Crisp mornings, snug evenings, wholesome fresh air outside, and cosy indoor activities: embrace the colder days and delight in all things brumal with our 50 things to do this winter in Hampshire.
1. See the work of one of history’s most iconic artists as never before with Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre from January to March 2026.
2. Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday on 16 December 2026 by planning a trip to visit Jane Austen’s Hampshire.
3. Light up the dark evenings with a visit to a winter illumination display or trail like the Winter Woodland Lights at Hawk Conservancy Trust continuing the bright cheer into the New Year with displays in January 2026.
4. Cosy up in front of a crackling fire at a Hampshire country pub.
5. Embrace some winter wellness at an outdoor sauna.
6. Stock up on some local produce for some New Year recipes with a visit to a Hampshire Farmers’ Market.
7. Go for a winter wonderland wander in the tree-mendous New Forest National Park.

8. Brighten up the winter with a visit to see Helios by artist Luke Jerram at Winchester Cathedral, with a series of special Here comes the Sun events taking place whilst it is in situ from 30 January to 1 March 2026.
9. Get the New Year party started at the Steam Illuminations Pop Anthems Experience at The Watercress Line.
10. Fly a kite with views over Portsmouth at Portsdown Hill.
11. Book a February Half Term break to Hampshire and stay in amazing self-catering accommodation.
12. Take to the slopes and go skiing or snowboarding at Calshot Activities Centre in Southampton or the Alpine Snowsports Centre in Aldershot.
13. Make the most of the shorter days and catch a late winter sunrise or early sunset.
14. Have a vibrant Veganuary at one of the top plant-based restaurants in Hampshire.
15. See some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu until April 2026.
16. Get your skates on and take to the ice for some winter skating, try the pop-up ice rinks On Ice Westquay, Southampton or Portsmouth on Ice, or the permanent rinks at Planet Ice Basingstoke and Gosport.
17. Enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a hygge-inspired winter spa day.
18. Test your cycling skills and get muddy on some seriously fun tree rides at Queen Elizabeth Country Park’s mountain bike trails.
19. Take on the steps of St Catherine’s Hill for a morning walk with stunning views of Winchester, before returning to the city for brunch.
20. Get some fun dates in your 2026 diary with our guide to what’s on in Hampshire.
21. Have a fun-filled February Half Term packed with exciting events for all the family.
22. Sip a cosy brew at delicious places to go for a cuppa and cake in Hampshire.
23. Hit the sales for some New Year shopping at Westquay, Southampton; Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth; or Festival Place, Basingstoke.

24. Head to one of Hampshire’s Theatres to see a show like FRIENDS! The Musical Parody at Mayflower Theatre in Southampton in January.
25. Admire snow leopards along with hundreds of other beautiful animals at Marwell Zoo.
26. Go for a brisk coastal walk along the Solent Way or at one of Hampshire’s beaches.
27. Cook up a storm and discover some fresh recipes at a Hampshire cookery school.
28. Catch a match at Southampton Football Club or Portsmouth Football Club.
29. Squelch in the mud with a trip to a farm at Finkley Down Farm, Sky Park Farm, Manor Farm, or Longdown Activity Farm.
30. Shake up some winter cocktails in style with a visit to the botanical glasshouses of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.
31. Escape the winter showers with our top rainy days out in Hampshire.
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32. Take a stroll to see splendid snowdrops at a Hampshire winter garden.
33. Get some fresh winter air whilst the children explore adventure playgrounds at Hampshire’s Country Parks.
34. Have some budget-friendly fun with a free day out.
35. Go for a winter walk with rolling views along the South Downs Way.
36. Canter along picturesque bridleways with some horse riding in Hampshire.
38. Try your hand at bushcraft with New Forest Activities.
39. Have an action-packed indoor day at Basingstoke Leisure Park with Milestones Museum, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Basingstoke Aquadrome, Planet Ice, Odeon cinema, Hollywood Bowl, and Basingstoke Golf Centre, and all in one location.
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40. Take to the track with a driving experience in Hampshire at Thruxton, the UK’s fastest circuit.
41. Look for winter wildlife at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, and admire more than 650 plants grown for their winter beauty in one of the largest winter gardens in Europe.
42. Feel the invigorating sea breeze with some winter watersports like sailing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing.
43. Take your four-legged friend on one of Hampshire’s top winter dog walks.
44. Walk or cycle along the Viaduct Way in Winchester to enjoy scenic views from a lovingly restored local landmark.
45. Step inside the real-life Downton Abbey or follow in the footsteps of The Crown’s Royal Family: with a visit to famous film and television locations in Hampshire.
46. Have a love-ly Valentine’s Day meal at one of Hampshire’s top restaurants.
47. Take the train and enjoy a joyful journey by rail.
48. Take the ultimate winter break at one of Hampshire’s top cosy hotels.
49. Walk the Mill Trail at Whitchurch taking in five historic mills along the scenic headwaters of the River Test.
50. Swing from the trees at Go Ape Southampton, Moors Valley, or Alice Holt.
Start planning your winter in Hampshire
See what events are on in Hampshire this winter
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