Our most recommended things to do in Hampshire

Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower Ticket

1. Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower Ticket

Experience the south coast’s most spectacular view. Spinnaker Tower stands at 170 meters tall, offering breath-taking 23-mile views over Portsmouth Harbour, the city, the Solent, the South Downs and the Isle of Wight. The iconic landmark boasts a high-speed lift and three sky-high viewing decks. Venture across the thrilling glass ‘Sky Walk’ at 100 meters above sea level; discover stories behind the surrounding sites with informative touchscreen displays; try vertigo-inducing virtual reality, breath in the view from the open air ‘Sky Garden’; relax in The Clouds with a coffee, a glass of bubbly or a decadent High Tea; and enjoy delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients in the Waterfront Cafe.

Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

2. Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

Become Lord or Lady Grantham for the day, as you visit the film locations used in the BAFTA award-winning Downton Abbey period drama. Hear how the global hit TV series was made and about the actors involved and the wonderful history of the places you visit on this full-day tour. You’ll depart central London in the morning on a drive to the charming Oxfordshire village that has been featured in the series as Downton village. Enjoy a guided tour of locations such as Downton Hospital, the village pub, the former home of Matthew Crawley, and the local church.  Take a short comfort break before continuing on to Highclere Castle, which is the main setting used in Downton Abbey. En route you’ll learn about the thousand-year history of Highclere Castle and life above and below the stairs. Lunch can be purchased at Highclere Castle or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy it on the beautiful grounds. Although guided tours are not allowed inside the castle, you’ll be able to explore the above-stairs area of Downton Abbey independently with the aid of a self-guided information sheet. Imagine life as it was over 100 years ago and enter the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants as you wander around the estate. The tour ends in central London.

The Mary Rose: Day Admission Ticket

3. The Mary Rose: Day Admission Ticket

Visit the new state-of-the-art museum built around King Henry VIII's flagship which sunk during battle off the coast Portsmouth in 1545. The ship was raised from the seabed in 1982 and the award-winning museum was built in 2013. Walk through a range of interactive displays in which 9,000 Tudor artifacts also rescued from the seabed have been reunited from the ship. See how these artefacts tell the story of life on board for the crew and officers in Tudor times. The Mary Rose is the only 16th century warship on display anywhere in the world, and houses the largest and most unique Tudor collection of objects. New for summer 2021: Experience "1545 - When their world ended", a brand new immersive experience that will take you back to July 19, 1545. Re-live the final moments on board the Mary Rose as it sinks during the Battle of the Solent. Step back in time to hear from King Henry VIII and the crew of Britains' most famous shipwreck. Experience the immersive Tudor warship sinking.

Portsmouth: Hovercraft Flight to the Isle of Wight

4. Portsmouth: Hovercraft Flight to the Isle of Wight

Board your hovercraft for an adrenaline-filled day on the Isle of Wight. When the hovercraft reaches the island, you'll land in a prime sea front position along Ryde's beautiful and inviting beaches. Hop off and enjoy what Ryde and the Isle of Wight have to offer, including the beaches, boutique shops, bars and restaurants, and travel links to elsewhere across the island. After a day of fun on the island, enjoy a same-day return journey back to the Southsea terminal. The journey across the Solent is approximately 10 minutes. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight on the World's only commercial passenger hovercraft service.

London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour

5. London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour

Set off on a scenic day trip from London and see some of the highlights of the Cotswolds. Visit filming locations from the show Downton Abbey, discover Highclere Castle, and admire the picturesque countryside in the region on this guided tour. Head to the Cotswolds countryside and visit some of the filming sites of Downton Abbey. Your first stop is Cogges Manor Farm located on the banks of the River Windrush. Learn of the farm’s role in Downton Abbey as Yew Tree Farm where Lady Edith's daughter Marigold was raised by the Drewe family. Visit the kitchens and Mr. Drewe’s living room, see the farmyard where many scenes were filmed, and watch a unique and special video about the farm's role in the popular television series. After a coffee break, continue on to the delightful village of Shilton, famous for its shallow ford and used in series two to double as the village of Swinbrook. It was here that Lady Sybil and Tom Branson spent the night on their aborted elopement. Head to Bampton to see St Mary's Church, the scene of so many weddings and a funeral or two. During your guided walk, take in sites of interest including the cottage hospital, Mrs. Crawley's house, the village green, the post office, Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast, and The Grantham Arms pub. Next, make your way southwards from the Cotswolds to the chalk down land of Hampshire, home to magnificent Highclere Castle, known to many as Lord Grantham's family seat, Downton Abbey itself. Discover familiar locations both inside the castle and out. See where O’Brien tripped up Bates, where Kemal Pamuk’s body was moved, and the dining room where delicious dialogue was served up with decadent food. Visit Robert Crawley’s library and the various bedrooms, and walk down the grand staircase. Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants here, before heading into the beautiful grounds. In the basement, there is a special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Spend around three hours in Highclere Castle and its grounds before returning back to London.

HMS Victory: Day Admission Ticket

6. HMS Victory: Day Admission Ticket

Visit HMS Victory, the Royal Navy’s most famous battleship. Best known for her role in the battle of Trafalgar, the Victory is now the flagship of the first sea lord and a living museum to the Georgian Navy. New for 2021, HMS Victory Under Hull Walkway. Visitors can descend into the base of the dry dock and view the ship from below. The ship stands as a memorial to Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, Britain’s greatest naval hero, and his victory at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Climb aboard HMS Victory and step back in time to the Georgian period. See the cabin where the Battle of Trafalgar was planned. Walk the once crowded decks where over 800 men lived, worked and fought. You can even stand in the spot where Nelson died. HMS Victory is currently undergoing conservation work but is still open, and visitors can experience Victory Live! to find out more about this conservation project.

