Family Bonding Time: 8 Things to do in Hampshire
Hampshire is well known for its spectacular scenery, rich history and its iconic maritime cities. Whether you want to explore the beautiful, rugged landscape of the New Forest, follow in the footsteps of Alfred the Great or stand onboard one of the great ships that have helped shape Britain, there’s never been a better time to get the whole family involved.
With so much discover from your front door, we’ve put together a handy list of 8 things to do in Hampshire to get that much-needed family bonding time. Read on to find out more…
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Marwell Zoo
Just outside of Winchester, you can explore the exceptional Marwell Zoo, where you can get “closer to the wonders of the natural world.” Home to over 100 endangered and exotic species, including gentle giraffes, cheeky meerkats and rare snow leopards, set in 140 acres, there are plenty of opportunities for the whole family to run wild and discover these incredible creatures.
While there, you can get close and personal with loveable lemurs in the lemur loop, step into eternal summer at the ‘Energy for Life’ tropical house, and watch the playful penguins soar through the water.
There is an array of daily talks and feedings, a miniature railway for tired feet to rest for up-close animal encounters and five fun adventure playgrounds to burn off all that energy!
Beaulieu
Deep in the heart of the New Forest, you will find an award-winning, action-packed day out for the whole family to enjoy at Beaulieu. From speedy F1 motors, Hollywood star cars, and some of the most iconic wheels to race on the face of the earth, you can expect high-octane action set in a magnificent Palace House.
Home to over 250 vehicles at the National Motor Museum, from super-swish speedsters to Land Speed Record breakers, and the ‘Enormodrome’, which recreates the famed Top Gear studio, there’s a lot for the true fanatic to the casual observer to enjoy.
Kids will love riding on the Monorail, discovering the exciting adventure play park, exploring the fascinating Palace House and Gardens, all before tiptoeing around the Mill Pond Walk where fairies are rumoured to dwell.
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Exciting Escapes
If you want a truly unique family bonding experience, then it’s time for you to get fully immersed in the world of Exciting Escapes! Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of the roaring 1920s, uncover a dastardly plot during the summer of love at the movies before it’s too late or take a trip back to 1999 and find the threat before the clock strikes 12!
Testing all your logic, creative thinking, code-breaking and puzzle skills, this is the one challenge that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. Have you got what it takes?
Whether you choose to enter the Portsmouth escape room, Basingstoke, or Southampton experiences, you will make lasting memories that you will talk about for years to come!
Hensting Alpaca Walking Experience
Let’s be honest. How many times in your life have you had a fun-filled day with an Alpaca? If you want to have a truly unique experience, where you get to wander through the great outdoors with an Alpaca at your side, then head down to Hensting!
Hensting Alpaca Walking Experience is a family-ran business based in rural Otterbourne, Hampshire. There you can find out for yourself why these remarkable big brown eyed creatures, with their silky fleece and gentle souls are such wonderful companions.
Recommended for children 8 years and up, this family activity is one you won’t forget!
Milestones Museum
Hampshire’s Milestones Museum of living history will transport you back in time and show you what it was like to live in the past. Jam packed with vintage vehicles, Victorian style cobbled streets, a working pub and printing press, and a replica Victorian school room, there’s plenty to see and do, all before you stop off at the penny arcade!
At Milestones, you can dress the part with the help of the museum’s elaborate costume parlour, buy a ration of retro penny sweets and discover secrets from the past in the fascinating displays. From authentic props to hearing the stories of the people who used to live over a century ago, the whole family will be talking about there adventures for years to come.
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Blackwood Forest
Little adventurers and big explorers will be amazed at the wonders of the great outdoors. Led by a real Forest Ranger, your young heroes will learn everything they need to know to become a ‘Mini Forest Ranger’ themselves at Forest Holidays Blackwood.
Your child will discover how to find the best place to build and make a shelter, how to safely start a fire, how to acquire safe-to-drink water, and what different types of flora and fauna live in the forest. In short, your tot will leave with the tools and knowledge to survive in the wild!
From catching bugs to using night vision equipment to monitor the forest floor as they sleep to learning how to forage for food, your kid’s will leave this experience equipped to take on an array of real life situations!
Mottisfont Abbey and Garden
Standing in the grounds of Mottisfont Abbey and Garden you can see why the medieval Augustinian’s built their priory in the romantic setting of the hampshire countryside.
Stomping though the Spotter Trail and using their story map, kids can learn the stories of love and loss, war and peace in this lovely old house. With its sweeping lawns, ancient woodland, walled gardens and babbling brooks to explore, you’ll enjoy getting swept up by the majesty and history engrained in Mottisfont’s walls and grounds.
Stroll down Lime Walk and discover the well-reserved Ice House, before checking out the stables, potting shed and the Shepherd’s Hut hidden by the beech circle. After a day out at Mottisfont Abbey, the whole family will be ready for a well deserved rest at the Ice Cream Parlour to chat about their adventures!
Ready to spend some quality time with the whole family? Make sure you check out the unmissable attractions that Hampshire has to offer. Did any of our top 8 make your list?
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.