Things to do in Hampshire

Stay with us at Solent Hotel & Spa on your next break to the south coast and you’ll be perfectly placed to explore a whole host of fun things to do in Hampshire. 

Our prime location between Southampton and Portsmouth, in the lovely market town of Fareham, means you can create memories with fantastic family activities and Hampshire attractions, all while knowing there’s a comfortable, cosy bed waiting for you at the Solent hotel when you’re done. 

There’s plenty of fun things to do in Hampshire attractions to choose from, which is why we’ve put together a handy guide for you to make the very most of your next getaway. 

Exbury Gardens 

Every season brings something new at Exbury Gardens but you can always be sure of a family-friendly day out among stunning scenery. Boasting towering flora and foliage, you can enjoy lush riverside walks, take a ride on the steam railway, or explore the ever-changing itinerary of events and activities at this Hampshire attraction.

• 26.8 miles (43 mins) 
• Best by car (free parking available)
• Open from March to November
• Things to do for all age ranges
  

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

An easy day trip from Fareham, the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is just a 30-minute drive away from the Solent Hotel. This is one of many Hampshire attractions that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Beautiful landscapes stretch over 180 acres bursting with wildlife, flowers, trees, and an abundance of outdoor play areas to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a coffee or a sweet treat from one of the cafes. 

• 19.8 miles (33 mins)
• Best by car
• Open all year, best in spring/summer
• Great for family activities 

Beaulieu & National Motor Museum

Beaulieu in the New Forest, Hampshire brings a lot to see and do, and the National Motor Museum is one for the whole family. While this Hampshire attraction is famed for an exceptional collection of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia, there’s plenty of other spaces to explore including outdoor spaces, riverside walks and fascinating exhibitions. 

• 27.6 miles (41 minutes)
• Best by car
• Choice of outdoor and indoor activities
• Family-friendly and great for car enthusiasts

The D-Day Story, Portsmouth

This immersive WWII exhibition space tells the story of D-Day through the experiences and words of the ordinary people who were there. With over 10,000 items, stunning imagery, audio visual presentations and interactive spaces, the whole family will feel the extraordinary stories come to life. This is one of many great things to do in Hampshire that the history buffs won’t want to miss, but is also a valuable experience for the whole family. 

• 13.4 miles (23 minutes)
• Best by car
• Choice of outdoor and indoor activities
• Family friendly and great for history lovers

Royal Victoria Country Park

Explore over 200 acres of rich history at the Royal Victoria Military Hospital.  Little ones will love the lush woodland walks, play area and fairy garden, as well as wandering around the stunning heritage chapel, climbing the tower and setting off on the park’s miniature railway. While there are lots of Hampshire country parks for you to choose from, this one boasts a whole host of fun things to do for the whole family.

• 7.6 miles (20 minutes)
• Best by car (parking charges apply)
• Also accessible from Netley Train Station where you’ll find a small, free car park and is a 25-minute walk or 30-minute cycle to Royal Victoria Country Park

Itchen Valley Country Park

Just over a 15-minute drive away from the Solent Hotel, there’s so much for the whole family to enjoy at Itchen Valley and makes for a fantastic day trip from Fareham. Among 440 acres of woodland, treetop explorers can give Go Ape! a try or stay on the ground with a host of play areas, forest trails and orienteering. The bustling calendar of events includes a local parkrun, craft workshops, wellbeing sessions and so much more. 

• 8.1 miles (17 minutes)
• Best by car (parking charges apply) or 50-minute cycle
• Open all year round until 8:30pm 
• Large events calendar for all ages

Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World

Across 140 acres of lush parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, Paultons offers a family-friendly atmosphere with over 70 exciting attractions and thrilling rides, as well as a water park and play areas that the whole family can enjoy. Not to mention, you can surprise little ones with a trip to the UK’s only Peppa Pig World with a host of fun Peppa-themed rides. And, this popular Hampshire attraction is less than a 30-minute drive away so makes for a perfect day trip from Fareham. 

• 18.3 miles (25 minutes)
• Best by car (free parking available)
• Opening times vary in peak and off-peak seasons
• Largely outdoor so best visited in dry weather 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

With over a dozen family-friendly Hampshire attractions, tours and experiences – from the HMS Victory to the historic Mary Rose museum – there’s something for everyone at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. With over 500 years of rich naval history brought to life, this waterside Hampshire attraction isn’t just for naval buffs, it’s a great day out for the whole family. As it’s under a 30-minute drive away from the Solent Hotel, it’s a great day trip from Fareham and a great chance to explore more great things to do in Hampshire. 

• 12.6 miles (23 minutes)
• Best by car (parking charges apply)
• Opening times vary with each attraction through peak and off-peak seasons
• Choice of outdoor and indoor activities for all ages