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Top 17 things to do in Hampshire for adults
Hampshire offers no shortage of fun, fascinating attractions, and great experiences. From enjoying the great outdoors to learning about history, there is always something new to discover with the many things to do in Hampshire for adults.
For a laidback outing, try visiting a historic castle with scenic ocean views, sip handcrafted ale at a rustic brewery, or explore elegant gardens filled with dazzling rhododendrons. If you want more adrenaline-pumping activities, take to towering tree canopies, head to the thrilling water park, or kayak your way to riverside pubs. Here are 17 things to do in Hampshire for adults that you can find close to your Hampshire holiday park.
Fun things to do in Hampshire for Adults
Vibrant Forest Brewery
This small craft brewery on the edge of the New Forest National Park is perfect if you want to try something new this holiday. They make a vast range of beer styles such as massively hopped pale ales, IPAs, strong stouts, barrel-aged experiments, and sours. For 100% natural vegan beer that’s unfiltered and unpasteurised – come and visit the Vibrant Forest Brewery!
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Hayling Golf Club
If you love golf or want to try something new on holiday, this is one of the best things to do in Hampshire for adults, but also for all ages. Hayling Golf Club is proud to be one of the premier links golf courses on the South Coast between Rye and Cornwall and has hosted many Championships and events over the years. Also, only a 10-minute drive from Mill Rythe holiday park.
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New Forest Water Park
Get adventurous at this aquatic centre in the New Forest featuring wakeboarding, kayaking, and more on their advanced cable wake systems. Lessons are available for all skill levels if you're new to these fast-paced water sports. You can challenge each other on the Aqua Park for a top-quality holiday experience that you’ll never forget!
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Go Ape (Moors Valley)
Nestled between the New Forest and the south coast beaches, Moors Valley Country Park is a perfect location for an active day, and based here is Go Ape. As one of the most fun things to do in Hampshire for adults, you can take on zip lines, rope ladders and bridges at this treetop adventure course. Plus, it's only a 15-30 minute drive from the Sandy Balls holiday park!
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Furzey Gardens
Furzey Gardens is a secret woodland garden in the New Forest National Park. You can visit the cosy, thatched tea room, find some rare and unusual plants, and with over 40 fairy doors - there is something for everyone. Meander through these tranquil gardens showcasing rhododendrons and azaleas. The mixture of formal and woodland areas surrounding a lake provides a peaceful retreat.
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Spinnaker Tower
If you can’t resist a stunning view over a beautiful location, it doesn’t get much better than those found at the top of the Spinnaker Tower! This amazing observation tower sits in Portsmouth Harbour and allows visitors to see for miles in all directions. This 170-meter-high tower offers panoramic views of the Harbour, Isle of Wight, and beyond.
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Northney Farm Tea Rooms
Located in Northney Village with views out to Chichester Harbour, this working farm's tea room offers sandwiches, cakes, and other light meals either indoors or in alfresco courtyard seating. The food is homemade on the premises, so you know you’re in for a treat. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute drive from our Mill Rythe holiday park.
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Mary Rose Museum
Uncover a treasure trove of Tudor artefacts, whilst getting hands-on and discovering how this amazing shipwreck was found, excavated, and salvaged! This fascinating museum showcases the 16th-century warship Mary Rose and recounts life onboard. Numerous weapons, medical equipment, and crew possessions were also recovered. If you’re a history buff, this one’s for you!
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Exbury Gardens
Situated on the lush green shores of The Solent, Exbury Gardens offers a quintessentially English escape with a beautifully maintained garden, country home, and miniature railway. Stroll through these famous gardens started in the 1920s, filled with exotic plant collections showcasing vibrant colours and scents.
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Moors Valley Country Park
On the lush green border of Hampshire and Dorset, Moors Valley Country Park promises an action-packed adventure among the pines – whether you’re after tranquil walks, cycle rides, steam-train journeys, or more. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the outdoors, fishing, or playing golf – the options are endless!
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Hayling Island Beach
This blue flag-awarded beach has beautiful views overlooking the harbour. The firm sandy shores are ideal for sunbathing, sandcastle building, beach games, and relaxing seaside walks. Beachfront cafes are nearby, making Hayling Island Beach one of the most fun-filled days out in Hampshire!
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Hurst Castle
Discover this artillery fortress built by Henry VIII, which offers some of the best views in England. Plenty of open space for you to explore and a short ferry ride to get there makes it an adventurous day out for the family. Dating back to the 16th century, this artillery fort defended the sea passage. Why don’t you tour the Hurst Castle displays to learn about its history?
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Paddle to the Pub, New Forest Activities
Kayak, canoe, or paddle board guided tours along scenic waterways in the New Forest that make stops at the Master Builder’s pub at Buckler’s Hard, where you can enjoy some much-needed refreshments. This relaxing one-way Paddle to the Pub takes you along the wonderful Beaulieu River. It’s no doubt one of the most fun things to do in Hampshire for adults!
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Marwell Zoo
Get up close views of exotic wildlife like snow leopards, giraffes, lemurs, wallabies, and pygmy hippos at this 140-acre park. Visit the interactive animal exhibits, talks, and feeding times that make for a fun day out. Stop off at the café and gift shop while you have the best day out at Marwell Zoo!
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Beaulieu
Beaulieu has several attractions, making it one of the best fun-filled days out where you can try a range of things. You can head to the National Motor Museum, which showcases vintage vehicles, the Palace House, once home to British royalty, and the grounds and Abbey ruins, which are surrounded by nature. This village is a 30–40-minute drive from Sandy Balls holiday park.
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Oceanarium Bournemouth
Explore marine ecosystems at this waterside aquarium, plus you can try feeding sessions and travel through the underwater tunnel. The Oceanarium is home to some of the most intriguing animals living in the world’s oceans, so come and meet them for yourself! This walkthrough aquarium houses over 5000 sea creatures ranging from sharks, rays, tropical fish and more!
Find out moreThings to do in Hampshire for adults FAQs
After finding these top things to do in Hampshire for adults, you may still have some questions surrounding planning your next best holiday. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions…
Where can I go on a day trip in Hampshire?
You may be thinking ‘Where can I go on a day trip in Hampshire?’ and ‘What is near Hampshire?’ Well, there are so many places to go on a day trip in Hampshire. Here are some of the best day trip activities:
- Marwell Zoo
- Hayling Island Beach
- The Mary Rose Museum
- Go Ape
- Vibrant Forest Brewery
What are the surrounding areas of Hampshire?
Spanning 1,455 square miles, Hampshire shares borders with five other counties:
- Dorset
- Wiltshire
- Berkshire
- Surrey
- Sussex
The centrally located city of Winchester is Hampshire's county town and back in 871, it was the capital of England. Why not visit any five of these counties while you’re staying in Hampshire?
Why is Hampshire famous?
There are many reasons why Hampshire is famous. It is well known for its military connections, tourist attractions like The Spinnaker Tower, the Mary Rose, and other naval history. Nearby you will find the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower.
Why should you visit Hampshire?
There are many reasons why you should visit Hampshire, especially as there are so many things to do in Hampshire for adults. With its picturesque villages, breathtaking coastline, and cultural and natural attractions, Hampshire offers an idyllic and diverse destination for all. History buffs will delight in its medieval castles, stately homes, and museums that bring the past to life. Outdoorsy types have miles of trails to hike and bike across and more. So, whether you fancy an action-packed holiday filled with family adventures or a relaxing getaway steeped in heritage and culture, Hampshire promises experiences to remember for a lifetime.
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