50 things to do this spring in Hampshire 2026

Longer days, blooming gardens, and warmth in the air – spring into a new season with these super springtime things to see and do in Hampshire.

1. Put a spring in your step with a fresh flower walk.

2. Brave the land of Valgard: Realm of the Vikings with new rollercoasters and rides opening at Paultons Park in May 2026.

3. Spot some newborn arrivals in the New Forest National Park.

4. Go green-fingered at the BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair at Beaulieu.

5. Stay or dine at Chewton Glen to celebrate 60 years of Hampshire’s iconic luxury hotel.

6. Toast warmer and longer days with a visit to a Hampshire vineyard like Hambledon Vineyard or Hattingley Valley Wines.

7. Take a trip by train with Flying Scotsman Experiences at The Watercress Line or a
Day Out With Thomas.

©National Trust Images James Dobson

8. Have a cracking Easter and follow a Hampshire Easter egg hunt or trail.

9. Breathe in the fresh botanicals and create some springtime cocktails at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.

10. Swing from the trees at Go Ape Southampton, Moors Valley, or Alice Holt.

11. Have a riverside picnic on the banks of the Beaulieu River at Buckler’s Hard.

12.  See a vision of primaveral yellow at the Daffodil Meadow and the River of Gold at Exbury Gardens in March or visit in late spring to see world-famous azaleas and rhododendrons.

13. Treat your four-legged friend to the ultimate doggy day out at Dogstival.

14. Indulge in some spring bakes and cakes at one of the county’s friendly cafés.

15. Walk along Hurst Spit to visit Henry VIII's Hurst Castle with amazing views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent.

16. Go fishing in Hampshire's rivers – some of the purest chalk streams in the country.

17. Book a spring break with New Forest Cottages.

18. Discover the conservation work supporting hundreds of exotic and endangered animals in the beautiful 140-acre park at Marwell Zoo.

19.  Admire green rolling views along the South Downs Way.

20. Experience the excitement of the British Truck Racing Championship at Thruxton Circuit.

21. Tuck into the fun and food of The Big Eat at Royal Victoria Country Park.

22. Admire deep carpets of vibrant bluebells in Hampshire’s ancient woodland.

23. Dive into the new season and try one of the county’s wild swimming spots or rejuvenate outdoors with some wild wellness.

24. Walk through the wild flowers and butterflies of the St Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve
for showstopping views of Winchester, before returning to the city for brunch.

25. Visit the home of Downton Abbey at the Spring Public Opening of Highclere Castle.

26. Tee off at one of Hampshire’s great golf courses like Boundary Lakes, Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl.

27.  Visit Jane Austen’s Hampshire with a trip to the author’s former home in Chawton.

28. See the spring farm animals at Sky Park Farm, Finkley Down Farm, Manor Farm, or Longdown Activity Farm.

29. Take to the terrace for the first warm days of the year at one of the best places in Hampshire to dine al fresco.

30. Pitch up in a pretty spring meadow for a night or two of glamping or camping.

31. Get crafty at the MADE Winchester Craft and Design Festival at Winchester Cathedral.

32. Visit one of Hampshire’s Glorious Gardens as the flowers come into bloom.

33. Refresh and pamper yourself on a spring spa day.

34.  Bowl into cricket season and catch a match at Utilita Bowl.

35. Celebrate the lush local crops of watercress at the Alresford Watercress Festival.

36.  See Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at its blossoming best as Magnolias, Japanese flowering cherries, Azaleas and Rhododendrons spring to life.

37.  Enjoy longer evenings with beautiful bike rides in Hampshire. Try the Little Switzerland Cycle Route near Winchester, the Test Valley Circular, or the South Downs Way National Trail.

38. Enjoy a day out filled with fresh air at Hampshire's country parks.

39. Freshen up your wardrobe for the new season at Westquay, Southampton; Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth; or Festival Place, Basingstoke.

40.  Partake or spectate at the ABP Southampton Marathon.

41. Have a budget-friendly and fascinating day out with a visit to a free museum.

42. Poise your pinkie with a sophisticated afternoon tea.

43. Step out on the Hampshire section of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

44. Dip your toes in the water for a paddle at one of Hampshire’s beaches.

45.  Walk this May at the Alton Walking Festival.

46. Have your own Springwatch with some bird spotting and wildlife watching at the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve.  

47. Sample the new season’s local produce at a Hampshire Farmers’ Market.

48. Canter along picturesque bridleways with some horse riding in Hampshire.

49. Walk the Mill Trail at Whitchurch taking in five historic mills along the scenic headwaters of the River Test.

50. Get some springtime wind in your sails with some sailing along the Hampshire coastline.  

Start planning your spring in Hampshire.

See what events are on in Hampshire this spring

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