Outdoor activities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this summer

Are you ready to dive headfirst into a summer of family fun with Hampshire’s Top Attractions? There’s endless outdoor activities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this summer. You won’t be stuck for things to do!

From outdoor summer activities and events to seeing Hampshire animals and wildlife, enjoying historic days out and admiring breathtaking scenery. You will find it all across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Plan a summer of fun with all the amazing outdoor activities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight below!

Places to visit with beautiful scenery this Summer

With acres of gardens and beautiful scenery, woodland and play features to explore, the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are fantastic family day out. Summer activities include trails, pond dipping and holiday clubs. 

Gilbert White’s House & Gardens is a fantastic place for families to come and relax in nature. With sweeping lawns, wildflower meadow, cottage and pond gardens, there are lots of fascinating garden features to explore. Look at the newts in pond and the bees at the beehives!

This summer, Artists Fairy Doors art trail is coming to Furzey Gardens. More than 20 four-foot fairy doors have been decorated by talented local artists and groups. Discover them around the garden!

With its beautiful scenery, shipbuilding heritage, River Cruise and space for kids to play and let off steam. Buckler’s Hard is an ideal destination for a summer day out! Whether you’re simply taking in the view or diving into the rich history of the village. 

Why not get out on the water this summer and take in the sights and sounds from the deck of Southampton’s Steamship Shieldhall, a Flagship of the National Historic Fleet? You can meet the Captain on the Bridge and even enter the Engine Room and Boiler Room! Food and drink is available on board, together with free parking. 

See animals in Hampshire

This summer, take part in a one-to-one personal animal experience led by Staunton Farm’s experienced team. Get up close and personal with all your farm favourites in this one-hour session for up to two people. Animal feed is also available from the farm shop.

Visit Marwell Zoo to immerse yourself in a wild world that is home to hundreds of animals! Wander through the 140 acres of stunning parkland. Discover majestic giraffes to cheeky meerkats and Amur tigers, Marwell is home to exotic and endangered animals of all sizes.

Visit Manor Farm this July for the Fareham & District Beekeepers Bee & Honey Weekend. Learn all about the fascinating life of the honeybee, with honey tasting, games, crafts, demonstrations & special viewing hives. Entry is free with admission to the farm on 8-9 July 2023. 

New Forest Wildlife Park has to offer for visitors of all ages. With both conservation projects and education at the heart of the wildlife park. Home to over 260 animals representing 40 species both native and from other parts of the world.

Birdworld welcomes visitors young and old for an enchanting experience of discovery and fun! Over 2,000 feathered and furry residents are eagerly waiting to meet and give guests a fascinating insight into their lives.

Family thrills and adventure

Visit Paultons Park this summer and you will have the BEST. DAY. EVER! Enjoy over 70 rides and attractions! Including rollercoasters for thrill-seekers in Tornado Springs, to gentler, family rides in Peppa Pig World! You can also meet an incredible variety of birds and animals and explore the beautiful gardens. 

Fly through the trees, segway in the forest, throw some axes or bounce high in Nets Adventure. All these outdoor activities can be found at Go Ape!

Enjoy an exciting exploration of Winchester at 878 AD, in this two-part Anglo-Saxon adventure. Combining live performance, fascinating artefacts, quizzes, games and an interactive mobile tour of Winchester. Uncover the city’s secrets as you defend the city walls with AR archery, make Anglo-Saxon cures and much more.

Whilst it operates all year round, Laser Squad comes alive in the summer! Outdoor interactive gaming at its best in some fantastic outdoor venues. Bring your friends, take on your family or get with your team for a fun-filled gaming experience at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. 

Going on a Text Quest is a great way to get out and make the most of the summer. Just sign up on our website and head out to have fun together. Explore a city, solve a mystery or enjoy a lovely stroll around the sights. Fun for all ages!

