Queen Elizabeth Country ParkThere’s plenty of things to do in East Hampshire whether you are enjoying a short visit of staying for longer, with loads that you can enjoy as a family.
With so many family days out in Hampshire, you will be spoilt for choice.
We’ve compiled a few of our favourite days out and things to do in East Hampshire below.
Family fun days out in East Hampshire
The Watercress Line is a great day out for visitors of all ages. One ticket allows you to explore our period stations, the engineering workshops and the nearby towns, all whilst you enjoy riding the rails on the steam and heritage diesel locomotives.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the UK’s premier destination for naval history. Go on board and explore the decks of world famous historic ships including Lord Nelson’s world famous flagship HMS Victory, Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior and the only surviving ship from the First World War’s Gallipoli Campaign, HMS M.33.
As you carry on exploring East Hampshire a visit to Birdworld is a must. Discover all types of birds from owls to emus, and everyone’s favour – penguins! You might even be surprised to find the numerous other animals including reindeer, sheep and goats to guinea pigs, rabbits and mice. What’s more they even have aquatic creatures including piranha and crocodiles!
A day of discovery
East Hampshire is truly the heart of Jane Austen Country as it is where the author’s home is located. Jane Austen’s House Museum is the house at which Jane lived and penned her novels, including the timeless Pride and Prejudice.
If you like to see animals but fancy a farm with a twist, then Butser Ancient Farm is the perfect place for your day out in East Hampshire. This archaeological site offers a fascinating day out with ancient buildings based on real sites dating from the Stone Age through the Iron Age and Roman Britain, and finishing with the Anglo-Saxons. You’ll also discover crops from prehistory and see rare breeds of animals, including pigs, goats and sheep.
You could visit Chawton House Library, a romantic 400-year-old manor house once owned by Jane Austen’s brother and known to her as the ‘Great House’. It’s full of historical treasures and fascinating stories, and boasts beautiful gardens and grounds. Situated in 1800 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland and ancient forest on the Hampshire/Sussex border, Stansted House is one of southern England’s best stately homes. A perfect East Hampshire day out.
Continue your journey of through history with a visit to Gilbert White’s and the Oats Collection. Explorers of the natural world you will discover stories from Gilbert White’s pioneering 18th century adventures as you explore his home, and see collections from Frank Oates 19th century explorations of Africa and the Americas.
Gilbert White’s House in East HampshireLet off some steam in East Hampshire!
Whilst you’re in East Hampshire if you need another thing to do you’ll want to check out Hollycombe Steam Museum. From a traditional fairground to steam railways, the past will come to life! There’s also woodland gardens to explore making it a great day out for the whole family.
Finally, if you’re looking to make the most of this picturesque part of Hampshire then head to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. With over 2,000 acres of woodland and downland, as well as a children’s play park, adventure sports and wildlife, it makes a for a wonderful day out of adventure or relaxation.
Where is East Hampshire?
East Hampshire is located in the South East of England and is based in Petersfield. It contains Alton, Farringdon, Kingsley, Medstead, Petersfield, Selborne and more. It can be reached from London by car in around 1 and a half hours, or 2 hours by train.