From London: Downton Abbey and Village Coach Tour

7. From London: Downton Abbey and Village Coach Tour

Step into the hit TV series Downton Abbey on this full-day bus tour from London. Visit filming locations from the show like the village of Bampton which was used for the village of Downton and Highclere Castle which was used as Downton Abbey.  Journey by comfortable air-conditioned coach towards the village of Bampton in Oxfordshire. Listen to an informative commentary about Downton Abbey and the locations you will visit along the way. Arrive in Bampton and take a guided walking tour of the village to see locations from the TV series, such as the post office and the house where Matthew Crawley lived before he moved to the abbey.  Continue to Highclere Castle for 3 hours of free time to explore the house and grounds of the setting for Downton Abbey at your own pace. Find your way around with ease using a helpful leaflet. Have plenty of time to purchase a delicious lunch at the castle or shop for some souvenirs at the gift shop.

Winchester Treasure Hunt Mystery: The Bishops Golden Tankard

8. Winchester Treasure Hunt Mystery: The Bishops Golden Tankard

The legendary Winchester mystery.. .. unsolved for 500 years.. Until now. Begin your adventure at the site of Winchester's famous medieval round table, and embark on a quest to unravel the unsolved mystery of The Bishop's Golden Tankard! According to legend, a magical golden tankard hidden in the vaults of Winchester Cathedral, had the power to give riches to all who held it.. .. but when Henry VIII arrived and cracked its old case open, the tankard was gone! Was it stolen for money? Or was it an act of revenge? Nobody knew.. But the villain left a trail of clues.. … and this is where you come in. The pages of your Mystery Guide™ take you on an exciting puzzle adventure through the heart of historic Winchester, as you follow the maps, unlock the clues, and unravel the epic tale. Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects and gradually unpick the crime. And an exciting twist awaits… Make it to the end and you'll be struck by an amazing ‘wow’ moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed before your eyes! Simply grab your Mystery Guide™, head to the start, and set off at a time that suits you. Don’t let the villain get away... Your time to start is now!

Southampton Port: London via Salisbury, Stonehenge & Windsor

9. Southampton Port: London via Salisbury, Stonehenge & Windsor

The first stop on your excursion is Salisbury, boasting one of the finest Gothic Cathedrals in Britain, built in the 13th century, and a stunning medieval town center. You’ll spend an hour in Salisbury before departing for mysterious Stonehenge. The drive from Salisbury to Stonehenge takes you through some beautiful English countryside and villages, passing historic churches and thatched cottages. Before arriving at Stonehenge your guide will tell you about the many myths, legends, and facts surrounding this prehistoric structure. Stonehenge has been described as one of the greatest mysteries of the prehistoric world. Was it a temple, a clock, a burial site, or something else? On arrival you’ll have time for a visit and an audio-guided tour around the world famous stones (admission fee not included), or time to browse the gift shop. After 90 minutes at Stonehenge you’ll depart for Royal Windsor, where you’re scheduled to arrive in time for a late lunch. You’ll then have some time to explore the city and castle. Windsor Castle is the largest continuously occupied castle in the world and your guide will tell you about its history from William the Conqueror to the current Queen (admission not included, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). If you opt not to enter Windsor castle, enjoy a stroll through the old town and Eton. The coach departs Windsor at 16:00 and passengers will be dropped off at major Heathrow hotels beginning at 16:45. When booking, please specify your hotel and the terminal, if applicable. Drop offs are also provided at terminals 1-5. A drive into London is next, which is less than an hour from Heathrow. The guide will manage the hotel drop offs, where additional vehicles or taxis may be used (included in the price) to ensure the hotel drops are completed as quickly as possible. Drop off options include 250 London hotels and selected main line London train stations.

Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower High Tea in the Clouds

10. Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower High Tea in the Clouds

Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea, with sandwiches, fruit scones, and other treats, served with tea or coffee. Gaze out at the sea and enjoy a beautiful view of Portsmouth through the windows as you dine. Explore Spinnaker Tower in your own time, with a general admission ticket included. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, with a selection of delicious sandwiches to choose from. Also, sample an assortment of sweet treats and fruit scones with clotted cream and jam. This is served with a selection of teas or coffee. While you eat, marvel at the amazing view of Portsmouth from the tower. Afterward, explore the tower at your leisure, as a general admission ticket is also included. Go out on the viewing platform for a panoramic view, walk on the glass floor, and watch the short introductory film, Sail of the Solent, to learn some interesting facts about the tower.

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What people are saying about Hampshire

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,021 reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this treasure hunt,I live in Portsmouth but have never explored the harbour and the area around it .The booklet was very interesting and great clues and the bonus of eating and having a drink with a good discount in some of the best pubs I have visited.

The best way to see any city is with a guided tour. Bryan was an excellent tour guide with a wealth of knowledge. Didn’t have a bad singing voice either! Would highly recommend Bryan.

Brilliant such a good day! My son enjoyed his birthday here and is so looking forward to taking his dad there!

Excellent tour Bryan is very knowledgeable Lots of interesting facts Highly recommend

this is a must to visit and have a good look around the ships