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The month of two public holidays is upon us and if you are searching for things to do, places to stay and events to attend in Hampshire this May Bank Holiday this year, then look no further! From the Gardener’s World Fair Spring at Beaulieu to the new ‘Sound Detectives’ mission at Winchester Science Centre – you’ll find plenty of things to do this May Bank Holiday.
When are the May Bank holidays in 2021? The May Public Holiday weekends takes place on the 1st,2nd and 3rd and the 29th, 30th and 31st of May.
Discover our ultimate guide to what is on in Hampshire during both May Bank Holiday’s this year below. We will keep this page up to date and we hope to keep adding to this list with the latest news of new events and ideas for you - so be sure to check back here again soon!
Top Bank Holiday Events in Hampshire 2021
There are number of events to keep the whole family entertained – from a day full of woodlands adventures with New Forest Activities to a day out with Thomas and friends at The Watercress line!
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BBC Gardener’s World Fair Spring at Beaulieu - 28th - 30th May
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Day out with Thomas at The Water Cress Line - 29th - 6th June
For a full guide to what is going on over the May bank holiday weekends visit our what’s on guide.
Bank Holiday Days Out in Hampshire
If you are planning to visit Hampshire during the May Bank Holiday’s - you will be spoilt for choice for things to do!
Hampshire is home to an abundance of amazing attractions for your family and friends to enjoy. Take the weekend to spend some quality time together whether you want to take a picnic to one of Hampshire’s glorious gardens or scream your heart out at our top theme parks.
Here are a list of some of our attractions that are open over the May Bank Holiday:
- Check out the brand new world 'Tornado Springs' at Paultons Park
- Simply Electric at Beaulieu National Motor Muesuem
- Day out with Thomas and Friends at The Watercress Line plus there is a brand-new playground waiting to be discovered!
- Birdworld
- Marwell Zoo
See all attractions in Hampshire
See Family Friendly attractions in Hampshire
Outdoor Activities in Hampshire this May Bank Holiday
From sailing on the Solent to walking along the stunning South Downs – Hampshire offers a whole host of outdoor activities, for all ages and capabilities. Find out more about watersports in Hampshire
If you are looking to pack up the car and head for a peaceful picnic in a gorgeous garden or open space, here are just some of grounds and gardens that will be open:
- Longstock Park Water Garden, Stockbridge
- The Vyne National Trust Park, Basingstoke
- Exbury Gardens, Exbury
- Mottisfont Garden National Trust Park, near Romsey
- Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard Gardens
- Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
- West Green House Gardens, Hartley Wintney
See all walks and hikes in Hampshire
Find out more about cycling in Hampshire
And if the sun decides not to make an appearance on either of the weekends – we have put together a handy guide for the top indoor attractions for you to enjoy below!
See the top 10 rainy days out in Hampshire
Bank Holiday Food and Drink in Hampshire
Whether you are looking for a Bank Holiday breakfast, brunch, or burger – why not check out our guide to the top restaurants, beachside cafes, country pubs or pit stops in Hampshire!
See guide to restaurants in Hampshire
See guide to cafes in Hampshire
See guide to country pubs in Hampshire
Don’t forget to tag us in your Bank Holiday Hampshire snaps on Instagram by using #VisitHampshire.
Related
Paultons - the UK’s Number 1 Family Theme Park - located in Hampshire with over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
Join us as BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th May 2025. What better way to inspire your gardening year ahead than by joining us for this much-loved show. Set in the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, this Spring Fair includes Beautiful Borders and The Hillier Experience packed with planting ideas, and stunning floral displays from top nurseries.
Do you have what it takes to join a fun and daring mission to uncover the truth about sound? 2021 is the Year of Sound and Winchester Science Centre are launching with a mystery that only an exceptional bunch of Sound Detectives will be able to solve!
All Aboard for a Rockin' Good Time! Day Out With Thomas™: Let's Rock, Let's Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to The Watercress Line. Hop on board a train ride with Thomas, a REAL steam engine, watch the exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty (that'll have the whole family dancing), join in the Thomas & Friends™ character hunt, have fun with the garden games and keep the beat going at the Music Corner packed with music-inspired fun, plus so much more! Book tickets for your train ride adventure today to enjoy a whole day out, with all the family.
Nestled just outside Farnham on the Hampshire-Surrey border, Birdworld is home to over 1,000 birds, including playful penguins, flamboyant flamingos, chatty parrots, and wise owls. Whether you’re here to marvel at our colourful residents or unleash some energy in our amazing play areas, there’s fun to be had for all ages—rain or shine! Feed the penguins at Penguin Beach, dive into the Owl Academy for an interactive adventure, explore Wetland Waders, or immerse yourself in the vibrant Love + Colour exhibit.
Marwell zoo is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals all within a beautiful 140-acre park. Take a stroll around the outdoor attraction and enjoy the fresh air while spotting animals such as Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, clouded leopards, snow leopards and all three species of zebra (to name a few)!
More than 100 years in the making, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location. Exbury also boasts a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens, plus a play area, fantastic restaurant and much more!
The magnificent Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is world famous for its arboretum and gardens – set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside; this garden is stunning whatever the season.
The Vyne is a warm red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain, which later passed into the hands of the Chute family, who cared for the house and estate for over 300 years. It was remodelled to its present configuration in the mid-17th century.
Ancient trees, babbling brooks and rolling lawns frame Mottisfont's 18th-century house with a medieval priory at its heart. There’s space to run, jump and play, and always something for families to do, with activity trails in school holidays and a special family exhibition every summer.
Longstock Park Water Garden on the Leckford Estate opens its Water Garden during the year between April – September.
West Green House Gardens - is the perfect place to visit for all the family through every season!
New Forest Activities offer a variety of safe and enjoyable activities for families, couples, individuals and groups of all ages and abilities led by expert outdoor instructors. For tours with a difference, take to the water with Canoeing and Kayaking on the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve.
