May Half Term in Hampshire 2024
*This article is in the process of being updated – many attractions haven’t announced their activities for this year yet so I’ve kept last year’s events on for some attractions until I can update them.
If you’re looking for things to do this May half term in Hampshire then you have come to the right place. You may be looking for a lovely family friendly day out or just somewhere to go for walks or you might prefer an organised event or school holiday activities, put on especially for May half term. Read on to find out everything going on in Hampshire this half term.
When is May Half Term in Hampshire?
May half term, in the middle of the summer term 2023, in the Hampshire school holidays runs from 27 to 31st May 2024 which is the same as many of the neighbouring county half terms this year. Make sure you check term dates on your school website.
Days Out in Hampshire
If you’re just looking for a day out to enjoy over the May half term holiday dates then we have a lot of inspiration for you and these posts should be helpful:
If you’re happy to go a little further afield then these posts may be helpful too:
- Family Days Out in the South East
- Educational Days Out in the South East
- Educational Days Out in London
- Things to Do on a Family Trip to London
- Things to do in London on a Rainy Day
Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
If you fancy going for afternoon tea as a half term treat there are plenty of places to choose from and these guides may help you find somewhere perfect!
- The Best Places to Have Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
- 14 Options for Children’s Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
National Trust Trails
National Trust sites often have fantastic trails to keep children entertained. Here are the ones on this half term in Hampshire:
The Vyne – Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL
May half term wildlife bingo – 25 May to 2 June 2024 – Free with admission
Use what you can see, hear, touch and smell to spot signs of wildlife at The Vyne. Pick whether you want to be Team Squirrel, Team Woodpecker or Team Dragonfly and race each other to complete your sheet. Don’t worry if you don’t spot everything, wildlife can be like that, but you can always see who can spot the most things on their bingo sheet.
You can read about our time at The Vyne here
Mottisfont – Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0LP
May half term at Mottisfont – 25 May to 2 June 2024 – £2 per child
Find creative inspiration as you discover different artworks in the house and gallery, explore the gardens to find out what’s growing at this time of year, or take a walk for a closer look at the natural world.
You can read about our trip to Mottisfont here
Days Out with Half Term Activities in Hampshire
Winchester Science Centre – Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HZ
Mysteries & Mayhem – 11th May to 3rd June 2024 – Weekends and school holidays
Welcome to Mysteries and Mayhem – a world of weird science, curiosity and investigation! As well as all the usual Science Centre fun there will be Dormouse Orienteering, a magnet mayhem demo in Science Live and mysterious minibeasts in Bio:Space.
You can read about our time at Winchester Science Centre here
Beaulieu – Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7ZN
Fairies and Dragons Trail – 18 May – 30 June 2024
Embark on a journey of wonder as, for the first time, Beaulieu’s Mill Pond Walk becomes home to an all-new Fairies and Dragons willow sculpture trail! The Mill Pond Walk will be transformed as woven willow sculptures line the walkway to delight visitors of all ages with its magical blend of fantasy and artistry.
Read about our last visit to Beaulieu here
Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line – Station Road, New Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG
Day Out With Thomas – 25th May to 2nd June 2024
Peep, peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at The Watercress Line. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement!
Read about our Day Out With Thomas here and about the Wizard Week event here
Itchen Valley Country Park – Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 3HQ
May Half Term Trail – Teddy Bear Picnic – 27 May 2023 – 4 June 2023
Discover if the Teddy Bears are eating healthily on the picnic trail! Bring your own picnic or grab a lunchbox from the café to have with teddy in the woods!
Manor Farm and Country Park – Pylands Lane, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 1BH
Scarecrows in Spring! – 27 May 2023 – 4 June 2023
Join the story time trail sessions, plant a sunflower to take home and play some scarecrow games at Manor Farm this May half term.
You can read about our trip to Manor Farm here
Finkley Down Farm Park – North Way, Andover, Hampshire SP11 6NF
May Half Term Fun – 25th May – 2nd June 2024
Different entertainers each day along with all the usual Finkley Down fun!
You can read about our day at Finkley Down Farm here
Longdown Activity Farm – Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton, Hampshire SO40 7EH
Tractor Time – 15th to 16th June 2024 (Not during half term but I thought it was worth a mention!)
If you like tractors, you’ll love Longdown during this special tractor weekend when The New Forest Vintage Tractor and Engine Club will be at the farm. Tractor enthusiasts will be delighted to have the opportunity to see a variety of tractors from yesteryear featuring names such as Ferguson, Fordson, Nuffield, and many more.