Get outside with New Forest Activities where you can enjoy a TON of outdoor adventures. From Canoeing along the amazing Beaulieu River to aiming for a bullseye at their archery range. There is plenty of fun to be had for all ages. 

Cyclexperience has bikes suitable for all ages and abilities!  Why not spend some quality time with friends and family and take to the New Forest trails on a bright summer’s day?

Summer events and activities in Hampshire

Enjoy a spectacular display of classic aircraft, super and classic cars and motorcycles at Wallop Wheels & Wings on Saturday 1st July at the Army Flying Museum. Browse over 40 artisan stalls selling a range of arts, crafts, food and drink. Family activities include laser tag, circus skills, pedal planes, mini tanks, face painting and crafts.

Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at The Watercress Line (12th – 20th August). Take a train ride with Thomas &meet some of your favourite characters! Join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement!   

On 26th August, don’t miss the Family Music Picnic Concert at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens! A brilliant evening with circus skills and well-known music to dance and sing along to. 

Get summer started with a bang – literally – with Fiesta at Winchester Science Centre! Head into nature for a mini children’s festival in the South Downs National Park. Join in with fun activities and watch science come to life with fun demos and experiments. 

Summer is when the brickmakers plied their trade – Explore the outside exhibits at The Brickworks Museum in the sun. 

Things to do on the Isle of Wight this Summer

If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer adventure, then the Isle of Wight is the place to be! From beach activities to water sports, cycling and hiking. There are plenty of exciting and adventurous ways to enjoy the great outdoors on the Island.

Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll through countryside or a more challenging cliff walk. The Isle of Wight has a diverse range of walking and cycling routes suitable for all ages and abilities. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then maybe kiteboarding, windsurfing, or paragliding is more your thing!

With so much to see and do, the Island is an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors and want to experience all that nature has to offer. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable summer adventure, Say YES to the Isle of Wight. 

Enjoy playing outdoors at Tapnell Farm on the huge jumping pillow, crazy golf, go-karts and the sledge slide. Visit friends in the Wallaby Walkabout and see the Meerkats.

The Isle of Wight comes alive over the summer. Tackle clifftop cycle routes, hit the waves or simply take a stroll through the wildlife. There are so many ways to embrace the Island.

And getting there is part of the fun. With Wightlink, Kids Go Free over every school holiday! So hop on board, take in the Solent views and make special memories on the Isle of Wight.

Set sail to the Isle of Wight with Red Funnel and leave boredom behind this summer! Miles of walking or cycling trails and sandy beaches make the perfect natural playground. So why not take your hobbies on holiday? Bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and even the dog are all welcome on board! Plus save 10% with this exclusive voucher.

Explore Country Parks in Hampshire for Free

Enjoy a great value day playing outside at Lepe Country Park. There’s plenty of space for your little ones to climb on the adventure playground. Fly kites on the cliff top, or explore the wild corners of the park. You could even take part in a seaside scavenger hunt!

Playing comes in all shapes and sizes. So, sprint, slide, cycle, and climb to your heart’s content this summer and experience all the fun that you can have in the great outdoors at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. There’s even a dog activity course for a paws-itively perfect day out. 

Explore the River Hamble’s scenic shoreline from land or on the water at River Hamble Country Park. Set off from shore on a paddleboard or kayak, or spot the wreck of the Grace Dieu from shore!

Whether you prefer a woodland wander, or you’re more interested in exploring Hampshire’s history at the Chapel, head to Royal Victoria Country Park this summer. Once you’ve stretched your legs, pop in for a bite to eat at The Cedar Rooms restaurant. 

Whether you’re looking for a gentle ramble in the countryside or a place to hop on your bike and race along a trail, Staunton Country Park has something to suit all paces. No matter whether you’re 2 or 102,  there’s something to explore for all ages.

Are you ready to head to all the amazing Outdoor activities in Hampshire and Isle of Wight this summer?! Get prepared for all the things to do in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Download our discount vouchers and checking out our other day-out idea blogs.