50 things to do this autumn in Hampshire 2023

As the golden light of autumn brings in a new season there is so much to look forward to in Hampshire – kick up the leaves on a walk, pick your own pumpkins, or sample the seasonal local produce.

1. See how many pigs you can spot during Pannage in the New Forest.

2. Feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet then warm up inn-side on an autumn pub walk. 

3. Pick your own pumpkin at one of Hampshire’s picking patches.

4. Experience Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis – the poignant and immersive sound and light show which takes you a journey of reflection and hope at Winchester Cathedral.

5. Celebrate history and culture at one of the county’s Heritage Open Days.

6. Have a Happy Halloween at Paultons Park – take on the rides in the dark if you dare with special late-night openings in October half term.  

7. Unwind with some self-care hygge with a spa day.

8. Oohh and ahhh at a spectacular Hampshire fireworks display.

9. Collect conkers and autumn leaves at one of Hampshire’s Country Parks.

10. See the owls of the Hawk Conservancy Trust glide into the autumn nights with their special flying displays.  

11. Brave a spooktacular Halloween event from terrifying trails to spooky activities.

12. Admire a golden autumn sky at one of the top places to catch the sunset in Hampshire.

13. Blow away the cobwebs with a coastal walk along the Solent Way.

14.  Marvel at mushrooms and see terrific toadstools with the fungi exhibition and walks at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

15. Kick up the leaves at a Hampshire National Trust property – The Vyne, Mottisfont, Uppark, or Hinton Ampner.

16. Take a ride on a steam train through the Hampshire countryside at The Watercress Line’s Autumn Steam Gala.

17. Conjure up some science tricks and treats with the Science Spooktacular at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium.

18. Drink in the breathtaking view from the new Sky Bar at the Spinnaker Tower.

19. Admire the awesome autumn tones of the New Forest National Park.

20. Have some October Half Term fun.

21. Learn woodland secrets and skills by trying bushcraft with New Forest Activities. 

22. Take on the ten miles of the Great South Run.

23. Soak in the autumn tones of the South Downs National Park from the highest point in
Hampshire at Butser Hill.

24. Whizz under the falling leaves on an autumn bike ride.

25. Book an October half term break to Hampshire and stay in amazing self-catering accommodation.

26. Squelch in the mud with a trip to a farm: try Finkley Down Farm, Sky Park Farm, Manor Farm, or Longdown Activity Farm.

27. Escape the autumn showers with top rainy days out in Hampshire.

28. Mix up some magic at Wizard Week on The Watercress Line.

29. Cosy up at a Hampshire holiday cottage to enjoy a homely short break.

30. Putt away an autumn day at one of the best places in Hampshire for crazy golf.

31. Follow in legendary literature footsteps with a visit to Jane Austen’s House Museum and neighbouring Chawton House.

32. Sip a cosy brew at one of Hampshire’s delicious places to go for a cuppa and cake.

33. Ride the frightfully famous Halloween Ghost Train at Exbury Gardens. 

34. Snuggle in front of an open fire at a Hampshire country pub.

35. Snag a bargain at Black Friday at Gunwharf Quays with some waterfront outlet shopping.

36. Enjoy an autumn city break in Winchester, Southampton, or Portsmouth.

37. Scale the climbing wall, tackle the track, or slide down the slopes at Calshot Activities Centre.

38. Bring out the binoculars at one of the top places for wildlife spotting in Hampshire.

39. Walk the beside waterway on the Basingstoke Canal Towpath Trail and admire the rich reflections from the trees in the water.

40. Swing from the golden trees with Go Ape at Alice Holt Forest, Itchen Valley, or Moors Valley. 

41. Shake up some seasonal cocktails at the Home of Bombay with a visit to the boutique botanical palace that is the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.

42. Have an autumn animal adventure at Marwell Zoo. 

43. Take part in the annual Winchester Bonfire Night procession through the High Street leading to the lighting of the Bonfire and spectacular fireworks display.

44. Crack the codes and unravel the mysteries of Fort Nelson with some free spooky October half term fun.

45. Take your four-legged friend to one of Hampshire’s many dog-friendly places to visit.

46. Don your best moustache and mark Movember with the Southampton MoRun.

47. Fly a kite on one of Hampshire’s beaches.

48. Hibernate with a remote break in Hampshire.

49. See a show at a Hampshire theatre – check out the performances at The Mayflower in Southampton, Kings Theatre in Southsea, or the Theatre Royal in Winchester.

50. Discover Hampshire’s autumn food scene and tuck into local produce from seasonal veg to flavoursome fruit. Cook your own with fresh ingredients from a Hampshire Farmers’ Market or visit a Hampshire restaurant for some delicious dining.

Start planning your autumn in Hampshire

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