Family attractions in Hampshire: 10 places for kids and parents

Family attractions in Hampshire: 10 places for kids and parents

April 11, 2025

Hampshire is a region in southern England that offers countless activities for families with children. From exciting theme parks to educational museums and beautiful gardens, there is something for everyone. In this article, we'll highlight the top 10 attractions that will make your family vacation in Hampshire unforgettable. Whether your children are Peppa Pig fans, animal lovers or little scientists, Hampshire has something to delight every member of the family. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the diverse attractions of this beautiful county!

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Enjoy parks and attractions with animals

Start our journey with the most exciting places that are sure to put a smile on your kids' faces.

Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World is an absolute must-visit for families with young children. This amusement park, located in Romsey, offers plenty of attractions for both the youngest Peppa Pig fans and slightly older children. The park boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5, which indicates its high quality. It is worth remembering, however, that in high season long queues can form for the most popular attractions. Ticket prices start at around £36 per person, but family packages are also available, which can be more cost-effective. Children under 1 meter tall are admitted free.

Another place that is sure to delight animal lovers is Marwell Zoo. This sprawling zoo, located near Winchester, offers the opportunity to see many species of animals, including giraffes, rhinos and sloths. The zoo received a rating of 4.4 out of 5, indicating its popularity with visitors. It is worth noting the hilly terrain, which can pose a challenge for those with mobility problems, but the park offers golf cart facilities for such visitors.

For those who prefer more intimate animal encounters, the New Forest Wildlife Park is ideal. This park, located in Southampton, offers the chance to see many species of animals up close, including otters, deer and polar cats. The park has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5, with visitors praising it for the opportunity for close contact with animals and educational talks with keepers. It's worth noting, however, that some visitors feel the number of animals is small relative to the ticket price.

For families who want to combine fun with science, the Winchester Science Center & Planetarium is ideal. This science center, rated 4.3 out of 5, offers a host of interactive exhibits that introduce children to scientific topics in a fascinating way. A special attraction is the planetarium, which allows for a fascinating journey through the cosmos. It's worth noting, however, that some visitors find the center particularly appealing to younger children, especially those under the age of 10.

Each of these places offers unique experiences and attractions that will make your family trip to Hampshire full of unforgettable experiences. However, it is worth remembering to plan your visit in advance, especially in high season, to avoid long queues and fully enjoy your time at these fascinating places.

Education and history in Hampshire

Hampshire is not just about amusement parks and zoos. The region also offers many fascinating sites that combine education and entertainment, allowing children and adults to explore history and science in an interactive way.

The SeaCity Museum in Southampton is a place that will take you on a fascinating journey through the region's maritime history. The museum, rated 4.4 on a scale of 5, offers a particularly interesting exhibit on the Titanic. It's an ideal place for families interested in maritime history and great ships. Visitors praise the museum for its interactive exhibits and interesting presentation of Southampton's history. It's worth planning about 1-2 hours to thoroughly explore all the exhibits. The ticket price is about £10, which many visitors say is good value for the attractions on offer.

For families looking for a more traditional museum experience, Milestones Museum in Basingstoke will be an ideal choice. This remarkable museum, rated 4.6 on a scale of 5, offers a trip back in time to Victorian and Edwardian England. Visitors can walk through the streets of a recreated town, enter period stores and workshops, and even take a ride on an old train. The museum is especially recommended for families with children, who can learn about history in an interactive way. The ticket price is about £17.50, but it is an annual ticket, allowing multiple visits throughout the year.

For families interested in nature and country life, Manor Farm in Southampton will be an excellent choice. This farm, rated 4.5 on a scale of 5, offers an opportunity to experience life on a traditional English farm. Here, children can see and pet the farm animals, tour the Victorian cottage and play in the playground. Visitors praise the farm for its friendly atmosphere and the opportunity for close contact with the animals. However, it is worth noting that some visitors suggest that the farm could offer a greater variety of animals.

Itchen Valley Country Park is another place that combines education with outdoor fun. This country park, rated 4.5 on a scale of 5, offers beautiful walking trails, children's playgrounds and a rope park. It's an ideal place for families who enjoy active recreation in nature. Visitors praise the park for its well-maintained trails and variety of attractions for children. Be sure to bring snacks or prepare a picnic, as dining options in the park are limited.

Each site offers unique educational experiences that will allow your children to learn about history, science and nature in a fascinating way. Consider purchasing family or annual tickets, which often offer better value, especially if you plan to visit Hampshire frequently. Also, remember to check opening hours and any special events before your visit to take full advantage of what these fascinating places have to offer.

Nature and relaxation for the whole family

Hampshire is not just about education and history - the region also offers great opportunities for the whole family to relax and get in touch with nature. In this section, we will present places that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature and spend time outdoors.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a true paradise for garden lovers and more. This beautiful garden, rated 4.6 on a scale of 5, delights visitors with its abundance of colors and fragrances. Especially noteworthy are the blooming rhododendrons and azaleas, which create a fairy-tale landscape. An additional attraction is the steam train, which allows visitors to tour the gardens in a unique way. Visitors praise the place for its peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to spend a few hours in nature. It is advisable to plan your visit during the blooming season (usually from late spring to early summer) and reserve enough time to thoroughly explore the gardens.

For families who want to combine relaxation with a bit of marine education, Portsmouth's Blue Reef Aquarium will be an ideal choice. The aquarium, rated 3.8 on a scale of 5, offers fascinating insights into the underwater world. A special attraction is the underwater tunnel, which allows for close encounters with sea creatures. Visitors also have the opportunity to touch stingrays, which is an unforgettable experience for children. It is worth noting, however, that some visitors find the aquarium relatively small compared to the ticket price (about £12.5). Nevertheless, it is still an interesting attraction for many families, especially when combined with other Portsmouth attractions.

For families looking for a quiet place to walk and picnic, Lepe Country Park will be an excellent choice. This country park, rated 4.5 on a scale of 5, offers beautiful views of the sea, beach and green spaces. It's an ideal place for relaxation and active recreation. The park has a children's playground, barbecue areas and a restaurant. Visitors praise the park for its cleanliness and well-maintained paths. However, it is worth remembering to bring your own snacks, as there are no trash garbage cans in the park.

When comparing these places, it is worth noting their diversity. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway offers the most extensive garden experience and is ideal for families who enjoy walks and the beauty of nature. Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth, although smaller, offers a unique experience of the underwater world and is a great option for rainy days. Lepe Country Park, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for families looking for a simple but enjoyable outdoor experience.

When planning a visit to these places, consider the time of year and the weather. Exbury Gardens are at their most beautiful during the blooming season, while Blue Reef Aquarium and Lepe Country Park can be visited year-round. Ticket prices vary considerably - from free admission to Lepe Country Park (only parking is charged) to about £12.5 per person at Blue Reef Aquarium.

Whichever of these places you choose, each offers unique experiences and opportunities for quality time with the family. Remember to check current opening hours and any restrictions before visiting. Hampshire certainly has a lot to offer families looking to relax and get in touch with nature!

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