The mixture of countryside walks and nature reserves, alongside museums, theme parks and zoos, means there are lots of choices for a day out.
However, if you’ve done a lot of the more obvious options, you might be keen to try out a few places that are more under-the-radar.
Here are a few attractions you can visit in Hampshire that are well-reviewed but haven’t been seen by so many people.
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God’s House Tower
This arts and heritage venue in Southampton holds various exhibitions throughout the year.
You can learn about history or take in cultural pieces here, and there’s also a cafe on site if you want to have a quick bite to eat.
The oldest part of the building dates back to 1189, with it originally being used for defence purposes throughout history.
God’s House Gate was also used as a prison, a warehouse and an archaeology museum before shutting in 2011.
After a four-year restoration project, it reopened as Southampton’s new arts and heritage venue in 2019, its website shares.
Its usual opening days are between Thursday and Sunday, although this can be subject to change due to private event hires.
God’s House Tower has earned a 4.6/5 score on Tripadvisor from 33 reviews.
Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre
Located in the south east corner of Southampton Common, you can find the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre.
The Southampton City Council website shares that it provides information about “Southampton’s abundant wildlife” and how the city’s open spaces are protected.
Its wildlife garden shows the different habitats that can be found in the city, which is currently open on a Sunday from 10am-3pm.
The centre’s activity room is not open at the time of writing, but there is a cafe that guests can enjoy.
Peartree Green Nature Reserve
Peartree Green Nature Reserve is located in Itchen, near where the historic Supermarine Factory was.
The area was bombed during World War II, but the land was reclaimed when chalk from the construction of the M27 motorway during the 1970s was laid at the bottom of the Green.
Southampton Rocks shares that this created a unique habitat for several varieties of orchids and insects, which have been cultivated with careful management over the decades.
The site was designated a Local Nature Reserve in December 2017 and functions as a green space to enjoy a walk or a picnic.
Winnall Moors Nature Reserve
Winnall Nature Reserve is described as “a wonderful place to escape city life” (Image: Lucy T/Tripadvisor)
Heading over to Winchester, Winnall Moors Nature Reserve is described as a “picturesque” area that is “a wonderful place to escape city life”.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust adds: “Spanning 64 hectares of natural floodplain, Winnall Moors is a peaceful city centre oasis, with a diverse range of wildlife including kingfisher and roe deer.”
It has been well-received by visitors, earning a 4.4/5 score on Tripadvisor from 116 reviews.
One person said: “Definitely recommend for a nice stroll, immersing yourself in nature, and relaxing haven away from the hustle and bustle.”
The Minster Gallery
Another Winchester option is The Minster Gallery, which is located close to the cathedral.
It has only had 11 ratings on Google Reviews and has earned a 4.4/5 score.
Visitors can view figurative and abstract paintings and sculptures by contemporary British and international artists here.
Its website adds: “As well as a continuously changing display of work by its core artists, the gallery organises periodic one-man shows, group exhibitions and exhibitions on specific themes.”
Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
Another option for a museum in Winchester, the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum has earned a 4.7/5 score on Google Reviews from 123 ratings.
It tells the story of the county infantry regiment for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The history of the regiment is traced back to 1702, with there being plenty of uniforms, weapons, artefacts and medals on display.
Whitley Wood Inclosure
Over in the New Forest, Whitley Wood Inclosure can provide a pleasant space for a walk if you are looking for somewhere to explore on a warm day.
It can be found close to Lyndhurst, and it has earned a 4.5/5 score on Google Reviews from 12 ratings.
One person wrote: “Stunning untamed woodland, no paths to follow as such, easily accessed from Lyndurst.”
Another said: “I had a great walk from Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst and the pathway passed through Whiteley Wood. It is stunning and very peaceful.”
Do you agree with this list, and should anything be added to it? Let us know in the comments.