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From half term family fun to winter beauty and spectacular installations, February in Hampshire is packed with things to put a spring in your step. Here are our top picks of what’s on and things to do in Hampshire this February.
Soak up the sun at Winchester Cathedral
'Helios', an art installation by Luke Jerram, will be brightening February at Winchester Cathedral with Here comes the Sun from 30 January to 1 March 2026. Visitors can soak up its radiance or bask in the accompanying series of events including a new interactive family trail, a silent disco under the Sun on 21 February, and early morning Pilates under the Sun every Monday in February.
Experience Van Gogh Alive Winchester at Winchester Science Centre
Step into the world of Van Gogh at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium with Van Gogh Alive, a new immersive art installation that will be in situ from 22 January – 22 March 2026. This multisensory experience will bring the artist’s masterpieces to life through light, sound and movement, giving you the sensation of being amongst his paintings.
Stargaze during the South Downs Dark Skies Festival
Recognised internationally for its low light pollution, the South Downs, which spreads across Hampshire and Sussex, offers incredible stargazing opportunities.
As the South Downs National Park celebrates 10 years of being an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2026, from 12 to 22 February 2026 the South Downs Dark Skies Festival will feature special 10th anniversary events and celebrations. In Hampshire, events include a Dark Skies Explorer event at Alice Holt Forest on 17 February, a night walk at Old Winchester Hill on 17 February, Night Sky Live at Winchester Science Centre on 17 February, and an introduction to night sky photography at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on 19 February.
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Head over to Beaulieu for some Hands On History
Step back in time at Beaulieu’s Hands On History at Beaulieu event during half term from 14 to 22 February 2026, where history comes to life with exciting hands-on activities, living history characters, and a card-collecting trail across the attraction.
Discover animal super powers at Itchen Valley Country Park
Just in time for half term, Itchen Valley Country Park is launching a new Animal Super Powers Trail from 14 February 2026 featuring animal sculptures created by artist Andy Frost, each with a secret to tell about how animals survive in the wild.
This interactive outdoor adventure challenges families to learn about the incredible abilities of animals while enjoying fresh air and woodland walks and will be a permanent addition to Itchen Valley Country Park.
Marvel in the Magic of Locomotion at Watercress Line
There will be steam train magic at the Watercress Line during February half term with marvellous magicians, spellbinding shows, tricks and entertainment on board the heritage trains from 14 to 22 February 2026.
The magical journeys will take passengers through the scenery of the South Downs National Park while children fill in activity sheets and enjoy the enchanting entertainment.
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See some super snowdrops
Welcome the first signs of spring with a snowdrop walk across Hampshire’s parks, gardens and historic estates, including the Gilbert White’s House & Gardens snowdrop weekend on 14 and 15 February 2026, and Chawton House’s dedicated Snowdrop Sundays throughout February.
Top places to see snowdrops in Hampshire
Join the Penguin Brick Hunt at Birdworld
Waddle into half term fun at Birdworld with the Squid and Friends: Penguin Brick Hunt at Birdworld from 14 to 22 February 2026, where a playful half term trail invites families to search for penguin Lego models while learning fascinating facts about these beloved birds.
Set sail for the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show
Set sail for the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conferencing Centre, taking place on 21 and 22 February 2026. This action-packed event brings together the latest boats, kit and expert advice, perfect for seasoned sailors and curious beginners alike with plenty of interactive family fun for kids to enjoy too.
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Have a heartwarming Valentine’s Day
Share the love this Valentine’s Day with romantic walks, cosy dining, spa escapes and unforgettable experiences across Hampshire to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether you’re planning a grand gesture or a quiet escape, the county offers plenty of ways to celebrate on Saturday 14 February 2026.
10 lovely things to do this Valentine’s Day in Hampshire
Step into Spring at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Step into spring and explore the changing seasons with the Spring Family Spotter trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey from 1 February to 26 March 2026.
This family-friendly activity encourages young explorers to spot signs of spring while enjoying one of Europe’s finest winter and early spring gardens.
Flip into Pancake Day
Celebrate Pancake Day on Tuesday 17 February 2026 with local treats across Hampshire – pick up your ingredients from a Hampshire Farmers’ Market to flip your own, head to a Hampshire café for a pancake breakfast, or join in the fun of the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race in Winchester.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Southampton
Celebrating the vibrant cultural celebration of Chinese New Year, Southampton will welcome the Year of the Horse on Saturday 28 February 2026 with a series of exciting events and festivities including a Dragon Parade and Traditional Chinese Lion Dance performances.
