Activities & Sport in Hampshire

With attractive countryside and miles of coastline, Hampshire has a wealth of opportunities to pursue outdoor activities and sports from the calm to the exhilarating. Whether its walking, golf, cycling, cricket or sailing there is something for everyone.

Looking for a more adrenaline fuelled activity? Swing from the trees at one of Hampshire’s Go Ape sites or take on a floating inflatable obstacle course at The New Forest Waterpark.

Walking and Hiking in Hampshire

Walking in Hampshire is one of the best ways to see the county. The county has 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways across two National Parks, beautiful countryside, a coastline offering views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and through villages, towns and cities. 

Hampshire offers some longer challenging hikes, short distance walks or the perfect Sunday pub lunch strolls with your four-legged friend.

Find out more about walking and hiking in Hampshire

Cycling and Mountain Biking in Hampshire

Cycling is a great way to see Hampshire, with over 750 miles of off-road cycle routes for beginners and challenging trails for the enthusiast. It’s easy to find miles of quiet country lanes, car-free tracks and bridleways. Hampshire is quintessential England, with its chalk downland, pretty villages, rich history and great country pubs serving fine local food. 

Hampshire offers a rich variety of road cycling, off-road cycling, car free routes and even the South Coast's only velodrome, all within easy reach.

Find out more about cycling and mountain biking in Hampshire

Fishing in Hampshire

Many people are attracted to Hampshire for its fishing. In a fast moving and stressful world this popular pastime can be the perfect escape. Sitting by a lovely river, lake or part of the county’s coastline is a wonderful way to unwind.

Find out more about fishing in Hampshire

Cricket in Hampshire

Hampshire has a long-standing association with cricket from the 18th century to the present day. Hambledon in the South Downs National Park is world famous as the ‘Cradle of Cricket’ and where the game we know today evolved. Hampshire County Cricket Club was founded in 1863 and is now based at the Utilita Bowl on the outskirts of Southampton in the village of Hedge End. With a capacity of over 15,000 seats, the Utilita Bowl welcomes county matches, Twenty20, Test and one day international cricket as well as music concerts and seasonal events.

Find out more about cricket in Hampshire

Watersports and Sailing in Hampshire

For top world class sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, look no further than the Solent. The Hampshire coastline has many attractive harbours, marinas and estuaries, providing ideal locations for watersports.

Both yacht charter for the experienced sailor or sailing courses for beginners are available at numerous coastal centres and the beaches at Hayling Island are the popular home of windsurfing while the Calshot Activity Centre on the edge of the New Forest offers a variety of courses in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and powerboating and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) for people of all ages and abilities.

Find out more about watersports in Hampshire

Find out more about stand-up paddle boarding in Hampshire 

Find out more about sailing in Hampshire

Football in Hampshire

Love football? Hampshire has two of the oldest and well-known football clubs in the South of England, Southampton Football Club and Portsmouth Football Club. Head to the big game whilst on your break in Hampshire. Southampton Football Club nick named the Saints and Portsmouth Football Club nick named Pompey have a fierce rivalry as the cities both have maritime heritage.

Find out more about Football in Hampshire

Health, wellbeing, and spas in Hampshire

Looking to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life? Hampshire is the perfect place for a spa day or break, as there are plenty of stunning spa hotels nestled away in beautiful spots across the county. 

Whether you are looking for a full body massage, Thai massage, or the latest therapy you will find the perfect treatment for your tranquil escape.

Find out more about health, wellbeing and spas in Hampshire

Driving experiences in Hampshire

Hampshire has a number of fantastic driving experiences, whether you want to speed round a track in Ferrari or Lamborgini, drive a heritage steam train, go off road in a 4 x 4 or quad bike and even drive tank!

Find out more about driving experiences in Hampshire