Photo: Alfterfoto, CC BY-SA 4.05 children's activities at 5 National Trust places in Hampshire, in one list, and all 3 places on a map. Entry is free for members at most places; where an activity costs extra, the price is on it.
Hinton Ampner, Alresford · 19 October to 31 October 2026
Hinton Ampner's Halloween family fun runs through the gardens from 19 to 31 October. Games include broomstick racing, tossing eyeballs into a cauldron and landing a ring on a shooting star, and there are pumpkin displays around the grounds.
Mottisfont, Romsey · 19 October to 31 October 2026
The National Trust's Mottisfont runs a Halloween trail through the grounds from 19 to 31 October. Children follow the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill as they search for hidden ghosts and spot pumpkins, bats and owls.
Hinton Ampner, National Trust, Alresford · 14 November to 3 January 2027
The house at Hinton Ampner becomes Father Christmas's Post Room, with wish letters, wrapped presents and decorated rooms telling the Christmas wishes of King Arthur, Clara from The Nutcracker, Amelia Earhart and Jay Gatsby. Outside there are lit trees, family games and a sleigh for photos.
Mottisfont, National Trust, Romsey · 21 November to 3 January 2027
Mottisfont's house is turned into a pantomime version of Jack and the Beanstalk, from a towering beanstalk to the giant's castle, with thousands of decorations and dressed trees. The garden has panto-themed games such as rescuing the golden goose's eggs.
The Vyne, National Trust, Sherborne St John · 21 November to 3 January 2027
The Vyne decorates the ground floor of its Tudor house around the carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, with many pieces made by volunteers and nine illuminated paper dresses by artist Jennifer Collier. Outside, a garden trail has ten games for children aged 2 and over.
Hampshire places in colour and activities in orange, with Kent and Sussex and Surrey in grey so you can plan further afield. Tap a pin for details and directions.
Gardens, houses, castles and countryside worth a visit any time, with opening times and what to see.
Photo of Alresford: Robin Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0A Georgian country house with formal gardens and estate woodland, in the South Downs National Park near Alresford. The walled garden dates back to Tudor times and has fruit, vegetables and flower-cutting borders.
Maud Russell's 1930s neo-classical interiors sit in an 18th-century house with medieval origins, set in gardens known for the Rose Garden, the Winter Garden and snowdrops. The gallery hosts changing art exhibitions.
Photo: Alfterfoto, CC BY-SA 4.0A Tudor mansion in Sherborne St John, home of the Sandys and Chute families for more than 500 years. The house has state rooms, servants' quarters and gardens, with a family trail in the autumn.
To Do in Hampshire is independent and not connected to the National Trust. Activities are checked against the Trust's own event pages; for membership and opening details see nationaltrust.org.uk.