See Standing With Giants in Portsmouth
Following the incredible Standing With Giants installation recently shown at Fort Nelson, a new artwork by the charity will be in situ at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from 13 January to 28 May 2026.
Standing With Giants: Celebration of Freedom features a series of striking 10-foot-tall figures, each standing as symbols of courage and resilience, representing the men and women whose service helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
Follow The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail at Mottisfont
Brighten up February at Mottisfont with an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved and iconic children’s book. The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail is on from 19 January to 15 March 2026, bringing the story to life with beautifully-illustrated trail markers, giant food cut-outs, activities and games. Children can learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly, within the picturesque setting of Mottisfont’s gardens.
Take on the Pirate Puzzle Challenge at The Vyne
Set sail on a swashbuckling adventure with the Pirate Puzzle Challenge at The Vyne from 14 to 22 February 2026. Families can follow the map, solve clues, crack codes and uncover hidden treasures in this escape rooms-style experience, while exploring the beautiful National Trust estate near Basingstoke.
Search for more events in Hampshire
Fancy a February getaway? Take a look at our huge range of accommodation. Hampshire has something for all budgets including hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering properties, and cosy traditional holiday cottages.
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Related
Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, one of Southern England's most historic buildings, Winchester Cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art.
Step into Vincent's vivid world. Immerse yourself in the most visited multisensory experience in the world as his masterpieces come to life, giving you the sensation of being amongst his paintings.
Join us between 14 – 22 February 2026 and step back in time as history comes to life across the attraction with exciting historical hands-on activities! Explore and follow the card-collecting trail to discover living history that needs your help with hands-on activities and tasks around the attraction.
A WILD New Family Adventure Starts This Week! Get ready to explore, our brand new permanent wildlife trail which is launching this week!
Discover the magic of train travel with our very own magicians! Be spellbound by our shows at the Old Goods Shed in Alresford and wonder at the close-up tricks and entertainment on board our service trains. Enjoy learning how the magic becomes reality to make our locomotives move. Enjoy heritage train rides throughout the day Marvel at magic shows upstairs in the Old Goods Shed at Alresford (two shows, twice a day) Be captivated by close up magic tricks from our onboard magician travelling on our Alresford train Be entertained with an activity sheet of tricks to take home and try Relax in the West Country Buffet which will be open for hot & cold food and drinks Browse Alresford Shop for gifts and mementos of your day.
Our popular snowdrop weekend will be on the 14th & 15th February 2026! Join us for half price admission for all and tours throughout the day.
Chawton House was owned by Jane Austen’s brother Edward, and known to her as ‘the Great House’. Jane lived in a cottage on his estate and would stroll up to ‘dawdle away’ many an hour in the grand Elizabethan manor and its picturesque gardens.
Step into a winter wonderland at Birdworld with 13 Lego models varying in height from 60cm, each sporting winter hats or scarves! They'll be hidden around Penguin Island and Penguin Beach – can you find them all, including a special one of our own Squid?
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of possibility at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, taking place on 21-22 February 2026 at Farnborough International. The much-loved annual event brings together enthusiasts and experts from across the UK's small boat sailing and watersports community for an unmissable showcase.
Self-guided fun with all the family. Spring is waking up the garden - and it's time to go exploring! Whether it's sunny, rainy, or somewhere in between, wrap up warm and head outside to see what you can find.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important and joyful celebrations in Chinese culture, observed by Chinese communities around the world. In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Horse — a symbol of energy, progress, strength, and moving forward together.
Standing With Giants: Celebration of Freedom is a striking outdoor installation that brings powerful stories of service, sacrifice and liberty into the heart of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Created by the Standing With Giants charity, this version of the artwork offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on freedom, remembrance and the human cost of conflict within a historic naval setting.
This winter, brighten up a dull day and join us for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved and iconic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. The National Trust’s Mottisfont in Hampshire is delighted to host a captivating trail where families can experience one of nature’s greatest transformations.
Swash-buckling fun awaits on this interactive family puzzle trail for ages 6+. Collect your trail sheet from visitor reception, work together to find and solve 6 pirate-themed puzzles hidden in The Vyne's gardens. Free trail, normal admission applies. No booking needed.