You can read about our trip to Longdown Activity Farm here
Butser Ancient Farm – Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 0BG
Half Term Fun: Gods & Monsters – 27th May to 4th June 2023
Discover the gods and monsters of ancient mythology this May half term! An action-packed week filled with a themed trail, hands-on activities, ancient skills demonstrations, and more.
You can read about our time at Butser Farm here and a more recent review of Butser Ancient Farm here
Milestones Museum – Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 6PG
1940s Week – 25th May to 2nd June 2024
Visit Milestones to step back in time to the 1940s and take part in the fun activities for all ages. Enjoy re-enactments and demonstrations, historic objects, talks and more on the streets of Milestones this May half term.
In addition to the demonstrations and activities, you can enjoy World War II themed food at the cafe such as corned beef hash and spam fritters as well as the usual menu items.
You can read about our trip to Milestones here
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3LJ
Conservation Station – 26th May to 4th June 2023
Become part of the Conservation Crew and discover more about how the team takes care of everything from buttons to battle ships! Will you have the right skills to identify insects, clean coins and pack away artefacts? Explore the Conservation Station for hands on activities and find out!
You can read about our time at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard here
Osborne House – York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JT
Osborne and Kids Rule – 25th May – 27th May and 31st May – 2nd June 2024
Get ready for a right royal knees-up at the Kids Rule events this May half-term. Visit Osborne House to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun.
Victoria’s Family Day Out – 28th May – 30th May 2024
Join Queen Victoria and her beloved Albert and get involved in hands-on activities and marvel at splendid sideshows, enjoy old-fashioned thrills and spills on traditional fairground rides like swing boats and a helter-skelter. Don’t miss your chance to experience a royally good day out this extra-special Half Term.
Carisbrooke Castle – Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY
Carisbrooke Castle and Kids Rule – 25th May – 2nd June 2024
Get ready for a right royal knees-up at the Kids Rule events this May half-term. Visit Osborne House to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary – Lower Winstone Farm, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 3AA
Spring Half Term – 27th May – 4th June 2023
Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to see the donkeys at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary! Lots of donkeys to see and activities to take part in.
Blackgang Chine – Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2HN
Wild West Week – 25th May to 1st June 2024
Fancy yourself the next Sheriff or Outlaw of Cowboy Town? Take in the adrenaline-inducing live action Cowboy show, and round-up those dastardly outlaws this Wild West Week!
Treasure Trails
If you want to get outside but you don’t really know where, we love Treasure Trails. It’s an adventure that the whole family can get involved in for less than £10. Solve a mystery, save the day or be a spy! It’s great fun and we always really enjoy it. Here are some of the Hampshire Treasure Trails – you can see the full list here.
- Aldershot – Military Driving Trail
- Basingstoke
- Beaulieu Station to Beaulieu Village
- Brockenhurst
- Fordingbridge
- Gosport
- Historic Southampton
- Lyndhurst – Alice’s Wonderland?
- Petersfield
- Southampton Gardens
- Winchester City and Castle
You can read about one of our Treasure Trail adventures here.
Half Term Activities in Hampshire
Wherever you are in Hampshire, there’s bound to be somewhere nearby with organised family activities or events to keep your children entertained over the holidays. Here are a few suggestions of things to do in May half term in Hampshire:
The Arc – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
- Make a Clay Pot like Grayson Perry – 27th May 2024 – Age 9+ – £22 per child
- Fizzy Painting – 28th May to 1st June 2024 – All ages – £8 per child
- Lino Print Tote Bags – 28th May 2024 – Age 9+ – £22 per child
- Weave Your Own Bracelet – 29th May 2024 – Age 6+ – £8 per child
- Learn How to Finger Knit – 30th May 2024 – Age 6+ – £10 per child
SeaCity Museum – Havelock Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7FY
Southampton Culture Club for Kids – 28th May to 30th May 2024 – 9am to 4pm
A day of investigation, imagination and discovery for children aged 7 to 12yrs who love being creative and learning through fun activities. Led by the experienced cultural services learning team, at Kids’ Club children will explore the past, experience the museum and gallery and make really cool things!
Army Flying Museum – Middle Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 8FB
Model Making – 26th May to 28th May 2024
Learn how to make and paint plastic models and start a model making hobby. Explore your passion and interest in vehicles, history, fantasy and story-telling. With guidance and resources from Models for Heroes you will take home a model to be proud of to remind you of your visit.
May Half Term Family Fun – 26th May to 31st May 2024
There will be a special trail throughout the week, as well as craft activities which are available every weekday between 10am and 12.30pm.
Basing House – Barton’s Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8AE
Art in the Gardens – 27th May to 4th June
Visit Basing House and create your artistic masterpieces in the calming grounds of Basing House this May half term.
