Autumn Adventures in Hampshire

Autumn Adventures in Hampshire

Autumn Adventures in Hampshire

Share this with

x

The changing colours of the trees, the crisp countryside walks and not forgetting the cosy pub lunches – autumn is a wonderful time of year to discover Hampshire. 

From fantastic firework displays and haunting Halloween half term events to the best places to go to kick up the leaves – you will find plenty of things to experience in Hampshire in autumn.  

Autumn is an exciting time to take a trip to Hampshire as it is a little quieter than the summer months but as you will see from our guide below, there is still so much to see and do! 

Pannage in the New Forest

Pannage in the New Forest  

A special tradition happens in the New Forest every autumn that few people know about. The New Forest is well known for its roaming cattle and of course the iconic New Forest ponies, but in September another animal is permitted to discover the beauty and tasty treasures of the Forest: the humble pig!  

Pannage, also known as Common Mast, is the practice of allowing Commoners to free their domestic pigs and piglets to roam the forest floors to eat the acorns and nuts that have fallen from the trees. 

Want to know where the best place to see Pannage in the New Forest? Click on the link below to find out more!  

Pannage in the New Forest 
 

Halloween in Hampshire 

Spooky things will be haunting Hampshire this Halloween...Only the brave can face these ghostly walks, scary activities, and frightful Halloween events that some of our attractions have planned this October. From candy hunts in illuminated canoes and pumpking picking and carving – there's so much for all ages to enjoy in Hampshire at Halloween. 

See our full guide to what’s on this Halloween and October half term in Hampshire using the link below.  

See what’s on this Halloween in Hampshire 
 

October half term events in Hampshire 

There are plenty of Halloween events and activities in Hampshire this October half term to keep your children entertained. Below you will find a full guide to what’s on this Halloween and October half term in Hampshire.

If the British weather turns to spooky storms, do not fear as we have put together the top 10 rainy days out in Hampshire

See what's on this October half term 

Pumpkin Patch and Picking

The best places to go pumpkin picking in Hampshire 

On the hunt to find a perfect pumpkin to carve and decorate for Halloween? Or looking to cook up a storm with some pumpkin-themed dishes?

Hampshire has a number of pumpkin picking farms open this autumn for you and your family to pick your own pumpkins straight from the field. With instagrammable backdrops dotted with orange cucurbits, and many with seasonal activities to boot, a trip to a pumpkin field makes for a great autumnal family day out.

See our guide to the best places to pick your own pumpkin in Hampshire

Autumn colours in Hampshire

The best places in Hampshire to see autumnal colour 

Hampshire is one of the best destinations in the UK to see the stunning English seasonal changes to the flora and fauna. Autumn is a magical time of year to explore our two National Parks, quaint villages and colourful cities. 

Here are just a few suggestions for the best places to see the earthy tones of Autumn in Hampshire.

  • The New Forest National Park – undoubtedly one of our prime locations to fully immerse yourself in Autumn. With the changing of the leaves on the tall trees walk to the forest floor covered with crispy crunchy leaves it is a wonderful time and place to reconnect with nature.  

  • South Downs National Park – take in the stunning views of autumn from the top of the highest point in Hampshire: Butser Hill. At 270 metres high, you can sit with your flask and take in the vistas of the surrounding hills, valleys and farmland as the colours of autumn take over. 

  • Gardens in Hampshire – Witness the golden hues of autumn at Hampshire's gorgeous gardens. Walk amongst stunning seasonal displays at Exbury Gardens and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens or take in the colours at the National Trust beauties of Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner, and The Vyne

  • Explore the city of Winchester on Keat's walk – The English Romantic poet, John Keats, stayed in Winchester during the late summer and early autumn of 1819. He was so inspired by the natural beauty of Winchester that, on Sunday 19 September 1819, he penned his ode To Autumn on his return. 

Pubs in Hampshire

The best pubs and restaurants to visit in Hampshire this autumn  

Hampshire is a county well known for its excellent selection of local produce, fine-dining restaurants, friendly cafes, and cosy pubs for you to experience this autumn.  

Discover delicious food and drink in Hampshire

Tuck into the best pubs and bars in Hampshire 

Find restaurants in Hampshire

Accommodation in Hampshire

Cosy autumn accommodation in Hampshire 

Why not make your autumn trip to Hampshire extra special by extending your stay for a few days! Hampshire makes a wonderful short break with a whole host of hotelsB&Bscottages and self catering accommodation to suit all budgets.  

See all accommodation in Hampshire 
See hotels in Hampshire
See self catering accommodation in Hampshire 
See B&Bs in Hampshire 

Bonfire Night and fireworks displays in Hampshire

Hampshire has some of the best fireworks displays on the South Coast. Discover our ultimate guide to Bonfire Night and fireworks displays across Hampshire and plan which displays you and your friends and family will be attending. Don't forget to wrap up warm! 

See our guide to Bonfire Night and fireworks displays in Hampshire 
 

Hampshire’s best attractions to visit in autumn

There are plenty of autumn adventures to be had at Hampshire’s attractions whatever the weather. From animal encounters to thrilling theme parks and rides, and stepping back in time to launching into the future of science. 

See our top 10 guide to rainy days

Discover family attractions in Hampshire

Dog-friendly places to visit in Hampshire 

Autumn moments wouldn’t be the same without your four legged friend so don’t leave them at home. Hampshire is home to a number of dog friendly attractions, accommodation and places to eat. Man’s best friend will love the open space of the two National Parks. 

Find out more about dog-friendly places in Hampshire

See all dog-friendly accommodation in Hampshire


Autumn spa breaks in Hampshire

Take a moment for yourself and head to Hampshire for a seasonal spa break. With spas scattered across the county in both city, coast and countryside locations you will be sure to unwind from everyday life.

See our spa break ideas

Getting to Hampshire

By Road
Hampshire is the perfect place for an autumn break, plus its easy to get here by road with quick access to the M3, M27 and A3.

New Forest: 1hr 45 from London
South Downs: 1hr from London

By Rail
With an extensive rail network across Hampshire getting here by train couldn't be easier. 

Best trains stations for New Forest
Brockenhurst: 1hr 30 from London Waterloo
New Milton: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo
Beaulieu Road: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo

Best train stations for South Downs
Winchester: 1hr from London Waterloo
Alton: 1hr 10 from London Waterloo
Petersfield: 1 hr from London

For more autumn inspiration read our blog on 50 things to do this autumn in Hampshire.
 

Don’t forget to tag us in your autumn snaps of Hampshire on Instagram by using #VisitHampshire for a chance to be featured!