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With the cost of living still a consideration for many families, we’ve put together a handy guide to some of the best free and low-cost things to do in Hampshire this October half term.
From exploring our country parks and coast to stepping into Hampshire’s history, discover plenty of ways to keep the family entertained while saving a few pennies over the school holidays.
Spend a day at one of Hampshire’s country parks
Don your wellies and waterproofs and head off for an adventure at one of Hampshire’s country parks. Many of Hampshire's country parks and forests are free to explore, although parking charges and additional activity costs may apply.
At Itchen Valley Country Park, little ones will love the various areas of woodland play equipment scattered around the park or making creations in the outdoor mud kitchen.
Follow the play trail at Moors Valley Country Park on the Hampshire/Dorset border and hop aboard the miniature railway for an additional charge or head to Queen Elizabeth Country Park – an excellent base for off-road cycling adventures.
Head into the visitor centre at Alice Holt Forest and pick up a wooden marble for a small charge. A popular activity with young and old is to follow the forest’s marble trail – a great way to get little legs walking and having fun at the same time.
Delve into some of Hampshire’s history
From discovering centuries of artillery and firepower at Fort Nelson to journeying back to medieval times on a walk around Southampton's historic city walls, much of Hampshire's history can be explored for free or at relatively little cost.
Take the 2-mile walk along the shingle spit to Hurst Castle for stunning views over the Solent. You do have to pay to visit Hurst Castle however English Heritage members get in for free.
Make the most of any National Trust memberships
If you have National Trust membership, there are several properties you can visit for free over October half term. A popular choice with young and old is Mottisfont, near Romsey. Here, you can burn off energy in the outdoor wild play area, follow scenic walks along the River Test and join in with any half term activities planned.
Just outside Basingstoke, The Vyne has an impressive parkland and historic house. Follow one of the walks to the birdhide to see what wildlife you can spot or join in with the Who’s in your book? trail being run across the half term.
Enjoy some wholesome outdoor fun
Take a kite along to Southsea Common, home of the popular Portsmouth International Kite Festival. Test out your kite flying skills at this coastal location before grabbing some fish and chips by the seaside.
Plan a nature walk in the New Forest National Park – kicking your way through the fallen leaves and looking out for some of the distinctive and often strange-looking fungi on the forest floor (just look with your eyes, please don’t pick them!).
Follow some of our top autumn walks for some gorgeous Hampshire scenery or join in with some of the autumn explorer events being organised by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust across the county.
Have a Hampshire beach day
Who says beach days should just be reserved for the summer? Grab your bucket and spade and head along to the beaches at Lepe Country Park or Milford on Sea or spend some time exploring the pebble beaches that surround Hayling Island. And don’t forget to reward yourself with an ice cream afterwards!
Find some free rainy-day fun
If the autumn weather isn’t playing ball, there are plenty of ways to keep the family entertained indoors without blowing the budget.
Head to Southampton City Art Gallery, where admission to the exhibitions is free. Alongside exploring the gallery’s impressive art collection, look out for family-friendly workshops and activities taking place over October half term, some of which are free or available for a small additional charge.
Alternatively, head to the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, near Winchester, which is free to visit and even offers free parking. This October half term, the museum’s popular LEGO® Logistics event returns from 27–31 October, with brick-based challenges and figures hidden throughout the museum for families to find – all completely free to take part in.
It’s worth checking both venues’ events programmes before you visit to see what other low-cost half-term activities are taking place.
Save money with Hampshire Top Attractions’ vouchers
Before booking any paid attractions this half term, it's worth checking the latest Hampshire Top Attractions vouchers to see if you can make your day out cost a little less.
Head over to our sister site, Hampshire Top Attractions, to save money on your days out. Whether it’s 2 for 1 offers, percentage off tickets or added extras, you’ll find a whole host of savings for your October half term.
Discover more budget-friendly things to do in Hampshire
Keeping the family entertained this October half term doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Hampshire has plenty of affordable days out to enjoy throughout the year, from countryside walks and museums to family attractions and seasonal events. Discover our top things to do for free in Hampshire or find inspiration with our guide to things to do for £10 or less.
It’s also worth checking our what’s on in Hampshire pages before you set off, where you’ll find the latest events taking place across the county – including plenty of free events, activities and family fun to add to your October half-term plans.
Related
Nestled on the outskirts of Southampton, Itchen Valley is the perfect family escape from the hustle bustle of the city, with tranquil woodland walks through enchanting forest and six play areas inspired by nature.
Fort Nelson is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannon – the big guns – and is a great day out for all the family. Step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground and underground tunnels, plus a national museum housing over 700 pieces of artillery from across the world and spanning 600 years of history – each with their own story to tell.
Situated on the south coast, in the New Forest, Hurst Castle offers a fascinating day out. With plenty of open spaces for children to explore and fantastic views of the Isle of Wight, it is a must for visitors to Hampshire.
The Vyne is a warm, red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th Century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. It later passed into the hands of the Chute family, who cared for the house and estate for over 300 years. The Vyne was remodelled to its present configuration in the mid-17th Century with the addition of a classical portico and summerhouse, firsts of their kind in England.
