of the surviving original Magna Carta documents.”
- 86 locals recommend
Racecourse
“Glorious Goodwood Horse Racing. World Famous, 10 minute drive from Midhurst, plus Goodwood Motor Circuit for the world renown Revival and Festival of Speed events, again only 10 minutes drive from Midhurst.”
- 73 locals recommend
Other Great Outdoors
“20 minutes away is the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit, famous for Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival etc. ”
- 78 locals recommend
Church
“Our stunningly beautiful Cathedral where the famous writer Jane Austin is buried. Visit the famous Antony Gormley bronze sculpture in the flooded crypt and marvel at the William Morris stained glass windows in one of the chapels. Also home to the Winchester Bible, one of the oldest in the country. ”
- 62 locals recommend
Theatre
“Outstanding reputation for high quality theatre. Look up the Festival over the summer or join a show at Christmas ”
- 76 locals recommend
History Museum
“The Palace House is hosting a Victorian Christmas on the following dates:- 7 & 8 December 14 & 15 December 21 Dec - 1 January 2020 Experience a variety of events from Victorian cooking to carol singing to dressing up in period costume! ”
- 41 locals recommend
Church
“One of the great cathedrals on the south coast, with a history reaching back to the Norman period. A good spot to explore the beautiful city”
- 68 locals recommend
Natural Feature
“Beautiful sandy beach a short drive from the bungalow. Sand dunes are along the coast here. Lots of fun for kids! Go a bit further to East Head for wonderful national trust protected area with lovely water pools to dip your toes in.”
- 72 locals recommend
Park
“Beautiful Country park with walks, nature, adventure playground and a small steam train.”
- 55 locals recommend
Entertainment
“Stunning takes about an hour to drive there. check opening hours and days before you set off”
- 44 locals recommend
Restaurant
$$
“Good menu and incredible views! We recommend walking or cycling down for an early evening drink. Service can be slow as it's very popular but worth it for the beachside location. Dog and child friendly :)”
- 52 locals recommend
Restaurant
“Good menu and incredible views! We recommend walking or cycling down for an early evening drink. Service can be slow as it's very popular but worth it for the beachside location. Dog and child friendly :)”
- 52 locals recommend
Art Gallery
“This prestigious gallery is a leading UK museum that stimulates new ways of thinking about Modern British art from 1900 to now. A 30 minute train ride from Portsmouth Harbour station.”
- 41 locals recommend
Café
“Nice for a casual dinner and drinks. Make sure to try their duck pizza. Plus they're currently doing Pizza and Prosecco Thursdays!”
- 26 locals recommend
Café
“At the end of a bustling pedestrianised street, amongst a variety of independent shops, ‘Coast’ sits conveniently on the edge of the High Street. The Restaurant and Bar is open from 9am till Midnight 7 days a week in the summer and is always busy with locals and visitors. The Restaurant has a very rustic look with exposed brickwork, mixed with quirky features. The recently expanded part of the restaurant features a traditional stone Pizza oven which is roaring day and night. The menu is often updated and contains predominantly locally sourced seasonal dishes, as well as the excellent aforementioned Pizzas. It’s a great place for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, with a great choice of dishes whatever the time of day. Because of it’s position on the high street, which is always busy in the summer, it’s a great spot for people watching whilst enjoying a coffee and watching the world go by. ”
- 32 locals recommend
Restaurant
“Great local restaurant - book ahead. At the weekend there is a speak-easy hidden bar above - ask when booking... ”
- 25 locals recommend
Café
“Great location right on the beach. Great food with a cheeky glass of wine. ”
- 33 locals recommend
Café
“Floor to ceiling windows and heated outdoor terrace put you in prime position to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the marina, Lymington, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. From breakfast to sandwiches, lunches and dinners – homemade cakes and pastries, fresh seafood, popular sharing platters and old favourites alongside an ever-changing specials menu.”
- 23 locals recommend
Pub
“We recommend this place for great food and friendly atmosphere. Lovely garden and children’s play area, dogs allowed. ”
- 27 locals recommend
