Father’s Day is always a special occasion in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, you will never be short of days out, events, and fun family time to celebrate. No matter what kind of day out you’re looking for, you’ll find something for everyone to love and to make the Dad of the family feel special! Keep reading to find out what’s on.
Head outdoors with Dad
Train fans will be chuffed with a Father’s Day weekend event boasting trains large and small at Exbury Gardens. Visitors will be treated to an array of model railways, owned by members of the New Forest Model Railway Society, as well as various working steam engines, all displayed within Exbury’s very own working railway shed.
Treat your dad to an incredible day of speed, adrenaline, and classic motorsport at the Thruxton Historic on 17th – 18th June.
Looking for a unique way to show how much you appreciate Dad this Father’s Day? Join New Forest Activities for a relaxing paddle to the pub by canoe. You will enjoy taking in the stunning scenery of the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve and finish the session with a well-earned drink at the Master Builder’s House Hotel.

Southampton’s Steamship Shieldhall offers a Father’s Day treat with an afternoon sailing to see the departure of cruise ships on Southampton Water. Board a Flagship of the National Historic Fleet; feel the heat of the Engine and Boiler Rooms and meet the Captain on the Bridge. Refreshments are available; free parking.
Treat dad to a day out at ‘The New Era 30s & 40s Weekend’ at The Watercress Line on 18th June. Enjoy unlimited train travel and mingle with civilian and military re-enactors; hop off at each station to explore period displays, music, dancing, vintage vehicles, and historic displays.
Is your Dad clever? Give him a chance to show off this Father’s Day and go on a Text Quest together. As you explore a city, you can solve a mystery and enjoy a pleasant stroll. You will all have lots of fun! Text Quest, Let your phone take you on an adventure
Dad’s Go Free or get something free this Father’s Day
Wander the cobbled streets of Milestones Museum, Basingstoke – Hampshire’s museum of living history – and immerse yourself in our living history. Fathers visiting during the weekend will be gifted a ration card which can be exchanged for half a pint of beer in the pub or 2oz of sweets in the sweet shop! Be sure to challenge Dad or Grandad to some of the vintage arcade games on the pier.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens’ Garden Restaurant and enjoy a complimentary lager or ale from the local Flack Manor brewery, when ordering a minimum of two courses from the menu on Father’s Day. Sample the menu from a range of Hampshire-based food and drink producers, including delicious traditional roast lunches. Booking is essential.
Dad goes free this Father’s Day at Cyclexperience! Treat him to a unique and adventurous day exploring the beautiful New Forest and the cafes or quant pubs within. Choose from a wide range of cycle-friendly trails and download the free GPS route app too! Use code Dad-E for E-Bikes and Dad-A on All Terrain Bikes when booking online.
Dads go free this Father’s Day at The Brickworks Museum. Bring your dad to Hampshire’s most dadly day out and let him enjoy 125 years of brickmaking in Hampshire.
Visit The Army Flying Museum on Sunday 18th June and take advantage of their special Father’s Day offer. Collect a voucher from reception to treat Dad to a complimentary tea or filter coffee and a piece of cake in their Apache Café – offer valid on 18.06.23 with Museum entry.
Places to visit on Father’s Day
Treat dad to an animal experience at Marwell Zoo! They have a variety of experiences to offer. Whether it’s carnivores, primates or birds, there’s something for everyone. These exclusive experiences are selling fast! See prices and book on their website.

Gather the family for a get-together in Cowes, Isle of Wight this Father’s Day! Discover a charming high street lined with modern bistros, traditional pubs, and independent shops; you’ll be spoiled for choice. Work up an appetite with a stroll along from Cowes Parade to Gurnard Beach with views stretching across the Solent. Ditch the car and hop on Red Funnel’s 30-minute Red Jet service from just £12.30pp for a day return.
On the 17th – 18th June, at the 30th Unusual Plants Fair there will be a BBQ, tea and cake from the cafe, and a glorious selection of Summer beers from the onsite 1765 brewery at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens! Free entry for children and half-price entry for adults. Perfect for the whole family!
Treat Dad to a day of flight and fascination at the Hawk Conservancy Trust! Come along and witness some of the most exciting bird-of-prey flying demonstrations in the world. Ramble across the Hampshire countryside in Reg’s Wildflower Meadow, and tuck into a hearty lunch at Feathers Restaurant.
Check out Play to the Crowd’s gift vouchers and treat him to a show of his choice at Theatre Royal Winchester! From Comedy Gold to Ed Byrne to The Ultimate Pink Floyd Experience and the Johnny Cash Roadshow.
Don’t forget to check out our blogs, news, and events to plan your fun family days out in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We also have a variety of vouchers available to gain access to exclusive offers and discounts. Be sure to share your days out with us on social media by using the hashtag #HantsDaysOut!