Places of interest in Hampshire facts for kids

Hampshire is a beautiful county in southern England, known for its rich history, stunning countryside, and exciting attractions. From ancient castles and grand estates to thrilling museums and amazing wildlife parks, there's so much to explore here. This list will guide you through some of the most interesting places in Hampshire, perfect for a fun day out or a fascinating learning adventure!

Historic Places and Castles

Hampshire is full of history, with many old buildings and sites that tell stories of the past.

• Beaulieu Abbey: Explore the ruins of a medieval abbey that was once a busy monastery. It's a peaceful place with lots of history to discover.
• Broadlands: This grand country house was once home to Lord Palmerston, a former Prime Minister. It's a beautiful estate with lovely gardens.
• Highclere Castle: You might recognize this famous castle as the setting for the TV show Downton Abbey! It's a stunning Victorian castle with amazing architecture and grounds.
• Mottisfont Abbey: Run by the National Trust, this historic priory has beautiful gardens, including a famous rose garden. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
• Netley Abbey: These impressive ruins are what's left of a large medieval monastery. It's a popular spot for exploring and imagining life centuries ago.
• Portchester Castle: This unique castle has a Roman fort at its heart, making it one of the best-preserved Roman forts in Europe! It sits right on the coast with great views.
• Romsey Abbey: A magnificent Norman abbey church that has stood for over 1,000 years. It's a wonderful example of ancient architecture.
• Silchester Roman Town: Imagine walking through the streets of an ancient Roman town! You can see the remains of walls and an amphitheatre here.
• Southsea Castle: Built by King Henry VIII, this coastal fort has defended Portsmouth for centuries. You can explore its ramparts and learn about its military past.
• Stratfield Saye House: This historic house was the home of the Duke of Wellington, a famous British general. You can learn about his life and see his belongings.
• St Michael's Abbey: A beautiful Benedictine monastery with stunning architecture and peaceful grounds.
• The Vyne: Another fantastic National Trust property, this Tudor mansion has a rich history and beautiful gardens to explore.
• Winchester Cathedral: One of the largest cathedrals in Europe, Winchester Cathedral is a truly impressive building with a long and fascinating history.

Exciting Museums and Attractions

Hampshire offers many museums where you can learn about history, science, and more in a fun way.

• Aldershot Military Museum: Discover the history of the British Army in Aldershot, known as the "Home of the British Army."
• National Motor Museum: Located at Beaulieu, this museum has an incredible collection of cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia. You can see everything from classic cars to famous movie vehicles.
• The D-Day Story: Learn all about D-Day, the famous World War II invasion, at this museum in Portsmouth. It tells the stories of those involved through amazing exhibits.
• Farnborough Air Sciences Museum: Explore the history of aviation and flight at Farnborough, a place famous for its role in aircraft development.
• Farnborough Airshow: If you're lucky enough to visit during this event, you'll see incredible aerial displays and the latest in aerospace technology.
• HMS Victory: Step aboard Admiral Nelson's famous flagship from the Battle of Trafalgar! This historic warship is part of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
• Jane Austen's House Museum: Visit the home where the famous author Jane Austen lived and wrote some of her most beloved novels.
• Mary Rose: See the remains of King Henry VIII's warship, which sank in 1545 and was raised from the seabed in 1982. It's an incredible look at Tudor life.
• Mid-Hants Watercress Railway: Enjoy a ride on a heritage steam train through the beautiful Hampshire countryside. It's a fun way to experience old-fashioned travel.
• New Forest Museum: Learn about the unique history, wildlife, and culture of the New Forest National Park.
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: This amazing site is home to several historic ships, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, plus the Royal Naval Museum. It's a must-visit for history buffs.
• Royal Armouries Museum (Fort Nelson): Explore a Victorian fort and see a huge collection of artillery and cannons from around the world.
• Spinnaker Tower: Get amazing panoramic views of Portsmouth, the Solent, and beyond from this iconic 170-meter tall observation tower.
• Whitchurch Silk Mill: Discover how silk is made at this historic working mill, powered by the River Test. It's a fascinating glimpse into industrial history.
• Winchester City Mill: This historic working watermill, run by the National Trust, still grinds flour today. You can see the machinery in action.

Nature and Outdoor Adventures

Hampshire boasts stunning natural landscapes, from ancient forests to beautiful country parks.

• Exbury Gardens & House: Explore 200 acres of beautiful gardens, famous for their rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias. You can even ride a miniature steam railway!
• Fleet Pond: Hampshire's largest freshwater lake, a wonderful place for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.
• Itchen Valley Country Park: A lovely park with woodlands, meadows, and river walks, perfect for family outings and outdoor activities.
• Lakeside Country Park: Another great country park with lakes, woodlands, and open spaces for walking and enjoying nature.
• Lepe Country Park: Located on the coast, this park offers stunning views of the Solent, a beautiful beach, and walking trails.
• Manor Farm Country Park: Enjoy farm animals, woodlands, and riverside walks at this popular country park.
• Marwell Wildlife: Get up close with hundreds of animals from around the world, including giraffes, rhinos, and tigers, at this conservation zoo.
• New Forest: A unique and ancient landscape of heathland, forest, and coastline, famous for its wild ponies, deer, and beautiful villages. It's a National Park with endless opportunities for walking and cycling.
• Queen Elizabeth Country Park: Hampshire's largest country park, offering vast woodlands, open downland, and fantastic views. Great for hiking and mountain biking.
• Royal Victoria Country Park: Once the site of a huge military hospital, this park now offers beautiful grounds, a chapel, and coastal views.
• South Downs Way: A long-distance footpath that crosses the beautiful South Downs National Park, offering incredible views and challenging walks.
• Staunton Country Park: This park has a farm, a walled garden, and woodlands, offering a variety of activities for all ages.
• Wellington Country Park: A large park with adventure playgrounds, animal encounters, and beautiful grounds, perfect for a family day out.

Images for kids

• 

  Heritage Railway

• 

  Country Park

• 

  Historic House

• 

  Zoo

• 

  National Trust

• 

  English Heritage

• 

  Open space

• 

  Abbey, Church or Priory