Make the most of the free art supplies, included in admission, and come and gather inspiration from Basing House’s natural beauty.
Theatre Shows in Hampshire
Going to the theatre is a great activity that the whole family will enjoy and Hampshire has a lot of great theatres to really make the most of. Here are the family shows on during May half term:
Theatre Royal Winchester – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
- High Jinx – 26th May 2024
- Beauty and the Beast – 30th and 31st May 2024
Princes Hall – Princes Way, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1NX
- Fireman Sam – 30th May 2024
Mayflower Theatre – 22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1GE
- Wicked – 23rd May 2024 to 16th June 2024
- The Lion Inside – 29thMay 2024 to 1st June 2024
The Anvil Basingstoke – Churchill Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7QR
- Fireman Sam – 26th May 2024
Indoor Activities in Hampshire
If the weather isn’t great over half term then you may want to do something indoors that still gets you out of the house. Here are some ideas:
Libraries in Hampshire
There are many libraries across Hampshire and the vast majority of them have activities and events on for children on a regular basis but especially during school holidays. You can find your local library here and book available sessions online too.
Escape Rooms in Hampshire
Escape rooms are super popular and there are so many family friendly versions around. Here are some ideas for escape rooms in Hampshire:
Roller Skating in Hampshire
Roller skating is such a popular activity and there are so many places you can skate in Hampshire. Here are some suggestions:
Leisure Centres in Hampshire
Leisure centres can be a fantastic place to spend time as a family and they’ve come far over recent times, now having so much more than just swimming pools. Many have climbing facilities, soft play centres and even trampoline parks within them! Here are all the ones in Hampshire to choose from:
- Frogmore Leisure Centre, Yateley – Swimming – Badminton – Gymnastics
- Basingstoke Aquadrome – Swimming – Adventure Golf
- Charlton lakeside, Andover – Adventure Golf – Boating Lake – Playground
- Whitehill and Bordon Leisure Centre – Swimming – Junior Gym
- Hart Leisure Centre, Fleet – Swimming – Junior Gym – Football – Gymnastics – Badminton – Soft Play – Trampolining
- Alton Sports Centre – Swimming – Football – Basketball – Junior Gym – Climbing – Soft Play – Trampolining – Tennis – Squash
- Taro Leisure Centre, Petersfield – Swimming – Junior Gym – Basketball – Squash – Badminton – Football – Soft Play
- Winchester Sport and Leisure Park – Junior Gym – Basketball – Active Antz – Football – Swimming – Gymnastics – Football – Badminton – Climbing – Trampolining
- Romsey Rapids Sports Complex – Swimming – Soft Play – Crazy Golf
- Horizon Waterlooville Leisure Centre – Gymnastics – Trampolining – Sports – Swimming
- Horizon Havant Leisure Centre – Gymnastics – Trampolining – Sports – Swimming
- Totton health and Leisure, Southampton – Swimming – Junior Gym – Badminton
- Wildern Leisure Centre, Southampton – Swimming
- Knightwood Leisure Centre, Southampton – Junior Gym
- Andover Leisure Centre – Swimming – Soft Play – Gymnastics – Boating Lake – Adventure Golf
- Fareham Leisure Centre – Swimming – Junior Gym – Badminton – Dance – Gymnastics – Football – Climbing
- Holly Hill leisure Centre, Southampton – Junior Gym – Swimming
- Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth – Swimming – Climbing
- Gosport Leisure Centre – Swimming – Junior Gym – Trampolining – Football
- Meadowside Leisure Centre, Fareham – Football – Active Antz – Junior Gym – Badminton – Basketball
- Places Leisure Eastleigh – Swimming – Gymnastics – Soft Play – Trampolining
- Bourne Leisure Centre, Emsworth – Junior Gym – Active Antz – Basketball – Badminton – Football
- Lymington Health and Leisure – Swimming – Junior Gym – Gymnastics
- Tadley Health and Fitness – Swimming
- Ringwood Health and Leisure – Swimming – Junior Gym – Soft Play – Badminton
- New Milton Health and Leisure – Swimming – Junior Gym – Badminton
- BH Live Active Pyramids, Southsea – Climbing – Football – Soft Play – Junior Gym
Trampoline Parks in Hampshire
Trampolining is a fantastic activity that children love and it’s perfect for a wet weather day. Here are the trampoline parks in Hampshire – and many of the leisure centres above offer trampolining classes too. It’s great fun for all ages.
- Flip out Basingstoke
- Flip Out Portsmouth
- Flip Out Southampton
- Injoy Southampton
- Atmosphere Basingstoke
Soft Play and Indoor Play Centres in Hampshire
Soft play and other indoor play centres are fantastic for children and are great for bad weather days too. We have so many great indoor activity hubs in Hampshire from typical soft play centres to role play dressing up experiences.
