Royal Armouries, Fort NelsonWe know it can become expensive to keep the little explorers entertained especially throughout the holidays and half terms with lots of free time. That’s why we’ve put together an itinerary with a variety of free attractions and free days out that you can enjoy with the kids! Keeping reading to find out all the days out you can enjoy for free at Hampshire’s Top Attractions!
Free Attractions in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
Did you know that entry to the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson is free? The home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannon – the big guns – and is a great day out for all the family. Step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground, and underground tunnels, plus a national museum housing over 700 pieces of artillery from across the world and spanning 600 years of history – each with their own story to tell.
Royal Logistic Corps MuseumIn Winchester? Don’t miss The Royal Logistic Corps Museum! It’s completely free to enter and tells the 300-year story of how the Army is fed and supplied. With huge military vehicles, a small cinema, and hands-on fun like “defusing a bomb” or launching parachutes, it’s a brilliant budget-friendly day out for grandparents and kids alike.
Buckler’s Hard was once a bustling shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, the charming village of Buckler’s Hard is now a peaceful haven where you can enjoy a relaxing family day out. Entry to the village is free, head for a peaceful stroll around the village, admire the views of the Beaulieu River, and see what wildlife you can spot!
The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum and the The Adjutant General’s Corps Museum military museums in Winchester are all free and there is plenty to see and do for all the family.
Did you know that Hampshire is home to a variety of beautiful country parks? They are perfect for a family day out of fun whilst saving those pennies as all you need to pay for is parking! Visit Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Royal Victoria Country Park, Staunton Country Park, River Hamble Country Park and Lepe Country Park to enjoy a day with the family in the sunshine with a picnic or have just as much fun splashing in muddy puddles with your wellies on!
Finding a budget-friendly adventure doesn’t get better than the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. It is completely free to enter and offers free parking, making it an absolute lifesaver for families looking to enjoy a full day out without spending a penny. You can explore 55 acres of beautiful countryside, wander the paddock paths to meet over 100 rescued donkeys and ponies, and even join a free daily guided tour to go behind the scenes. With free activity trails for the kids during school holidays, it’s the ultimate way to maximise your holiday fun while keeping your wallet firmly shut!
Isle of Wight Donkey SanctuaryFree entry to Hampshire’s Top Attractions
Children 12 and under go free to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) as it returns to Thruxton Circuit, the fastest circuit in the UK for another weekend of pulsating races. Every point will be crucial in deciding who the biggest prize in UK motorsport.
Visit Alresford Station and watch the trains arriving and departing from our south-facing picnic area and take a wonderful rural walk exploring the Watercress Way or Millennium Trail. Alternatively, visit the new playground, the Harry Potter footbridge, and the loco yard at Ropley heritage station, famous for its 130-year old topiary! Whilst there’s a cost to ride the train, watching them and enjoying the playground is completely free!
Clarence Pier amusement park in Southsea is the ideal day out for families and those looking to recapture their youth, with amusement rides galore, 3 huge indoor amusement arcades situated at the gateway to Portsmouth harbour with stunning views across to the Isle of Wight and beyond, better yet entry to the amusement park is FREE! Perfect if you want to take the kids for a day out, if they decide to brave the rides, they cost 2-6 tokens per person.
Please note that car parking charges may apply to some attractions. Many of our attractions offer free days out for under 3s and under 5s. To find out please check out our days out for under 3s itinerary or take a look at our cheap family day’s out blog for more information.
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Updated March 2026. Please note: Attraction features, facilities and offers or pricing are subject to change. Please always check their individual websites before visiting.