Summer of fun: What’s on at Hampshire County Council's outdoor attractions

From bat walks to outdoor craft, to mountain biking and laser tag, there’s something for everyone. 

As part of the UK Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, our Country Parks, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum, Calshot Activities Centre and Calshot Castle are cutting the prices of kids’ meals and admission tickets for the summer period*. 

At Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (near Romsey), join a session of their ever popular Pond dipping, where you’ll discover what lurks beneath the waters. Get clued up about the season’s best blooms with a Wild about Wildflowers  session or join a specialist guide on a colourful Butterfly walk. Our Summer Superpower trail is another family-friendly option to take your time exploring the gardens, uncovering its secrets.  

For the foodies, don’t miss the chance to celebrate the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea Week, or release your inner Wonka with a fun family friendly Chocolate making workshop.  

Queen Elizabeth Country Park (near Petersfield) marks it’s 50th birthday in 2026 and there’s no shortage of events on offer to mark the occasion. From exploring the South Downs with a Beginners Mountain bike ride lead by a British cycling qualified guide - to foraging in the South Downs uncovering delicious plants and mushrooms - to crafting a mosaic garden stake.  

At Lepe Country Park (New Forest), create a piece of seasonal art for your front door with a Summer wreath making workshop, or join the team for Wildlife Wonders, an exciting family-friendly two-day festival celebrating the diversity of Hampshire’s wildlife. 

At Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve (Fareham) release your inner explorer with a Beginners bat walk – a brand-new event that takes you out into the field and teaches you how to identify these elusive nocturnal creatures with specialist equipment, or join an expert and discover what the Moth trap has caught overnight. For the avid bird watchers among us, the Hide with a Guide event, spotting the Haven’s resident bird population is sure to delight all ages. 

Plan the ultimate summer day out at River Hamble Country Park (Burlesdon)  and enjoy a fun session of Frisbee golf, followed by a delicious outdoor feast cooked on a rented BBQ. 

At Royal Victoria Country Park (Netley), explore the enchanting Fairy Garden and discover the magnificent wooden sculpture crafted from an ancient cedar tree, or indulge your competitive side with a thrilling game of Laser tag – may the best team win!   

Enjoy a close up encounter with the pigs, llamas, goats, sheep, and more at Manor Farm (River Hamble) and Staunton Farm (Havant) - both attractions run a host of events and activities over the summer period. 

Hampshire County Council’s Outdoor Centres also offer a range of activities – including at Calshot (on the Solent), Tile Barn (Brockenhurst) and Runways End (Aldershot) – whether it’s archery or rock climbing and much more, they’re guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Stubbington Study Centre are hosting their summer day camps in July and August for children in years 3 – 6 where they can take part in activities such as bushcraft, creative arts and sports.  

Please note, some events require pre-booked tickets.  

*For a full up to date list of events, visit our website: www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/events  

*Great British Summer Savings scheme offer details: 

Between 25 June 2026 and 1 September 2026, the standard VAT rate of 20% drops to 5% on qualifying children's meals and family tickets – giving visitors the same great days out at even better value.* 

1) Child Food Offer 

Participating sites: 

Royal Victoria, River Hamble, Queen Elizabeth, Lepe and Staunton Country Parks, Manor Farm and Staunton Farm 

Sir Harold Hiller Gardens and Arboretum 

The Café at Calshot Activities Centre 

2) Admissions Offer 

Participating sites: 

Countryside: Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve 

Sir Harold Hiller Gardens and Arboretum 

Calshot Castle