- Injoy Southampton
- The Adventure Barn at Marwell Resort, Winchester
- Partyman World, Eastleigh
- Kids2day Indoor Soft Play Centre, Eastleigh
- Play Shack, Southampton
- Frankies Fun Factory, Romsey
- Monkey Bizness, Southampton
- Jungle Jeans, Southampton
- Wacky Warehouse Vine Inn, Romsey
- Totcity Roleplay Centre, Andover
- Monkey Bizness Gosport
- Playzone Portsmouth
- Wacky Warehouse at The Sovereigns, Portsmouth
- JR Zone, Newport
- Active Monkeys Play Centre, Fleet
- Ignition Racing Simulators, Farnborough
- 360 Play Farnborough – Read our review here
Shopping Centres in Hampshire
Shopping centres are a great place to spend time. You can wander round the shops, grab some lunch and there are often organised activities and events in to make the most of as well.
- Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
- Cascades Shopping Centre, Portsmouth
- Westquay Shopping Centre, Southampton
- Marlands Shopping Centre, Southampton
- Brooks Shopping Centre, Winchester
- Festival Place, Basingstoke
- Whiteley Shopping Centre, Fareham
- Port Solent, Portsmouth
- Westgate Retail and Leisure Park, Aldershot
- The Meads Shopping Centre, Farnborough
- The Meridian Centre, Havant
- Swan Centre, Eastleigh
- Fareham Shopping Centre
- Hart Shopping Centre, Fleet
Pottery Painting in Hampshire
Pottery painting is a fantastic activity for the whole family as well as being a calm and relaxed experience. Children of all ages will love it and it’s so nice to have something to take away with you afterwards – or pick up a few days later when it’s been fired! Here are our Hampshire pottery painting destinations.
- Pots To Doodle Do Pottery Studio, Basingstoke
- Get Crafty with Mismatch, Gosport
- Ceramics Cafe Basingstoke
- Chessell Pottery Barns, Yarmouth
Bowling in Hampshire
Bowling is another great activity for the whole family and perfect when the weather isn’t great. Here are the Hampshire bowling alleys to choose from.
- Hollywood Bowl Eastleigh
- Hollywood Bowl Southampton
- Hollywood Bowl Basingstoke
- Hollywood Bowl Portsmouth
- Tenpin Southampton
- Riverside Bowl, Andover
- Ryde Superbowl
You can read more about where to go bowling in Hampshire here
Laser Tag in Hampshire
Laser Tag was such a new thing when I was a child but they’ve grown massively in popularity over recent years and now laser centres are everywhere. Here are both indoor and outdoor laser tag sites across Hampshire.
You can read more about where to play laser tag in Hampshire here
Climbing Centres and Aerial Adventures in Hampshire
Climbing is another great family activity and we have so many centres across the county – plus those included in the leisure centres above. Here are some more indoor and outdoor centres to give you some climbing inspiration.
- Rock Up, Whiteley
- Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre, Southampton
- Golden Gecko Climbing, Romsey
- QE2 Activity Centre, Burlesdon
- Boulder Shack Climbing Gym, Southampton
- Parthian Climbing Centre, Nursling
- Clip ‘N Climb Portsmouth
You can read more about climbing centres in Hampshire here
Cinemas in Hampshire
Most cinemas have reduced tickets at weekends and in school holidays, a great budget activity that the whole family can enjoy together
Vue – Mighty Mornings –
At Vue’s Mini Mornings you can see the best kids and family films from only £2.49 each. Mini Mornings run every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10am plus every day in the school holidays.
Odeon – Odeon Kids –
With special Odeon Kids screenings of the most spellbinding fairy tales and animated films, grown-ups pay kids’ ticket prices, making it a great value day out for the whole family.
There are many other cinemas in Hampshire – Everyman, Empire and Harlequin to name a few, but they all seem to have the same ticket prices and offerings during school holidays.
Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
If you fancy going for afternoon tea as a half term treat there are plenty of places to choose from and these guides may help you find somewhere perfect!
- 14 Options for Children’s Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
- The Best Places to Have Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
Holiday Clubs in Hampshire
If you need to work over the holidays and need childcare then holiday clubs are a really popular idea – and there are so many across Hampshire that you’re bound to find one perfect for your children that’s close to where you live or work. This post should help you find one:
I hope that helps with half term inspiration. I’ll be doing a roundup for each of the following school holidays too and if there’s anything I’ve missed please do get in touch and let me know. I hope you have a lovely half term!
