What’s on in July in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight!

There’s a summer of fun here at Hampshire’s Top Attractions this July! Discover endless days out, events, and activities that the whole family will love all over, no matter where you are, you’ll find something full of fun for the family. Keep reading to discover just what’s on in July in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight!

Outdoor Adventures

Escape to the forest with your tribe for an unforgettable adventure in nature. Test your skills and your nerve on a Go Ape tree top experience. Take to the trails for Forest Segway thrills, and fling some axes at selected locations. 

Kick off summer at Fiesta, an exciting mini children’s festival of curiosity at Winchester Science Centre. Head outside into the Music Makers or Storytelling tents! Join the fun at the Star and Wonderseekers mini-stages and watch as science comes to life outside in the South Downs National Park.

Visit Paultons Park with 5 amazing, themed lands including Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World! Pus an incredible variety of animals to meet, and stunning gardens. 

Renting bikes in the New Forest is a fantastic experience with CycleExperience. Choose from over 10 off-road trails to explore, which include New Forest pony sightings and pub stops! 

Discover the ancient art of archery this July with New Forest Activities. Suitable for the whole family. Become immersed in the thrill of shooting a bow and arrow as well as learning about the rich history and modern sport of archery.

The family-run New Forest Wildlife Park is home to over 260 animals from 40 species, and their friendly, knowledgeable keepers give daily feeding time talks on animal facts and conservation, not to mention the two amazing playparks to burn some energy!  

Calshot’s beaches offer unparalleled views and idyllic places to walk and sit. You can even gaze across the water to catch a glimpse of the Isle of Wight or the boats sailing serenely past. Ready to visit Calshot to soak up the sun this July?

Sail over to Cowes with Red Funnel between 29 July and 4 August for the unmissable action of Cowes Week, the world’s oldest sailing regatta. With thrilling racing offshore and a wide range of entertainment, bars, and stalls shoreside, it’s the perfect summer outing. Hop on the Red Jet from Southampton and arrive in under 30 minutes for £12.30pp for a day return!

Day events

The UK’s longest-running festival of Outdoor Arts, Hat Fair, takes to the city streets and green spaces of Winchester once more on 30th June and 1st July. With theatre, circus, music, dance, song, puppetry, local to international performers, plus youth talent and a massive Carnival, the festival is suitable for all the family. 

Visit Fred the Cat’s Magical Monthly Story Club at Queen Elizabeth Country Park and watch your child’s favourite story come to life. On 7 July join Fred for a morning of music, movement, early years drama, and lots of imaginative fun. Suitable for children aged 2-5 years (siblings welcome). 

Are you passionate about nature? Meet people from local conservation groups at Buckler’s Hard as Conservation Awareness Day returns to the historic village for its second year on Saturday 1st July. Plus, there will be plenty of fun games and activities on offer throughout the day for junior conservationists.

The wonderful world of steampunk comes to The Brickworks Museum on July 16th – the site will be in full steam with stalls, activities, cogs and costumes.  

Hampshire Fare has organised the very first Winchester Food Festival, which will take place on Sunday, 9th July, as a key event in this year’s Hampshire Food Festival. Winchester Cathedral’s Outer Close will open from 10.00am with a Chefs’ Kitchen running from 12 noon.

Live Shows 

Head to The Brickworks Museum on July 15th for an evening of music and dancing where they are joined by 21st Century ABBA.

The Secret Garden Outdoor Theatre performance by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, will take place on 29th July. This enchanting story, loved by children and adults alike, is presented in the historic surroundings of Winchester Cathedral’s Lower Deanery Garden.  

Award-winning Oddsocks Productions bring to Theatre Royal Winchester their adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic tale, Much Ado About Nothing on 20th July. With drama, deception, sun, songs and silliness, their ‘hugely funny’ production is suitable for ages 7 – 107.

Experience the iconic music of Joni Mitchell at New Theatre Royal on 6th July bravely reimagined by a set of esteemed vocalists: Platinum-selling, double Brit nominee Rumer, multi-million streaming, award-winning Jo Harman, Mim Grey (Sir Paul McCartney, Tom Jones) and Mike Mayfield (Ed Sheeran and Jessie J) – backed by a world-class band with CV’s to prove it – think Herbie Hancock, Elton John and more. 

Join the Pantaloons at Staunton Country Park on Sunday 23 July for their production of The Comedy of Errors. Pack a picnic and enjoy an evening of slapstick and abundant anachronisms. Or visit on 29 July for Slapstick Picnic’s delightfully funny production of Peter Pan. Tickets are on sale now. 

Families will love all the July shows at The Theatre Royal Winchester such as Dragons and Mythical Beasts, Milkshake Live! and Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday.

Historic fun

Enjoy living history at Milestones Museum, Basingstoke – discover real history and real people! Play retro and vintage games on the seaside pier, stroll immersive streets and more. Enjoy a new domestic living exhibition for summer 2023, plus a new living history trail. Pay once and visit all year. 

From 22 July, a family-friendly exhibition at Mottisfont explores the classic children’s books created by Allan and Janet Ahlberg, featuring original artwork from The Jolly Postman, Happy Families and more. Adventure around the gardens with an activity trail of games and challenges inspired by the Ahlbergs’ imagination. 

Get hands-on with ancient history at Butser Ancient Farm! Learn skills to survive and thrive in the ancient world. From making rope out of grass to crafting decorative clay beads. How well would you do in the ancient past? Free drop-in workshops every weekend.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of a weekend of heritage diesel traction at The Watercress Line (14 – 16 July). The Diesel Gala will see the railway operated by visiting diesel engines and their home-fleet of diesel locomotives. Visit and admire the varied types of diesel locomotives produced from the 1960s until the present day.

Kids and teenagers love going on a Text Quest with their parents. They are often better at spotting clues and really enjoy feeling clever. 

Head to the Side Quests at 878 AD, Winchester! A brand new activity for 878 AD starting this summer. Follow clues, grant favours, and convince the costumed Anglo-Saxon town-folk to help you during your quest, before history as we know it will change forever! Suitable for ages 8+. Free with admission.

Don’t forget to discover over 1000 years of history in the Kings & Scribes exhibition at the majestic Winchester Catedral 

Amazing art

At the Young Ones: Art Club for 7-13yrs on 15th July.  You are welcome to drop your child off for the session at Southampton City Art Gallery or to stay and enjoy it with them.

Sculpture at Beaulieu returns for 2023, featuring incredible works from national and international sculptors! From the 17th June – 24th September, view over 300 figurative and abstract sculptures in the stunning setting of Beaulieu, with a sculpture trail guiding visitors.

At Gilbert White’s House & Gardens visitors can get creative with a variety of artistic workshops focused around the natural world. Artist-in-Residence, Sophie Hacker, will lead a Clay Workshop on July 18th. There will be a Nature Writing Workshop on July 24th and  Willow Weaving Workshop on July 31st.

Enjoyed discovering what’s on in July in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight? Don’t forget to check out our blogs, news, vouchers  and events. Planning your fun family days out in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has never been easier! Be sure to share your days out with us on social media by using the hashtag #HantsDaysOut!