25 days out with Grandparents in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

There’s nothing better than a day out with your grandparents, especially in Hampshire. It’s the perfect place for some quality time and a day to remember – plus we all know how much grandparents enjoy treating their grandchildren to something special! From experience days to attractions there are tons of great things to do with grandparents in the county and nearby Isle of Wight.

Take a look at all the fun things to do in Hampshire below, whether you are aged from 3 to 93, you won’t be short of things to do with your grandparents!

Your grandparents will love a trip over to the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is just a short ferry journey away and easily accessible to anyone looking for a day out or longer break on the island. Depending on where you’re travelling from you have several options for travel.

If you’re travelling from Lymington or want to start your visit in Yarmouth then Wightlink is the service for you. From Portsmouth you can enjoy your journey on a hovercraft with Hovertravel. For travel from Southampton to Cowes you have Red Funnel, whether you are taking a car or travelling as foot passengers, Red Funnel will make travel easy and enjoyable.

Once you’ve reached the Isle of Wight a world of discovery awaits. There’s so much to explore you might not know where to start! A day out at Osborne will be interesting for the grandparents but also fun for the grandchildren; see inside the summer home of Queen Victoria and where her children and grandchildren enjoyed summers together, with Swiss Cottage, stunning grounds and their own private beach.

If you want to blow off some steam at a place where your grandparents can still enjoy fantastic views of the coast then Blackgang Chine has the perfect mix of fun for all levels of adventurers. You could also head to Robin Hill Adventure Park where you can enjoy a safe, expansive and natural environment, with 88 acres of rolling woodland and downland for your grandparents to enjoy.

A day trip to the Isle of Wight is easy, but with so much to do you might want to stay and enjoy a short break, Visit Isle of Wight will help you find the perfect accommodation for you.

A visit to one of the gardens

Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful gardens you could hope to find. They offer a great day out with the grandparents, with stunning walks and an abundance of plants and flowers for them to enjoy as well as plenty of open space, activities and adventures for the grandchildren.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is the perfect day out for all generations! Nan and grandad can kick back and enjoy the beautiful Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, camelias, azaleas and rare trees. Whilst the kids explore nature, climb on our adventure playground and let off steam. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is set in 180 acres with fun and educational exhibits suitable for the whole family.

Combine stunning gardens with impressive stately homes and country estates and you’ve got Mottisfont, full of culture and history, as well as activities and exhibitions that grandparents and grandchildren will both love. Dive further into history at Gilbert White’s House and The Oates Collection, where their adventures come to life for you all to enjoy.

A trip to Buckler’s Hard is a great way to combine a bit of history with the Bucklers Hard museum, and open space, beautiful views across the Beaulieu River and the perfect spot for you to enjoy an ice cream with your grandparents.

Get a taste of history with these days out

Hampshire is steeped in history and many of Hampshire’s Top Attractions are the perfect place to discover time’s gone by. A wonderful way for both grandparents and grandchildren to learn together, while having fun.

Hurst Castle is a perfect day out for all generations as you can step back in time and take a glimpse in the living conditions of a soldier in both world wars, whilst also exploring Henry VIII’s Tudor castle, which retains much of its original 16th-century appearance.

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.

The Brickworks Museum is a great place to visit with the grandchildren. There is lots to do and see for all ages. There are play areas both inside and out, arcade machines to play, bricks to make, a cafe to enjoy and an award winning museum to wander round.

Experience days for grandparents and all ages

They may be of the older generation but that doesn’t mean grandparents don’t know how to have fun or enjoy some new adventures! Sometimes a fun activity suitable for all ages is the perfect way to enjoy days out with your grandparents.

At Marwell Zoo, you can enjoy a range of daily animal talks, plus, with five adventure playgrounds, a rail train and free road train, there’s plenty to occupy your grandchildren whilst you relax and soak up the surroundings.

Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig world is the ideal place to spend a day enjoying rides for all levels of thrill-seekers, as well as having lovely gardens to walk around and new worlds to discover. Whether your grandparents like to join in on the rides themselves, or relax and watch you, it is a guaranteed fun day out for everyone.

Would you like to try a new experience together? At New Forest Activities there’s plenty on offer to suit all ages from grandchildren to grandparents. A guided tour of the Beaulieu River in Canadian Canoe is a great way to see this picturesque river, as well as enjoying some quality time. If you prefer to stay on dry land how about some Archery in the New Forest setting, or a Woodland Adventure Day where you can both learn some bushcraft survival skills.

Treat your grandchildren to a fun day out at the Watercress Line: ride on a steam train, play in the playground, visit the footbridge used in Harry Potter films, pick up a FREE activity sheet and enjoy a delicious picnic box from the buffet. New for 2019, children under 5 years go FREE (standard travel only).

With world-class flying displays and a full daily timetable of activities, the Hawk Conservancy Trust offers something for every generation of the family. Activities are timed beautifully throughout the day to ensure that you can see and do everything at a pace to suit all. Plus, there are additional activities to occupy the grandchildren, including an activity trail and playground.

There’s no better way to spend your Sunday… Gather friends and family and join us at BEEFY’S at The Ageas Bowl for the ultimate Sunday lunch, with the ultimate view. BEEFY’S are partnering with the University of Southampton Music Department to bring live music. Take your pick from our scrumptious menu and indulge your passion for quality seasonal food, wine and company – in breath-taking surrounds. Enjoy only the highest quality ingredients – combined to create great food with a refined, distinctively British accent – and experience a Sunday Lunch like no other.

A walk in one of Hampshire’s Country Parks

If you just want to relax and enjoy each others company, or want somewhere where you can burn off some energy whilst the grandparents can take in some beautiful sites then Hampshire has some fantastic country parks.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a large park situated on the South Downs. With 2,000 acres to explore there is plenty of space for you to enjoy a fun day out. Royal Victoria Country Park has 200 acres to enjoy as well as a small shingle beach, there’s also a miniature railway so you can enjoy riding the rails! Staunton Country Park has 1,000 acres with include an ornamental farm, ornamental lake, follies, maze and walled garden! A great place to enjoy a day out with grandparents!

Visit Lepe Country Park, with over a mile of beach is a great day out for all. Whether spending the day searching for seashore crabs and building sandcastles or enjoying the play area or a stroll around the coast to the D-Day remains or through the local nature reserve, there’s lots to do. Finish your visit at The Lookout, Lepe’s restaurant with panoramic views over the Solent – a destination for visitors whatever the weather!

Take your pick from these great days out with grandparents

With all these great ideas you won’t be short of things to do with your grandparents in Hampshire. For more inspiration take a look at our attractions page.