What to do and see in Hampshire, England: The Best Free Things to do

August 17, 2021 Karren Gelb

Discover the best top things to do in Hampshire, United Kingdom including New Forest National Park, The Museum of Military Medicine, New Forest National Park, Romsey Abbey, The Common, The Great Hall, The Solent Way Walk, Gunwharf Quays, Southampton City Art Gallery, Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson.
Restaurants in Hampshire

1. New Forest National Park

Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire SO43 7NY England +44 1590 646600 [email protected] http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,810 reviews

New Forest National Park

The New Forest National Park is truly unique. It’s a ‘world capital’ for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals– one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. These animals may appear wild, but they are owned by people called commoners. One of the last places in southern England to offer a sense of wildness and tranquillity, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike. Indeed William the Conqueror, who set aside the ‘New Forest’ for hunting more than 900 years ago, would probably recognise much of it today.

Reviewed By Allwyna - Geneva, Switzerland

An amazing place nestled in Southern England .. Some of the closer town which boost of scenic boutique hotels are Lyndhurst, Burley and Romsey... The entire forest is absolutely scenic, stunning and lush.. you could easily see grazing Horse, cattle and deers.. Surely a perfect get away from London as it’s just a 2 hours drive and offers you a perfect relaxing moment to create memories to cherish. Plenty of places to visit if you intend to relax, rejuvenate, organize a team or family gathering, wedding plans or just want to hike by yourself to spent a me time secluded from the rest of the world.., I spent my 2 nights at White Buck Burley (separate review uploaded).. Their are many great restaurant options around town but surely recommend to drive down as having a car or bike is important... Enjoy and live your life...

2. The Museum of Military Medicine

Keogh Barracks Ash Vale, Aldershot GU12 5RQ England +44 1252 868612 [email protected] http://www.museumofmilitarymedicine.org.uk
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

The Museum of Military Medicine

The museum tells the story of army medicine and healthcare, human and animal, from the English Civil War to the current day as Army Medical Services personnel continue to serve across the globe as part of the British Army.The collections on display include uniforms and insignia, medical, dental and veterinary equipment, ambulances and much more besides. We are also open the first Saturday of each month, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Group and special tours can be arranged. Please phone to check.

Reviewed By GreenGetaways - Hampshire, United Kingdom

My partner and I visited this wonderful museum earlier this year for his birthday. It is a real gem because it charts the history of military museum from the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilisations, up to the modern day. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The only thing that is vaguely disappointing is the obvious lack of visitors. We visited on a Heritage Open Day, so it was slightly busier than usual. The collection itself is very extensive and interesting. We were particularly enthralled by the displays from the First World War, as well as the wooden Birthing Chair – which looks about as comfortable as a park bench!! It is a hidden gem and a must-see for those who are interested in history, medicine, dentistry, nursing the Army and much more!!

3. New Forest National Park

New Forest National Park Hampshire, Brockenhurst England +44 1590 646600 [email protected] https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
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5.0 based on 28 reviews

New Forest National Park

Reviewed By 950charlesf - Newtown, United Kingdom

Beautiful part of the world, plenty of opportunities to explore, even with busy traffic, the ponies are an ever present bonus.

4. Romsey Abbey

Romsey SO51 8EL England +44 1794 513125 [email protected] http://www.romseyabbey.org.uk/
Excellent
73%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
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4.5 based on 363 reviews

Romsey Abbey

We look forward to welcoming you to our Norman Abbey — home to a thriving Christian congregation. With a lofty nave and round Norman arches, Romsey Abbey is one of the most imposing churches in Southern England. It’s home to a number of treasures, including two Saxon roods, a 16th-century reredos (a screen displayed behind an altar) and the tomb of the Lord Mountbatten of Burma, great-uncle of Prince Charles.

Reviewed By AvidTraveler12 - Winchester, United Kingdom

The Abbey is located in the centre of Romsey and dominates the skyline. Built in Saxon times, of its type it is one of the oldest in the UK. Very few people inside and the sense of silence is overwhelming. The tomb of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who lived nearby at Broadlands is held within the abbey and points a different way to all other tombstones in the Abbey. It points towards the sea, because his wife was buried at sea. His Indian Standards are hung in the nave. The surrounding grounds are well used by people relaxing, having lunch and taking in the Abbey views.

5. The Common

The Avenue, Southampton SO15 7NN England +44 23 8083 3605 http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/visit/your-event-and-promotion-in-the-city/southampton-common
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 406 reviews

The Common

This 327-acre wide-open green space in the heart of Southampton is a designated "Site of Special Scientific Interest" and an excellent venue for picnicking, walking and watching wildlife.

Reviewed By 722megr - Southampton, United Kingdom

How lucky we are that the Council has protected this open space . Best time to walk is early in the morning before the less-careful folks are about. (Covid care)

6. The Great Hall

The Castle Castle Avenue, Winchester SO23 8UJ England +44 1962 846476 [email protected] http://www3.hants.gov.uk/greathall
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,201 reviews

The Great Hall

The Great Hall is one of the finest surviving medieval aisled halls of the 13th century and is all that remains of Winchester Castle. The Great Hall is open daily to the public offering a unique historical experience and the chance to see the greatest symbol of medieval mythology: King Arthur's Round Table. Visitors can also see Queen Eleanor's garden, a recreation of an enclosed medieval garden, providing an injection of nature. Entry charges apply, please visit our website for further details.

Reviewed By Stylish60 - Folkestone, United Kingdom

The Great Hall was stunning. The Table was very interesting but so were the stained glass windows. Lovely adjacent medieval garden and the Long Gallery was informative although it jumped around chronologically!

7. The Solent Way Walk

South Baddesley Road, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Lymington SO41 5ZB England http://www3.hants.gov.uk/longdistance/walking-solentway.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 225 reviews

The Solent Way Walk

Starting from Milford-on-Sea, this is a two-mile walk alongthe coast, ending at Hurst Castle, an ancient monument open year 'round, with a cafe. A ferry runs from the village of Keyhaven from Easter through summer months.

Reviewed By juliaandadam123 - Ashford, United Kingdom

We had some child free time and so got away for a couple of days and found ourselves having a lovely walk alongside the Solent. Paths were a bit wet (it’s a soggy November!!!) but views pleasant.

8. Gunwharf Quays

Portsmouth PO1 3TZ England +44 7901 516041 [email protected] http://www.gunwharf-quays.com
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,154 reviews

Gunwharf Quays

Reviewed By MikeyGreen68 - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Definitely worth a visit with lots of bars and restaurants and all the fabulous designer outlet shops, it has a perfect mix for a great day or weekend visit, a bit of retail therapy while enjoying a few drinks and food while while over looking the harbour and watching the world go by!!

Commercial Road Civic Centre, Southampton SO14 7LP England +44 23 8083 3007 [email protected] http://www.southamptoncityartgallery.com/
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 223 reviews

Southampton City Art Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery is the most outstanding gallery in the South of England and is internationally renowned for its impressive collection and temporary exhibitions programme. The works on display, of both historic and contemporary art, show the breadth and quality of the City’s art treasures. The Gallery attracts a wide audience and through the exciting education programme it provides and promote opportunities for greater access, involvement and understanding of visual art in Southampton.

Reviewed By Beardblanc - Southampton, United Kingdom

Wonderful space and resource in a beautiful building that has been a source of wonder and beautiful art since I was at school 30+ years ago

10. Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson

Portsdown Hill Road Fareham, Portsmouth PO17 6AN England +44 1329 848505 [email protected] http://royalarmouries.org/visit-us/fort-nelson
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,314 reviews

Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson

Reviewed By 481RobertS481

Free entry to an absolute treasure trove of guns, cannons, naval turrets etc set in a fort that's interesting in it's own right. All exhibits are well explained. Only very slight oddity was 2nd car park for museum says it is locked at 4.00pm an hour before museum closes.

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